Nice to meet you! I'm Maud, charcoal artist and passionate about drawing people.
Although I usually draw from observation, its a combination of an inspriring model and my own feelings and thoughts that often forms the work. Ideally this leads to work that transcends the purely individual and aesthetic portrait. I strive for expression rather than photorealism, aiming to perhaps provoke something or touch a soul in the proces.
I am intrigued by drawing people in all their vulnerability, strength and beauty. How they relate to the rapidly changing outside world. Alienating elements such as masks and vintage toys sometimes find their way onto the canvas.
Although the distinction between drawing and painting sometimes blurs due to the way in which I use and combine my materials, I usually work in charcoal because I love the pure simplicity of the material.
My work is for sale and I'm also available for commissions. Feel free tot contact me for inquiries about my work or for a studio visit. The easiest way to stay informed is through my instagram account.
Member of Meesters van het Realisme
Finalist Dutch Portrait Prize 2025. Now on display at Galerie RRMND
SELF PORTRAIT AS VENUS OF THE RAGS
A long time ago, after a visit to the Kröller-Müller museum, my mother made me a miniature version of Michelangelo Pistoletto’s “Venus of the Rags” as "Sinterklaas surprise". This was because of the state my teenage bedroom was in.
As an adult, I am increasingly aware of the weight of my consumer behavior and the inevitable burden of what I leave behind. Yet I have to admit that I hardly change.
The fabric headdress wrinkles, frays and folds into a monument to overconsumption with the sequins and furs as echoes of lost value.
A monument to what I would like to let go of, but embrace again and again.
Unlike Pistoletto’s Venus, I do not avert my gaze, but force myself and the viewer to confrontation while I carry the burden of excess with me.
Charcoal and charcoal pencil on paper
70x60 cm (measurement unframed)
Selfportrait as Venus of the rags is selected as finalist for the Dutch Portrait Prize exhibition 2025! Together with 49 top pieces from Dutch portrait art, this work was on display at Slot Zeist. It feels unreal that after Transformer in 2023 this is the second time in a row that my work has been selected as a finalist.
Now on display at Galerie RRMND as part of the Masters of Realism exhibition. A fantastic exhibition that runs until 9 november 2025.
Available for sale
Now on display at Galerie RRMND
SOFT SHELL
A young woman wears a knitted balaclava whose coarse stitches and design are somewhat reminiscent of a chainmail. A coat of armor made out of wool. Behind her, the outside world shrinks and is pulled together like the folds of smocked fabric.
Mixed media containing gouache, graphite and charcoal on pre-treated paper stretched over a wooden frame. 70x50 cm
Framed in wooden 'baklijst' without need for glass. Sealed for protection.
Now on display at Galerie RRMND as part of the Masters of Realism exhibition. A fantastic exhibition that runs until 9 november 2025.
Available for sale
Finalist Dutch portrait Prize 2023
TRANSFORMER
Transformer; No longer a child, not yet an adult. Geared up and ready to deal with the challenges of the outside world.
I'm very honoured that his drawing was nominated for De Nederlandse Portretprijs 2023 and was exhibited in Slot Zeist during the summer of 2023.
For Transformer and Charcoal Angels below I used a sanding technique to burnish the charcoal in heavy paper instead of just drawing on the surface. The process is time consuming and labor intensive but it opens new possibilities for detailing and makes the drawing more intense and durable.
Transformer (burnished charcoal)
Private collection
CHARCOAL ANGELS
Children absorbed in carefree play together, their play turning into an artwork in itself.
This large charcoal drawing of 2 girls drawing is based on a children’s art project in which art was combined with music. The children were encouraged to draw using their entire body. Movements that started of hesitant, eventually synchronized and melted together in amazing drawings reminiscent of snow angels.
Charcoal angels (burnished charcoal, available)
Dimensions: 87x70 cm
framed
Available for sale
ENDANGERED SPECIES
Gedachtensprongen tijdens het maken van deze tekening:
Vrouwen uit de geschiedenis waren niet anders dan vrouwen van nu. Lachen, leven, overleven. Wat speelt hier? Waar zijn we getuige van? Onderhuidse spanning. Heroes &Villains. Waarom doe je wat je doet? Out of place, aangepast aan omstandigheden. Onderwater, space, halo? Een slimme meid is op haar toekomst voorbereid. Het moet wel leuk blijven. Ze wil iets om voor te zorgen, maar wat? Een haan of haas? Keuzes en selectieve verontwaardiging. Zwaardvis op knipsel jaarboek papa. Aangespoelde zwaardvis in het nieuws, is een zeldzaamheid. Ik was het niet. WTF is hier aan de hand? Waar zijn we in beland? Waarom doet niemand iets? Now what?
Houtskool op papier op bewerkt doek, aluminium frame. Formaat 70x100.
PRESSURE
Large charcoal drawing that I created using charcoalpencil on heavyweight paper.
I'm proud that "Pressure" was selected for the London Art Biennale in Chelsea in the beautiful venue of Chelsea Old Town Hall.
'Pressure" was also selected and listed for the Almenara Art Prize.
Dimensions: 109x86 cm framed
Available for sale
Some of these drawings are available in a limited series of high quality art prints. Please send me a message if you might be interested.