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.
Biography
Jelle van de Ridder (1995) is a Dutch artist whose practice centers on landscape and portrait painting, working in oil, tempera, watercolor, 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 natural surroundings that continue to shape his work.
Course
2022
Florence Academy of Art: 'Copying the Masters' by Igor Naskalov
2021
Dutch Atelier of Realist Art: 'Painting following the Russian Imperial Academy' by Igor Naskalov
2013-2018
Maritime Engineering, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
Exhibitions and activities
2026
Salone del Mobile (Milan Design Week)
JVDR x Lynk & Co - Design&Co
2026
Participation in UITNacht Arnhem
Live painting act "After Anthropocene Arnhem"
2025
Participation in the TV program "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 in the "Painting of the Year" audience award.
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/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
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'
2020
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'
