Painting History
Wendie Brauckmann was born in Goirle, Brabant, in 1972. From the very beginning, there was no lack of artistic stimulation. “Our house was painted in bright colours and we regularly visited museums and galleries. For as long as I can remember, my mother has also painted. I made my first paintings with the oil paints lying in her studio.”
She considered going to Art College, but choose instead to study economics in Vlissingen. At that time, her parents began an art dealership and picture framing business. After graduating, she took over the business from her parents. Her surroundings continued to inspire her to create her own paintings.
Her vivid dream world is an unlimited source of inspiration to her. Often, it’s the personal issues she’s dealing with at the time that find their way onto the canvas, hidden in her secret symbolic language. Events, wandering thoughts or daydreams are transformed into colours, shapes and symbols. Trips to Curacao, Canada, Spain and London also give rise to new ideas and paintings. With a child-like fantasy, she puts her naïve figures onto the canvas. Corneille, other Cobra artists and Picasso are in this way also of inspiration to her.
"“There cannot be enough colour on the canvas and the contrasts may be spectacular. Sun, sea, ‘koppoters’ (potato figures as if drawn by a child) and happy animals (chickens, cows and pigs) are recurring themes. When I’m painting, I let my imagination run free; I try to let go of any painting rules or stagnated views of how it should be. Anything goes, no restrictions. And the right title that does the painting and its meaning justice always comes along.”
She often decorates these creatures with crowns and curls – her favorite form. In the past few years she has developed her own uniquely recognizable and personal, joyful style. She still loves to experiment with collage techniques and other styles. This recently resulted in a collection of semi-abstract works. “My initial intention was to paint abstractly, but I can’t resist adding a few crazy creatures. They emerge from the background and I just put a line around them…”
Her paintings can be seen and purchased in her studio in Oisterwijk, and can be made to order. The ‘koppoters’, chickens and other simplistic animals have been welcomed eagerly throughout the country. “They make me so happy!” is a comment made often by viewers.
“When people begin to smile or laugh spontaneously on seeing my paintings, and their own imagination is awakened by it in some way, then I’ve accomplished my goal! There’s no greater compliment than that!” Wendie’s work is or was to be viewed in different galleries and businesses throughout the Netherlands and Curacao.
Wendie’s werk is of was te zien bij diverse galeries en bedrijven in Nederland en Curaçao.
» Click herefor more information about expositions of Wendie’s work.
| Piet Plezier | 1999 | Purchase selection of works |
| Bungalow Zell am See | 2001 | Wallpainting above swimming pool |
| Getsmart | 2001 | Purchase painting |
| Cas Spijkers | 2002 | Project painting on chef’s jacket |
| Mallens & Markhorst Oisterwijk | 2002 | To commemorate opening new building |
| Honders & Alting Makelaars Oisterwijk | 2003 | Commissioned and permanent exhibition |
| Vedder Advocaten Boxtel | 2003 | Commissioned and permanent exhibition |
| Dobotex Den Bosch | 2004 | 4 paintings commissioned |
| Kunstcentrum Zaanstad | 2006-2008 | Paintings and screenprints |
| St. Radbout Ziekenhuis Nijmegen, afd. Hartchirurgie | 2007 | Painting ‘Open your heart’ sold |
| Berg en Bosch School, Bilthoven | 2007 | Offered painting for TV_show ‘Heel Holland helpt’ |
| In Summa, Raamsdonksveer | 2007 | Painting for a decennial jubilee |
| 2b coaching, Utrecht | 2007-2008 | Commissioned work and temporary exhibition |
