Herman van Hoogdalem

Herman van Hoogdalem (1956) is a contemporary and curious artist who has not limited himself to one specific theme. He likes to challenge himself and can afford this freedom as famous painter who masteres several techniques, like oil, egg tempera and watercolor, to perfection. Herman van Hoogdalem is celebrated for its typical light use, which plays a vital role in all his work.

His sifted veil of light binds random objects into a whole, for one particular moment, and creates an intimate dramatic atmosphere. But equally important is his special sense of composition and space. Probably this is in his inner need for space, which is both a source of inspiration and also a challenge in the development of his paintings. Thus Herman van Hoogdalem creates consciously empty spots in his work, which provides space for reflection and provide the impetus for a story that can be filled in by the viewer. A beach scene, a model in the interior, and even a portrait is displayed by him in such way you feel looking at a frozen moment in which a lot is preceded or still waiting to happen. This feeling is further provided by the way Herman van Hoogdalem conscious stages and cuts his compositions. There is always just that little bit more on the canvas than the subject itself. The start of a window or dressing table in an interior, a half windshield or dog running away in a beach scene. The suggestion is that the story simply continues alongside the canvas.

Herman is obviously a creator of impressions of our time. However, he does so in such an intense and poetic way that his paintings are simultaneously timeless and feel like a treasured memory.

Herman van Hoogdalem studied at the Academy Minerva Groningen, The Netherlands.