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Biography
Willem Johan Hoendervanger
My name is Willem Johan Hoendervanger (1980) and I work as an international marine artist. As an artist whose main motif is the sea, you won’t be surprised to read I have lived 15 years in Vlissingen which is situated at the crossroads of the Western Scheldt delta and the North Sea, what inspires me was a few miles away. The world’s largest ships pass Vlissingen on their way to one of the largest European ports. At this moment my studio is located in Doorwerth, the Netherlands. This peaceful area is ideal to work on my paintings.
A difficult decision
After completing high school I faced a major choice: listening to the call of the sea and become a sailor, or pursuing a career as an artist. The latter won the battle to the sea, so back in 2005 I graduated St. Joost art school in Breda. However, the lures of the sea were never far away. As an maritime artist I’m in the privileged position to merge my love for ships with my fascination for visual art.
Contemporary clients
Many major shipping companies found their way to my studio, asking me to capture their fleet. These companies include Vroon, Port of Rotterdam, Van Oord, Seafox, Shipyard De Hoop, Fairplay Towage, ACL (Atlantic Container Line), Damen Schelde Naval and Waterfront shipping. My portfolio contains several types of ships, from classic Ocean Liners to state of the art offshore ships.
Revive the past
Not only I do work for large shipping companies, I create original maritime artwork for everybody. Many people, like retired seamen, ask me to create a visual memory of their beloved ship. Commissions involving an emotional aspect are always special to me, because you are asked to capture other people’s feelings from the past in a piece of artwork. Leaving these clients satisfied with their new artwork makes me extremely fulfilled.
Choice of expression
One of the great aspects of being an artist is the freedom in choosing material. Every artist does have a signature material, for me this is water colour. However, that doesn’t mean I never use oil paint or pencil. Every material has it it’s own feeling, so the choice of material also depends on the motif. Despite the highly detailed and realistic level of my pictures, I always intend to add the artistic element in my works. I also make sure all my paintings are technically correct.
To conclude
I hope you will enjoy visiting my website. Keep in mind I do not only paint Ocean Liners, please don’t hesitate to contact me about what’s in your mind about an artwork idea.
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Willem Johan Hoendervanger
I’m a fulltime Dutch marine artist. I work for private and professional clients all over the world to create an unique artwork of their vessels. Which ship would you like to have a painting of? Contact me with your personal wishes. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
Besides being a maritime artist I’m also the co-founder of a company which produces 1:1250 shipmodels. Make sure to check out our different (mainly Dutch) scale models. We do accept commissions from shipping companies as well. Feel free to ask for a price quote: More info: BFT1250.nl.
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