Could you adjust my website? That’s what Astrid de Rie asked. She wanted to adjust her website of Atelier Astrid de Rie. The website is www.astridderie.com. The location of her Atelier is IJburglaan 951 in Amsterdam.
Atelier Astrid de Rie is more than just a gallery. It is a space where art comes to life. Astrid de Rie, a native of Amsterdam, infuses her work with a unique blend of tradition and innovation.
Astrid de Rie was born and raised on the Bloemgracht. She studied at the Ruudt Wackers Academy in Amsterdam. There she honed her skills with renowned artists. She developed her painting and drawing techniques there. Maarten Welbergen and Bert Osinga taught her intensively. Also Gyula Somos, Bart Holt, and Kurt Löb taught her. In September 2005, she began ceramic sculpting lessons. Anna Hulzink led these lessons at the MK24 in Amsterdam.
Astrid’s realistic work stands out. It has an expressive style. She uses abundant color. Her work features a strong contrast between light and dark. The daring clair-obscure sparks the imagination. Strong lining and brush strokes define her style.
Each painting and drawing comes from direct involvement. Her passion is visible in every theme. She explores classic themes. These include the portrait, the nude, the landscape and the still life. To Astrid, there is hardly a distinction between themes or disciplines. Each work is essentially a portrait.
For Astrid de Rie, painting and drawing are essential. She says that without this work, she wouldn’t be complete. When working on a painting, she works on it inside her head all day. She even works on it during the night.
Astrid de Rie has a solid academic background as a visual artist. Yet she still seeks new ways to grow. She knows that talent alone is not enough. Astrid has boundless passion. This passion is driven by hard work and self-discipline.
Drs. Paul Spies called her an extraordinary talent. He is an Art Historian and director of the Amsterdam Museum. Also director of Stiftung Stadtmuseum Berlin. Jan Teeuwissen called her unconventional and daring. He is the director of Museum Beelden aan Zee & Sculptuur Instituut.
Visiting Astrid de Rie’s exhibition touched many. One couple was touched by her painting ‘Us’. Their dog Stevie was becoming brittle. They asked Astrid to make a portrait of Stevie. They wanted a portrait to remember their dog. Astrid succeeded fantastically. The portrait hangs in their living room. All their friends and family are touched by the painting. They couldn’t have wished for a better reminder of their bear.
Astrid de Rie’s art is a gift. Her work shows passion, empathy, and clarity. It is very beautiful and colourful. As you leave Atelier Astrid de Rie, remember her words. Her very best painting will always be the next one.