Nice to meet you! I'm Maud, charcoal artist and passionate about drawing people.
My work concerns a narrative representation of people in such a way that the image transcends the purely individual and aesthetic portrait.
Drawn from observation but as the center of a story in which imagination and symbolism play a role. People in all their vulnerability, strength and beauty. How these people relate to the rapidly changing outside world.
Alienating elements such as masks and vintage toys regularly 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 prefer to work in charcoal because of 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.
JUST FINISHED:
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)
Finalist Dutch Portrait Prize 2025
Yeah! I'm so proud…
After a nerve-wracking but super fun day in Slot Zeist with multiple elimination rounds, its time for celebration. 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 painting can be seen in Slot Zeist from June 6. 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.
I feel honored that I can exhibit work in such good company at this beautiful location!
The exhibition at Slot Zeist is going to be phenomenal so make sure to visit! It is open to the public from June 6 - August 31
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.
Gouache, graphite and charcoal on pre-treated paper stretched over a wooden frame. 70x50 cm
TRANSFORMER
Transformer (burnished charcoal, private collection)
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.
CHARCOAL ANGELS
Charcoal angels (burnished charcoal, available)
Dimensions: 87x70 cm framed (wooden frame with museum glass)
Children absorbed in carefree play together, resulting in something amazing.
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.
PRESSURE
Pressure (available)
Dimensions: 109x86 cm framed (wooden frame with museum glass)
Large charcoal drawing that I created using charcoalpencil on heavyweight paper.
I'm proud that "Pressure" was selected for the 2023 London Art Biennale in Chelsea in the beautiful venue of Chelsea Old Town Hall.
'Pressure" was also selected and listed for the 2024 Almenara Art Prize.
This drawing will also be available in a limited series of high quality art prints. Please send me a message if you might be interested.