Valta's Blog | valta.nl

  Suddenly I was truly surprised, and of course, extremely happy and proud to receive exciting news this week: the Amelander Musea Foundation has decided to acquire five of my paintings for their permanent museum collection. Two of these paintings were already on loan at the Museum Sorgdrager in Hollum, while the other three will be on display at the Museum Swartwoude in Buren.  I encourage everyone to visit all these museums - there are nine locations in total - when on the island of Ameland! The acquired paintings: Downstairs VII , 2024, oil on panel Bij Sorgdrager , 2021, acrylic on canvas Island Sheep I , 2022, oil on canvas board  Island Sheep IV , 2023, oil on canvas Island Sheep V , 2023, oil on cardboard

Practising portraiture again After feeling content and reassured about my portrait of Hettie , I was delighted to hear that Bart was also willing to sit for me as a model for a portrait study. It's not often that one is fortunate enough to have people willing to spend their precious time on something like modelling for portrait studies.  This time, I had to try to arrange the setting and the pose of my model. I wanted the painting to tell a story that would differ from just being an image of a person. I was definitely keen on including Bart's hands to support this narrative. Bart bravely accepted and patiently endured the challenge, which led to a pleasant and relaxed session. Although I am not entirely satisfied with the final result - I unexpectedly struggled with aspects such as likeness, foreshortening, and the colours and texture of background and clothing - I still found the exercise fulfilling. And again, I've learned a lot. I truly enjoyed painting the hands. And I ...