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The abstract art from Fons Heijnsbroek, Ben Vollers and Daan Lemaire

I have been collecting modern abstract painting since around the mid eighties. Colour and abstraction has, more or less, always been my guide. In the beginning I went for the colourful work of the Cobra artists. Allthough I could never afford to buy an original Karel Appel, I did acquire a couple of works from other Cobra artists. Later on I expanded the modest collection with works of other artists who where painting with an even so colourful palette. Later on my taste of art was shifting towards more and more abstraction. At first, colour and composition were the main focus. Some abstract-figural elements might have been present in those days. But now my focus lies mainly on the complete abstract art.

 

Through Artolive online I accidently stumbled upon the work of Fons Heijnsbroek. It was love at first sight. Unfortunately (but not for Fons!) many of his paintings were already sold but there was one painting that caught my eye which was still available. It was a large abstract colourful canvas. Immediately I measured the wall where I had the painting in mind and contacted Fons to arrange a viewing at his studio. When I met Fons for the first time there was a warm welcome and a common interest and when I saw the painting in real I bought it immediately.

What I like about Fons' art, and good abstract art in general, is that your eyes can wander all over the painting. There is no pause, no stop, no recognition of any figural element and no point to focus on. Just admiring the whole painting. If there is a point of focus on any painting you tend to stare at it and by doing so you skip the rest. Not in Fons' paintings. His paintings are holistic works of art. Your eyes travel all over the whole canvas. Like travelling to the unknown, it never bores. Every time you look at the painting it is a whole new journey.

 

Through Fons I met Ben Vollers and Daan Lemaire. They both share the same ideas about abstract art and naturally I became interested in their work too. Ben paints colourful canvasses and works on paper. It is not as abstract as Fons' work but they are very balanced, colourful and narrative. In 2006 Fons and Ben started literally a painting joint-venture. Together they worked on the same canvas and by doing so they had to give in, let go, anticipate and react on each others brushstrokes. This resulted in a complete new and exciting co-operation with beautiful results. One of those results is hanging on one of my walls at home!

 

Daan's glass art is a feast of colour and composition. It reflects the natural world which has been captured in a colourful and well balanced glass object in fusion technique. The colours are vibrant and the sculpture comes to life when the sunlight shines through it. It is like having a piece of nature in your home.

All three artists are fully dedicated to their work and all their artwork comes right from the heart. It is a daily joy to see their work in my home.

 

Hans Cohen