Hailing from Montreal where French and English cultures form a unique blend, Laura den Hertog creates a duet of past and present in her work.
The seed of an artist was sown when at age six den Hertog’s Dutch parents took her to see the art museums of the Netherlands. Growing up in an eclectic household where everyone was always doing something creative and where craftsmanship, ingenuity and skill were supreme, is it any wonder that she gravitated towards time honored painting techniques?
Laura studied commercial art at Dawson College in Montreal and spent her early years working in illustration and design. While this prevented “Starving artist syndrome” it did not allow her to create the kind of magic inherent in traditional paintings.
Laura now puts her considerable energy into creating paintings where past meets present, where people and things are timeless and the land is pristine.
A Note from the artist:
My reasons for painting what I paint and doing it the way I do are really pretty simple. I’m fascinated by the things we do that are the same throughout time, regardless of changing social structures and technology. I think we are all creating in our everyday lives. I have the greatest respect for both the things people make and those who make them, from a simple loaf of bread to a ship that sails on the sea.
I live and work in idyllic Quebec with its multitude of lakes, rivers and streams and within spitting distance of northern New England. When not in my studio, I can be found out and about in my ancient Volkswagen camper van searching out beautiful places and meeting incredible people to paint.
I am happiest with a brush in my hand surrounded by a mix of technology and antiques…both keep me humble.
Cheers,
Laura
Articles:
Poets and Artists (O&S, November 2009)
Endevia, Our Global Art Network: Hyper realistic painting of Laura den Hertog
