Under the Ocean (2019) Painting by Liesbeth Willaert

Liesbeth is a Belgian painter, living between Brussels and Barcelona. In 2003 she came to study in Barcelona and knew she would return eventually 'forever'. Pretty fast she fell in love with life around the Mediterranean and the city’s incredible creative vibe. In 2015 she finally settled down in Barcelona. A new chapter in her life. Because of unfortunate matters (called ‘life’?), Liesbeth was forced to take almost 1 year off in 2005. In that year, painting became much more than a purely creative act. It became a constant, a need, a way of life and a lifelong companion. “Art is the only way of escaping from daily life without leaving home” Of course there have been quieter periods, especially during long-term travels in Asia, Indonesia, Brazil. One constant in Liesbeth’s life (apart from surfing) is drawing and painting. Ever since she could hold a pen Liesbeth drew. Nowadays her style is what the art world calls ‘lyrical abstract’ (what’s in a name?). Her paintings are characterised by a strong and abundant colour palette and composition. Colours have been and will always be essential. Her technique is mixed media on canvas. Starting with the foundational layers of acrylic paint and pastel, materials such as tissue, paper, dried coffee, sand, fine stone, and metal are gradually added in later stages to provide structure and strengthen the composition. Painting for a week in the studio of artist Jenny Verplancke (in 2005) definitely marked her style. It was during that particular creative “residency” that Liesbeth found her own painting voice. Now Liesbeth is painting more than ever, as the Mediterranean life is a nonstop source of inspiration, especially the light, ever-changing colours of the sea and structure of the water

• Nationality: BELGIUM
• Date of birth : 1981
• Artistic domains: Works by professional artists,
• Groups: Professional Artist Contemporary Belgian Artists