René Jansen (b. 1957, Groningen) is a painter who has always remained true to his roots in the northern Netherlands. After studying at the Minerva Academy in Groningen, he settled in Kiel-Windeweer, where he still lives and works. His down-to-earth background resonates in his work, which is characterized by honesty, intensity, and a strong connection to his surroundings.
In the first decades of his artistic career, Jansen made a name for himself as a still life painter. His studio served as a refuge: a place where the hustle and bustle of everyday life subsided and where he could fully dedicate himself to arranging and depicting objects. His still lifes are striking for their almost tangible atmosphere and the layered nature of his painting. He begins with broad, transparent underpaintings and then builds up his subjects layer by layer. Sometimes, he leaves parts of the first layer visible, creating a captivating contrast between refined details and rough brushstrokes. The use of thick layers of paint gives his canvases an almost three-dimensional effect, in which light and texture play a key role.
After years of success with still lifes, Jansen noticed that repetition was beginning to limit him. He sought new impetus and found it in the human figure. Inspired by William Faulkner's words – "kill your darlings" – he left the familiar behind and turned to painting female portraits. His muses Eva, Jessica, and Clementia have formed the heart of his oeuvre ever since. Each brings new inspiration with her radiance, presence, and character, giving Jansen a fresh direction in his painting.
His more recent work demonstrates the power of transformation: from quiet, carefully arranged objects to vibrant portraits that combine humanity, expression, and mystery. What remains unchanged is his intense, layered painting style, in which technique and emotion go hand in hand. In this way, Jansen proves that staying true to yourself doesn't mean standing still, but rather having the courage to constantly reinvent yourself.
