Interview

Jun 13

Andriette Chrisoleen

Andriette Chrisoleen, born in Amsterdam in 1982, is an abstract (with a touch of realism) painter. From a young age, her passion for drawing and creating art was evident, as she excelled in art and craft classes throughout her schooling. However, it wasn’t until years later, during a sabbatical from work, that Andriette rediscovered her passion for creating art and decided to pursue it as a profession. Specializing in wildlife paintings and portraiture, Andriette quickly established herself as a succesful and accomplished artist, showcasing her work in local restaurants and public places. To further develop her skills and refine her artistic voice, she enrolled in the Mastery Program at the Milan Art Institute.

Andriette’s imaginative and innovative artwork inspires viewers to live their lives with a sense of passion and purpose. Her artwork is a reflection of her innermost thoughts, feelings, and experiences, with no boundaries or expectations. Through her innovative use of color, texture, and form, she invites the viewer on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, inspiring them to see the world in new and exciting ways. Working with various media such as acrylic paints, inks, spray paints, and oil paints on paper and canvas, Andriette explores the limitless possibilities of her craft. Her studio, AC Avenue, is a warm and inviting space filled with greenery and natural light. And when the Dutch weather permits, she loves to work outdoors to enjoy the beauty of nature to the fullest. As her reputation continues to grow, collectors and patrons alike are eager to acquire her pieces, recognizing the extraordinary talent and potential of this emerging artist. With a bright and promising future ahead of her, Andriette is to become one of the most influential and inspiring artists of her generation, traveling the world to showcase her artwork and share her passion for art.

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“I was born and raised in the Netherlands with my roots in South Africa as both my parents are from there. Growing up, my mother's passion for art was a constant presence in my life. She studied art history and was always engrossed in crafting, drawing, and personal growth. I was, and still am, captivated by her creativity and hold deep admiration for her. Thanks to my mother, I became interested in drawing and creating art from a young age. It was only years later, during a sabbatical from work, I rediscovered my passion for art and decided to pursue it as a profession. At first, I focused on painting wildlife and portraits, and I have quickly established myself an accomplished and skilled artist. I had the privilege of showcasing my work in local restaurants and public spaces, receiving numerous commissions along the way. As I wanted to further develop my skills and refine my artistic voice, I joined the Mastery Program at the Milan Art Institute. Now, I find myself in a place where I want to show the world my unique approach as an abstract artist touching realism.”

Free Romance by Andriette Chrisoleen.jpg

What inspires you?

“I am inspired by the beauty of nature and the limitless possibilities of the imagination. My artwork is a reflection of my innermost thoughts, feelings, and experiences, with no boundaries or expectations. When I stand on a wide plain like the Serengeti in Africa, surrounded by wildlife and overwhelming landscapes, or in Scotland with its mighty nature and mountains, and above it all, the universe with its stars and planets, I feel humble, a feeling of escaping the real world and it gives me ultimate peace. It touches me and feels like home deep down to my core. It makes me feel alive. This is what freedom means to me and this is what I have in mind when creating art.”

“I invite you into a world of wonder and possibility, where anything is possible as far as the imagination reaches.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“Through my artwork, my aim is to evoke a heartfelt response in the viewer. I want to inspire people to embrace life with passion and find their purpose. The underlying message in my art is to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us and lies within us, in our imagination. From the grandeur of the universe and the awe-inspiring wonders of nature, to the tiniest details that make up our world, every subject holds its own unique beauty. My art encourages viewers to explore their imagination and discover the hidden treasures within themselves and the world around them.”

How would you describe your work?

“Vibrant colors, organic forms, and intricate details intertwine to create a visual language that speaks directly to the soul. Each brushstroke and composition is infused with intention and a desire to ignite a sense of wonder and contemplation. Some paintings I love to touch realism by painting small figurative subject(s). In short: Abstract with a Touch of Realism. A World of Wonder as far as the imagination reaches.”

Sweet Abduction by Andriette Chrisoleen.jpg

The Kings Dance by Andriette Chrisoleen.jpg

View of Wonder by Andriette Chrisoleen.jpg

Waves of Wonder by Andriette Chrisoleen.jpg

Which artists influence you most?

“I find inspiration from a wide range of artists, both from the past and present. I am particularly fascinated by the lives and paintings of famous artists such as Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Van Gogh, and Claude Monet. I am curious to learn about their sources of inspiration, the people and things that influenced them, and what their lives were like during the time they lived. I also draw inspiration from painters of the Rococo and Late Baroque periods, such as Fragonard, Boucher, Tiepolo, and Watteau. Their paintings tell interesting stories and their use of colors greatly influences my own artworks. In the present, I am deeply influenced by the artworks of Chris Rivers and Flora Yuknovich. I greatly admire the way they compose their pieces and use colors in their work. Their artistic style has a significant impact on my own artistic expression.”

What is your creative process like?

“The core of my process lies in immersing myself in nature, observing the night sky, exploring different parts of the world, and discovering breathtaking images of Earth's beauty and the vast universe. These experiences transport me to a place of humility and escape from the hectic real world. Once I enter "my zone," my creativity takes flight. I let my emotions and imagination guide me, translating them onto the canvas with a mix of spontaneity and thoughtful consideration. The initial layers of the painting become a true expression of my feelings, where I have complete freedom to experiment with inks, washes of paint, and expressive mark-making. As the painting evolves, using acrylic and oil paint, intricate details emerge, and time seems to slip away as I lose myself in an imaginary world. I translate this world onto the canvas with captivating colors and mesmerizing brushstrokes.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“An artist's role in society is to make the world a better and more beautiful place. They have the ability to create incredible things that go beyond imagination. They can evoke emotions, start conversations, and provide a sense of escape. Just imagine the possibilities when people take action inspired by these artists. For centuries, artists have played a crucial role. They have contributed to countless museums where people can immerse themselves in history and witness the progression of time. Many individuals enjoy visiting these museums to appreciate beauty, stimulate their imagination, and gain knowledge. Looking at a piece of artwork can be a transformative experience that sparks something within a person. As humanity continues to yearn for a better world, beauty, and knowledge, artists will remain important in society. They have the power to fulfill these desires and contribute to the continuous improvement of our world.”