1. Willem van Veldhuizen
Artist
Profile
Willem van Veldhuizen (1954)
STUDIO
Schonebergerweg 45 'It might sound strange, but the first time I experienced a tremendous shock of recogni-
3023 ZG Rotterdam tion, I was at a commemoration exhibition of Mark Rothko (1903 - 1970).
T 0031 10 4777257 Even-though my work did not develop in the direction of this kind of abstract expressio-
nism, still it was Rothko's work that gave me the impulse to go my own way. I saw that it
M 0031 6 41012630
was possible to decide on my own manner in the art of painting'.
vanveldhuizen@me.com What struck Willem van Veldhuizen in Rothko's work was the search for balance on a flat
www.willemvanveldhuizen.com surface, the appeal of a large colored area as well as the vibration of colors on such a
large canvas.
In his paintings, this fascination is translated in large floor areas of museum interiors.
Museums provide Willem with the right kind of rooms: they are prestigious and attentive
to architecture while at the same time subservient to accommodate art. It is not that he
literally copies the rooms, but by choosing a different composition he creates fictional
spaces and alters the view to complement and intensify the image.
By visiting various modern museums, he is offered the motive for a new painting. 'When
I'm standing in such a room, I'm impressed by the atmosphere, the peace, the coolness
of it all, it strikes me emotionally. I put out my feelers as I wonder how I can shape these
emotions. As it takes form in my head, the process of translating an emotional concept
into a rational solution begins. The attraction towards the subject is purely emotional. The
translation into a painting however is a rational process.'
Technique
In general Van Veldhuizen's paintings are composed according to an established pattern.
The upper, narrow part of the canvas shows the back-wall or a glass wall through which
a garden is visible. A large floor area holds a prominent place. The reality of the building
or the world outside is reflected in the floors. The back part is painted with great precisi-
on; this is also the first part to be completed.
Then the artist builds up the floor area according to a special technique which he has
made his own. After the undercoat has been applied and the shadows have been put in,
he 'splats' the paint against the canvas: color over color, layer on top of layer - making
subtle distinctions in light and dark against the back-wall. (Parts that should not be splut,
are covered with tape.) Van Veldhuizen uses this technique in such a way that the paint
splats onto the canvas in elliptical drops. This is highly important to create the perspecti-
ve effect. (During the final strokes, the tiles become visible).
Finally the artist applies approximately 40 layers of glaze onto the floor area to create this
typical glossy three dimensional effect.

2. Willem van Veldhuizen
Discipline and great technical skills are required for the kind of paintings that Van Veldhui-
zen makes. Because of this method, it takes up to 3 or 4 months to finish a painting. Van
Veldhuizen mastered this technique by self-tuition. Furthermore he (made a close study
of) submitted the paintings of Peter Blake, one of England's best-known pop art artists,
to a profound study. According to Van Veldhuizen, Peter Blake displays a fabulous tech-
nique.
STUDIO
Schonebergerweg 45 Influences of classical- and classic-modern masters (beside Rothko) can be recognized
in his work in various ways. He relates to Saenredam with his preference for sacred
3023 ZG Rotterdam
rooms, tranquility and colors in harmonizing tones. In his museum interiors, Van Veldhui-
T 0031 10 4777257 zen quotes with pleasure his favorites in art, among others Michelangelo, Picasso, Man
M 0031 6 41012630 Ray, Newman, Rietveld and Le Corbusier.
vanveldhuizen@me.com
www.willemvanveldhuizen.com In his early work, the colors are kept restraint by putting various light tones in delicate
distinctions in order to achieve a balance in beauty and tranquility. His recent work is
characterized by a more expressive use of color although the color is still subsidiary to
the form. Also the interior itself contains less details. Still the balance between the inside
and outside world holds the key to Van Veldhuizen's paintings.

3. Willem van Veldhuizen
Chronology
1954
Born in Rotterdam, The Netherlands
1972-1977
The academy of fine Arts, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
1977
Solo exhibition, Gallery Delta, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
STUDIO Group exhibition: Dutch Art Fair, Amsterdam; Pulchri Studio, Den Haag; Fiac, Paris.
Schonebergerweg 45
1978
3023 ZG Rotterdam
Bronze medal European prize for the Art of painting- Karel Klinkenbergprize for Art of
T 0031 10 4777257 drawing - Royal Subsidy for painting
M 0031 6 41012630
vanveldhuizen@me.com 1979
www.willemvanveldhuizen.com Stipendium Rotterdamse Kunststichting - Travels to the United States.
1980
Portret Edo de Waart for the Rotterdamse Doelen i.o.v. RKS and the Rotterdams Phil-
harmonisch Orchestra.
Renaissance-travel to Italy.
1984
Travels to Ireland.
1985
Exhibition Gallery Delta, Rotterdam.
1989-1991
Publication of the book 'Willem van Veldhuizen; tekeningen & schilderijen'.
Travels to Spain.
A series of paintings, inspired by the Barcelona Pavilion, Mies van der Rohe.
1992-1995
Exhibitions; European Fine Arts Fair, Maastricht,
PAN, Amsterdam.
Drs. Loek Brons, Amsterdam
New series of graphic work
Starts drawing after model
Exhibition 'het Model' in the Illusie, Rotterdam.
Starts working on ceramics.
Travels to France and starts series of paintings inspired by museums in Nimes and Saint-
Paul de Vence.
Publication of the book 'het Model'
1996
Exhibitions; European Fine Arts Fair, Maastricht,
PAN, Amsterdam.
Drs. Loek Brons, Amsterdam

4. Willem van Veldhuizen
1997
Exhibitions; European Fine Arts Fair, Maas-
tricht,
PAN, Amsterdam.
Drs. Loek Brons, Amsterdam
Travels to United States and starts series of paintings inspired by museums in New York
and Los Angeles
Exhibition 'Hier et Nu' model drawings in Gallery Honingen, Rotterdam.
Makes Lithographs, commissioned by Royal Nederland.
STUDIO 1998
Schonebergerweg 45 Exhibitions; European Fine Arts Fair, Maastricht,
PAN, Amsterdam.
3023 ZG Rotterdam
Drs. Loek Brons, Amsterdam
T 0031 10 4777257 Travels to Senegal, foundation of 'I BORY'
M 0031 6 41012630 'Ibory' is a group of artists; Anton Vrede, Jos Looise and Willem van Veldhuizen. They
vanveldhuizen@me.com make travels and work together
www.willemvanveldhuizen.com Group exhibition 'I BORY' in gallery Honingen, Rotterdam.
1999
Exhibitions; European Fine Arts Fair, Maastricht,
PAN, Amsterdam.
Drs. Loek Brons, Amsterdam
Travels to New York with 'I BORY' group
Group exhibition 'Weekend Euphoria' , gallery Holland Tunnel, New York.
2000
Travels to; Zwitserland, Japan, India en starts series of paintings inspired by 'Foundation
Beyeler', Basel.
2001
Exhibitions, European Fine Arts Fair, Maastricht,
PAN, Amsterdam.
Drs. Loek Brons, Amsterdam
Exhibition 'Realism in The Netherlands after 1950' in the Kunsthal, Rottedam
Publication of the book: 'Willem van Veldhuizen 10 jaar bij kunsthandel Drs.Loek Brons'
2002
Exhibitions, European Fine Arts Fair, Maastricht,
PAN, Amsterdam.
Drs. Loek Brons, Amsterdam.
Exhibition 'Les filles d'atelier' in the Kunsthal, Rottedam
Travels to Qatar.
2003
Exhibitions, European Fine Arts Fair, Maastricht,
PAN, Amsterdam.
Drs. Loek Brons, Amsterdam
Exhibition 'Donderdag exposeert....' in gallery Pakhuis 6, Rottedam
Travels to Qatar.
2004
Exhibitions, European Fine Arts Fair, Maastricht,
PAN, Amsterdam.
Publication of the book: 'Klaar'

5. Willem van Veldhuizen
2005
Paintersweek Domburg
Exhibition 'Donderdag exposeert....' at gallery Pakhuis 6, Rottedam
Drawing at 'The day of the Park', Schiedam happening met de Donderdagroep
Donderdagroep at Gallery Goda, Amsterdam
Exhibition at the PAN Amsterdam, Collection Harms Rolde
Travels to Egypt
2006
STUDIO Exhibition at 'Realisme 06', Collection Harms Rolde
Schonebergerweg 45 Exhibition, Magische Grafiek at gallery Pakhuis 6, Rotterdam
Exhibition solo at Gallery Goda, Amsterdam
3023 ZG Rotterdam
Paintersweek at Domburg
T 0031 10 4777257 Exhibition at Gallery Les Sagnes, France
M 0031 6 41012630 Travels to Caracas, Venezuela
vanveldhuizen@me.com Exhibition Gubbels and Students, Rotterdam
www.willemvanveldhuizen.com Drawing at 'The Night of the Light', Schiedam, happening with the Donderdagroep
Exhibition at the PAN Amsterdam, Collection Harms Rolde
2007
Exhibition 'Van Classicisme tot Realisme' at Wijermars Antiquairs in collaboration with
Collection Harms Rolde
Exhibition at 'Realisme 07' Collection Harms Rolde
Exhibition group 'Een andere werkelijkheid' Zwijgershoek, st Niklaas, Belgium
Travels to Sao Paulo, Brasil
Exhibition at the PAN Amsterdam, Collection Harms Rolde
2008
Exhibition at 'Realisme 08' Collection Harms Rolde
Travels to Qatar
Exhibition at Open Art Fair Jaarbeurs Utrecht, Collection Harms Rolde
Donderdagroep op Drift, Schiedam drawing in public
Travels to New York
Exhibition at the PAN Amsterdam, Collection Harms Rolde
2009
Exhibition at 'Realisme 09' Collection Harms Rolde
Exhibition Donderdagroep at gallery Van Capellen
Travels to Qatar
Painters on the Loire, France with Old Holland Factory
2010
Dutch Art Now, New York
3rd till 14th of march 2010
Willem van Veldhuizen exhibits new works on fair.
Taking place as part of The Armory Show, one of the worlds greatest international fairs
for modern art.
Dutch Art Now will be held in 'The Tilden Mansion, National Arts Club, 34ste street 15,
Gramercy Park South, New York City.

6. Willem van Veldhuizen
Rewards
STUDIO
Bronze medal “Europeprize voor Painting
Schonebergerweg 45
Karelklinkenberg prize for the Art of Drawing
3023 ZG Rotterdam Royal Subsidy for Painting
T 0031 10 4777257 Stipendium Rotterdam Art Council
M 0031 6 41012630 Gold Medal of Honour as a member of the advisoryboard of the
vanveldhuizen@me.com Al Thani Award for Photography
www.willemvanveldhuizen.com