Biography
My practice is rooted in a deep affinity with the natural world, driven by the hope that humanity learns to live in symbiotic balance with its environment. This desire forms the primary direction of my work, and I draw inspiration from everything that lives and grows.
Light is a fundamental and metaphysical element in my work. My paintings stem from deeply personal experiences and are a continuous search for the subtle, fleeting natural phenomena that remain almost unnoticed in everyday life. By isolating and magnifying these, I invite the viewer to a renewed, meditative gaze upon the wondrous everyday in nature.
My technique consciously embraces the traditional methods and materials of painting. My working method is layered, both literally and figuratively. The process of gradually building up a work is essential, creating a depth that transcends the fleeting moment. This contemplative approach results in paintings and drawings that prove to be timeless and meaningful.

Jelle van de Ridder
Jelle van de Ridder (1995) is a Dutch artist whose practice centres on landscape and portrait painting, working in oil, tempera, watercolour and ink. His technique is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Old Masters, which continue to inform both his craftsmanship and visual language.
Van de Ridder began creating and selling his first works at a young age, steadily developing his artistic voice. Following the summer of 2020, his career gained momentum through participation in group exhibitions in Amsterdam. He has also appeared twice on national Dutch television, further expanding his public profile.
Today, Van de Ridder works with a strong focus on his artistic practice, drawing inspiration from the natural surroundings that continue to shape his work.
Education
- 2022Florence Academy of Art: ‘Copying the Masters’ by Igor Naskalov
- 2021Dutch Atelier of Realist Art: ‘Painting following the Russian Imperial Academy’ by Igor Naskalov
- 2013–2018Maritime Engineering, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
Exhibitions and activities
- 2026
- ‘OPGEDOKEN! Verdronken meesterwerken tot leven gebracht’ — Noord-Veluws Museum
- Salone del Mobile (Milan Design Week) — JVDR x Lynk & Co, Design&Co
- UITNacht Arnhem — live painting act ‘After Anthropocene Arnhem’
- 2025
- Participation in the TV programme ‘Sunken Masters’
- Oil painting teacher at SKVR in Rotterdam
- Jury member Dutch Selfie Portrait Prize: Portrait Prize up to and including 18 years
- 2024
- Oil painting teacher at SKVR in Rotterdam
- Jury member Dutch Selfie Portrait Prize: Portrait Prize up to and including 18 years
- 2023
- First place audience award ‘Painting of the Year’ — National Studio Weekend
- Jury member Dutch Selfie Portrait Prize: Portrait Prize up to and including 18 years
- 2022
- Second place audience award ‘Painting of the Year’
- Dutch Portrait Prize — ‘Weekend of the Portrait’ exhibition
- Open Studio Route Brummen
- 2021
- Open Studio Route Brummen
- Exhibition ‘Karel Appel’ — Gallerie Wind Rotterdam
- Participation in NPO’s ‘Sterren op het Doek’ with Özcan Akyol and Freek Vonk
- 2020
- Dutch Portrait Prize — ‘Weekend of the Portrait’ exhibition, Amsterdam
- Open Studio Route Brummen
Media and publications
- 2026
- Milano Luxury Life — ‘Design&Co alla Milano Design Week 2026’
- 2021
- Algemeen Dagblad — ‘Jelle from Brummen got to portray Freek Vonk for Sterren op het Doek: he could sit still surprisingly well’
- De Havenloods — ‘Jelle van de Ridder paints Freek Vonk’s beautiful bony head in Sterren op het Doek’
- 2020
- Brummens Nieuws — ‘Brummen painter in Sterren op het Doek’
- Algemeen Dagblad / De Stentor — ‘Jelle van de Ridder (24) from Brummen paints himself into the spotlight: with every self-portrait you get to know yourself a little better’
- Brummens Nieuws — ‘Brummen portrait painter participates in the Weekend of the Portrait’
Jelle van de Ridder