Artist: Saskia Huitema
Title: “Juliet”
Size: 19x28 cm /  7,5"x 11"
With frame: 28,5x37 cm /  11,2"x14,5"
Medium: Acrylics on wooden panel with vintage frame.
Inspiration: John William Waterhouses "Juliet" 

Artist Bio: Saskia Huitema, a self taught artist, works from her home in Utrecht, central in the Netherlands where she lives with her husband, daughter and cat.
Saskia grew up in a small city in Friesland, the Northern part of the Netherlands. She spent most of her time reading and rereading all the books in the children's section of the library before moving on to adult books. It was all about getting lost in other worlds.
Saskia became a pharmacist, but once settled, something was missing. She became very interested in art en developed a keen visual sense. When she finally picked up brushes in 2009 she found herself again with a never-ending passion like she had discovered as a child in reading. 
Saskia started out with realistic still lifes and florals but now also has a penchant for portraits in which her daughter often models. She works with acrylics and wall paint on canvas or panel.
Her distinctive realistic portraits call for attention as the backgrounds usually are (metallic) monochromatic. The gaze is automatically drawn towards the portrayed and lingers there as colorful details of dress and fabrics are taken in. Fashion photography is also a source of inspiration. Sometimes small animals or insects are included with great attention to detail but they are not always in proportion to the subject, invoking a mood of mystery and enchantment.
Saskia exhibits in galleries (inter)nationally and Art Fairs and also in 2017 at "Museum De Fundatie". Her works have been nominated by jury in the national Dutch competition "Painting of the Year" in 2015 and 2016.

Artist Statement: "In my art I aim to portray beauty and emotions, weave tales and connect with nature. I find my inspiration in flora and fauna, girls becoming women, Art Nouveau and the bygone era of the 'Roaring Twenties'. I seek to evoke the sense of mystery, wonder and enchantment which can be found all around us if you just look hard enough."