Rob van Hoek
Gouda, Netherlands
Artist Rob van Hoek creates contemporary landscapes inspired by the patterns, rhythm, and beauty of the countryside. "What you see is what you get, even as the scenes come from imagination rather than a real place," says Rob. A self-taught painter for nearly three decades, he has shaped his style through experimentation, dedication, and a strong personal vision. His artwork blends shifting viewpoints and simplified forms, offering a poetic interpretation of the land and sky. Based in Gouda in the Netherlands, Rob works from a small studio in his garden, where quiet light guides his process, while a separate workspace houses his tools and materials. He enjoys playing guitar when stepping away from the easel, often finding musical flow before he begins to paint.
Artist Statement
I have been inspired by the landscape for years. Patterns, lines, rhythm, fields, trees, and open skies give me endless ideas to explore. The countryside is my greatest source of creativity, especially the horizon and the constantly changing scene above it.
Linear perspective is not a standard approach in my work. Sometimes I use it, but more often I shift between a bird’s eye view and a flattened sense of space. These viewpoints blend together in a way that feels natural to me. It changes how details appear and creates a connection to the spirit of naive painters. In the end, the character and composition of the painting guide every decision.
After working in a city studio for many years, I have recently immersed myself in the Dutch countryside of Achterhoek and the IJssel. The surroundings have influenced the way I imagine landscapes, though my methods remain the same.
I begin each piece by building five or six layers of underpaint to create depth and texture in the brushwork. It takes time, but the atmosphere it creates is worth the effort. I paint with oil mixed with Liquin and a little cold wax medium, using large flat brushes for most areas and anything from cotton swabs to the back of a brush for fine details. The wax thickens the paint so I can shape it more easily.
I title each painting using lines or fragments from song lyrics. Most come from pop music and sometimes from jazz. There are so many poetic references to the land, the sky, and the seasons that resonate with me. I often choose the title once a painting is complete by browsing through my collection of song lines. Other times, I begin with a lyric in mind and let the artwork grow from there.
Linear perspective is not a standard approach in my work. Sometimes I use it, but more often I shift between a bird’s eye view and a flattened sense of space. These viewpoints blend together in a way that feels natural to me. It changes how details appear and creates a connection to the spirit of naive painters. In the end, the character and composition of the painting guide every decision.
After working in a city studio for many years, I have recently immersed myself in the Dutch countryside of Achterhoek and the IJssel. The surroundings have influenced the way I imagine landscapes, though my methods remain the same.
I begin each piece by building five or six layers of underpaint to create depth and texture in the brushwork. It takes time, but the atmosphere it creates is worth the effort. I paint with oil mixed with Liquin and a little cold wax medium, using large flat brushes for most areas and anything from cotton swabs to the back of a brush for fine details. The wax thickens the paint so I can shape it more easily.
I title each painting using lines or fragments from song lyrics. Most come from pop music and sometimes from jazz. There are so many poetic references to the land, the sky, and the seasons that resonate with me. I often choose the title once a painting is complete by browsing through my collection of song lines. Other times, I begin with a lyric in mind and let the artwork grow from there.
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