Interview
Pieter Vonk
Pieter Vonk is from Utrecht, the Netherlands. He started his art journey behind a computer. As a graphic designer he got to know Photoshop, his first tool. This helped him create digital art for several years.
Although he enjoyed working with his computer, he missed the more traditional techniques, so he decided to start painting. His enthusiasm for painting blew him away. He tried different techniques and ended up using mainly acrylic together with oil sticks.
Pieter enjoys the technique of painting layer over layer. Acrylic is perfect for this as it keeps him in the optimal workflow.
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“Most of my work isn’t about social or political issues. My main goal is to bring some positive vibes to the people who view my art hanging on the wall. Throughout the years, portraits have always been with me in my art journey. A portrait makes a painting more interesting for me.”
Which current art world trends are you following?
“With my digital art background, it’s natural for me to follow the current NFT trends. Although it’s much more fulfilling to experience a painting in real life, most people will get to know you via the internet. NFTs are an interesting new way to reach an audience.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“I start with a color scheme and a rough sketch. From that point on, I just go with my intuition. I keep the parts I like and paint over the ones I’m not happy with, or those that need some more attention.”
What process, materials, techniques, etc., do you use to create your artwork?
“I try to experiment as much as possible, using different techniques such as gouache or spray paint. However, lately I’ve been working a lot with acrylic and oil sticks. I like to sketch right on the canvas, and search for shapes that give me the right balance. When I start my painting, I don’t know how it will end up. It’s especially nice to have all the freedom to do whatever I think is best.
I enjoy being alone in my studio with some nice music. When I reach the right flow, I can keep going for some hours. After this I have to recharge, so I put the piece away and come back the next day. From that point, it’s often clear to me what I should add or change in the painting. I love the process and try to work on several different pieces at the same time.”
What does your art mean to you?
“Art has been a red line during the last 15 years of my life. Turning a blank canvas into a painting gives me so much positive energy and joy. That’s exactly what I would like to give to the people who enjoy looking at my work.”
What’s your favorite artwork and why?
“Dream Big is one of my favorite pieces because it was the start of something that felt special to me. I really like that a good friend of mine bought that particular piece because I still have the chance to see it again. As a piece, it confirmed to me that I’m on the right track in what I love to do the most.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“Because I switched from digital art to traditional acrylic painting, I haven’t had an exhibition with the acrylic paintings yet. This will happen in the nearby future, and I can’t wait for it.”
Website: www.pietervonk.com
Instagram: @pietervonk
