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As an autodidact, Bernadette Schampers is free of rules and learned theories

As a self-taught artist, Bernadette Schampers is free from rules and learned theories, which for her means she can paint freely and experiment a lot. Her work can be recognized by the charisma and charisma of the large portraits the artist manages to eloquently render on canvas. This week Bernadette highlights three of these portraits.Text: Fleur de Jong
Image: Bernadette Schampers

Multiple interpretations

"A striking portrait which caught my attention because of a facial expression that can have multiple interpretations... From arrogant to powerful to curious. The viewer will see in it what she wants to see in it. The technique used with water, ink, acrylic paint and bister make it a strong but also vulnerable portrait. It is the balance that of strong, weak, powerful and vulnerable that is often found in my works. The colors often do not match, but that is often where the challenge of the portrait lies for me. Being self-taught, I am free from rules and learned theories which for me means that I can paint very freely and experiment a lot. Coincidence and a sense of balance in color and atmosphere ultimately determine the result."

Simple and pure

"This portrait caught my attention right away. It is a strong portrait with a lot of power in the facial expression. I like portraits that exude something, but want to leave to the viewer what this expression means to them. The portrait is powerful and the transparent technique used with acrylic paint, water, ink and bister make the portrait airy again. The balance of light and dark and powerful lines combined with transparency give the right balance for me. The layering of the colors and planes add strength and depth to the work. In this case it gives the portrait a lived-in look but also shows vulnerability. I find the natural colors in this portrait very nicely expressed. This makes the painting simple and pure. Seeing the painting says more than the description on paper. This applies to all my works."

Looking in the mirror?

"Looking in the mirror? A portrait that for me looks into the soul. With a layering of color and technique, it depicts vulnerability as well as a lived-in look. By making the background black, the face comes out even more strongly. It is the eyes that almost seem and look real, which I have tried to depict as best as possible. The fact that the portrait is actually very large does not matter to the way it looks at you. 'Who is looking' is the question. Do you see yourself reflected in those eyes or is someone looking at you? It's a portrait that comes in. It's fun to not only look at what you see, but to feel what you see. The colors are simple and sober. You can see that in all my works. Simple transparent colors, applied layer upon layer. "See more MASTERPIECES by Bernadette Schampers here.