Art Kasterlee: Exhibitors: Painting

Marina Cleiren

Marina creates photorealistic portraits, skillfully combined with abstract forms. The ethics behind her work always revolve around the beauty and sensitivity of women. This gives rise to contemporary, imaginative, sensual, and penetrating conceptual portraits and figures. They exude a magical and sometimes surreal atmosphere. The composition emotionally engages the viewer and invites them into an imaginary world.
These female figures each represent various aspects of the feminine character. Marina does not merely aim to capture the initial aesthetic of each woman. No, she has set herself a much more challenging goal: she seeks spirituality in a portrait. The essence of being human.
The eyes play an essential role in this process. They urge the viewer to delve into the soul of the portrait, to touch the magical world. Thus, they enchant the observer with beauty and psychic depth.

Celine van Ballaer

Many years ago, I was fascinated by beautiful watercolors at an exhibition. My decision was clear: I wanted to be able to do that too. That same year, I began taking lessons from four different instructors. After that, I spent seven years at the Academy of Arendonk to further specialize in watercolor art. My instructors gave me a lot of confidence due to my beautiful color choices. I was a longtime member of the Molse Aquarellists, where my works were shown to the public at various solo and group exhibitions. Currently, I am still painting with the group of Quinten Matsijs in Grobbendonk. All the members of this group have undergone the training at the Academy and are still passionate about painting. I have been actively painting for 32 years now, mixing colors and putting them on paper to create something wonderful. And... I still enjoy it immensely!

Nicolaas Persoon

As a child, Nicolaas Persoon used to draw a lot and even won a prize at a young age. However, there followed a long period of silence for 50 years. Due to personal circumstances and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, he eventually 'burst out' again. Now, drawing and painting have become a daily part of his life, especially creating oil paintings he has made over the years. Nicolaas is also active as a pigeon enthusiast. Recently, he painted the different breeds of pigeons, with their backgrounds from where they come.

Jef Urkens (JU)

Welcome to my world of artistic expression, where nature and abstraction meet in a harmonious dance of vibrant colors and shapes. My work, painted on canvas, wood, or Steinbach paper, is a tribute to the majestic trees and the wonder of the natural world. With an abstract approach and dynamic compositions, I aim to capture the essence of nature and bring my inner artistic vision to life. Each artwork is an invitation to experience and interpret the strength and serenity of trees and landscapes. Let yourself be inspired by the subtle interplay between the raw energy of nature and the silence it radiates, and discover the stories hidden in every line, shape, and color.

Kristina 'KaGe' Geens

Painting training completed at the Academy of Fine Arts in Turnhout from 2007 to 2014. I admire Turner, Cobra, Pollock, Soutine, Freud, Leroy, de Staël, and every artist who dares to follow their own path. Everyone paints snapshots—what moves them at a particular moment. I am no different: the messy arrangement of a barn, the vibrant hues of a Japanese maple, the raw atmosphere of a brown café. I try to translate the emotions these scenes evoke onto the canvas. I love color and movement. My works are born from my love of paint and an inner restlessness that drives me to let the material follow its own course rather than control it. The oil paint is applied in thick layers, then wiped away, then reapplied with a palette knife, hands, fingers. I start with an image, an impression, but I never know where it will end. If I already have a clear idea of how the result should look, I am limiting myself at that very moment. So, I let it go… My paintings must dance, without pause. Always searching for new perspectives and innovation—that’s what makes painting so fascinating, never boring. To bring some order and stability to my works, I prefer painting on a square canvas. I do not illustrate what others expect or what is "in" but choose the colors of my own life. And that is just fine. I hope you enjoy looking at my paintings as much as I enjoy creating them.

Katrin Adriaensen

My name is Katrin Adriaensen. I consider myself a creative jack-of-all-trades. I love experimenting with different materials. My imagination never stops. An image or a specific color can stimulate my senses and inspire me with a great idea to create something beautiful. Being able to express myself creatively is both healing and fun! I find a great sense of peace in creating (this self-care nourishes my soul). I make my own choices based on my inner compass and trust my own feelings. Daring to step away from well-trodden paths can be a challenge, but it is so rewarding when the result comes to life. I see my work as a visual diary, a guide in my growth, self-awareness, and self-worth – everything I am, both good and bad.
Here is a description of my work:
I explore the boundaries between figurative and abstract art, working in two distinctive yet complementary styles that reflect my fascination with color, form, and texture. My figurative work consists of expressive portraits in a contemporary pop art style. By using bold color contrasts and graphic elements, I create dynamic compositions that capture the essence of the subject. With a palette of intense turquoise, vibrant orange tones, and deep blacks, combined with fluid lines, I offer a modern interpretation of the classic portrait. These works invite the viewer to reflect on identity and representation in our current visual culture. Alongside this, I occasionally create abstract and 3D works, inspired by organic structures and natural patterns. Although these styles may seem different, they are united by a consistent focus on composition and a refined sense of color harmony. My work encourages the viewer to shift between recognizable representation and abstract contemplation, leaving room for personal interpretation and reflection.

Lieve Courant

Acrylic paint is my medium of choice to express what is in motion within and around me. Colors, in all their nuances and layered applications, play a crucial role in this process. My paintings resemble landscapes, but without a horizon, depth without perspective—a moment of stillness. Maintaining balance is essential. I find it while creating "zen" paintings, with muted tones.

Jule Jeurissen

Jule Jeurissen lives and works in Eindhoven and graduated in 2018 from the Municipal Academy of Fine Arts in Arendonk, Belgium. Since her graduation, she has participated in several exhibitions. She is highly versatile in her choice of subjects and the materials she uses. Special attention is given to the use of color.
For this exhibition, Jule has chosen a series of paintings focusing on the flora and fauna found in our Low Countries. To keep the focus sharply on nature, the works are created using traditional materials in the form of portraits and landscapes. The surprising choice of colors gives the works a touch of magical realism.

Hilde Geerinckx

My name is Hilde Geerinckx. I live in Tielen and work as a caregiver in a nursing home. Besides my job, I find my passion in painting and art. For nine years, I have been delving into watercolor painting, during which I saw myself grow and expand my creative horizons. As a true creative soul, I created watercolor paintings often combined with inspirational quotes. I also experimented with various materials and frequently participated in markets to showcase my work. At some point, my curiosity for other painting techniques grew. I bought books about oil and acrylic paints and started experimenting on my own. To my surprise, these works also resonated with my followers. Nowadays, I continue to learn and grow as part of an art group where we inspire and challenge one another. As an amateur painter with a love for color, I am happy to share my creations with you. I hope my paintings bring you as much joy and inspiration as I experience while creating them.

Christian Carrette

Christian Carrette began painting in 2008 after training at various art academies in Belgium. Since then, painting has grown into a great passion. In addition to the representation of portraits, his work evolved into a combination of figurative and abstract art. The woman, with her beauty, emotions, and her subtle balance between strength and vulnerability, still fascinates him. This is particularly noticeable in his paintings.