Acrylic paint on a rough board, 60 cm x 54 cm

Artist Statement

40 years ago, when I was in my late twenties, I began painting this piece plein-air in a local park. I had just finished blocking the shapes and colors when it started to rain. I planned on returning later to finish it, but I never did. It sat in storage for decades as I raised my family. Now that I’m retired, I’m focusing on creating art again, and I finally got around to finishing it this spring. This painting now represents my new beginning.

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About the Artist:

Hilde Wijckmans is a 69-year-old Belgian artist. She is a mother and a grandmother, and she loves working in her garden and camping in the Ardens. Her favorite apple is Pink Lady, because they are sweet and tart. Hilde loves to say, “Ik ben wie ik ben, te nemen of te laten; in paarse en witte kleuren ook een tuintje vol geuren,” which means, “I am who I am, take it or leave it; in purple and white clothes and a garden of scents.” Find her on Instagram at @hiljaa1957