Nature in Sonja's work
For plein-air artist Sonja Brussen, nature is the greatest source of inspiration. She goes out to capture the moment, the speed of light, the changing clouds. It is a constant hunt and a daily quest to capture light, air and space. Nature, which has fascinated her since she was young, is captured with a minimum of human influences.
Her powerful works, which combine impressionism and expressionism, are painted alla prima (wet-on-wet) by Sonja Brussen. Her technique and use of colour are strong and very personal. In the field, she is influenced by what is going on in nature: sun, cold, wind, rain. All these influences contribute to the creation and atmosphere of her work. For her, this also includes the sound of nature: the birds, the wind, a splash in the water and the rustling in the bushes. This experience of nature is so intense that when you look at her works, you immediately experience that you are standing in the middle of that piece of nature. You are not only looking at an image of nature, but you are, as it were, part of it.
Educated by passionate teachers and completed with the upgrade at ArteZ (University of the Arts), she knows how to constantly renew herself.
Since 2016 she has been a member of the Dutch Association of Sea Painters. In 2020 Sonja also joined the Katwijkerkring. This is a circle of professional plein air painters who have painted during Katwijk and Plein Air in recent years.
Harry J.Kraaij, art historian
"Wherever I go, my paint box and materials are always with me. They are my travelling office, my faithful companions on every journey. Whether I am walking through busy cities, wandering along quiet fields or trekking through dense forests, I am always on the hunt for new motifs. The search never stops: I am looking for the play of light and shadow, for the magic that can be found even in the darkness"
"She immerses herself in nature almost daily, capturing the beauty of landscapes with bold, vibrant strokes of oil paint"
Her paintings have been purchased and included in collections by collectors/companies in:
The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Thailand, Ireland, England, USA, Singapore, Canada, Italy, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Scotland, Sweden, Australia.
AWARDS
- Rembrandt Painting Award 2016.
- Art in the Open Contest Ierland 2013.
- Painting Award in 2015.
- Artist-in-residence, Noordwijk 2019.
- Artist-in-residence, Urk 2018.
- Artist-in-residence, Lamu 2017.
GALLERIES
- Gallery Posthuys, Texel.
- Gallery Année, Haarlem.
- Gallery Bonnard, Nuenen.
- Gallery Ruigewaert, Garrelsweer.
- Kunst of Art, Laag Keppel.
- Gallery Hoeve Rijlaarsdam, Nieuwkoop.
- Gallery Drentsche Aa, Balloo.
MUSEA
- Museum Staal, Almen, SOLO, 2020.
- Water museum, Arnhem, 2022.
- Museum Muzee, Scheveningen, 2019.
- Museum De Casteelse Poort, 2018.
- Museum Møhlmann, 2016 till 2025.
- Fries Scheepvaart museum, 2016.
- Museum Noordwijk 2015.
EXHIBITIONS
