Stefaan Eyckmans Bio

Stefaan Eyckmans was born in Niel, near the Belgian city of Antwerp in 1964. In this post-industrial community of brick-makers, his father made his living in graphic design and sign writing. Consequently, from a very early age the handling and familiarity with the tools of painting and drawing came as natural to Eyckmans as learning to walk and write.

After studying as a graphic designer and illustrator he succeeded his father in the family business. However, with the advent of technology and computer graphics replacing the inherent traditional skills of his business, Eyckmans turned his back on this career and turned to painting, the artistic expression which was always his ultimate ambition. 
In contrast to many colleagues and friends of his age, the young Eyckmans became fascinated by the 17th and 18th century masters such as Willem Van Aelst, Jan Davidsz de Heem and Johannes Vermeer. After years of experimenting and searching for the right media and materials, the artist found the style that suited his vocation. The tonal technique from the old masters in combination with up to date materials, colours and objects, results in a contemporary realism with roots in a centuries old tradition of painting.

The objects in Eyckmans’ paintings are often the most common place which when transfigured by his painterly technique suddenly show us an unexpected beauty. Essential here is the interaction of light and dark that is used in the paintings. The glazing techniques catch the light which is reflected to the viewer. By examining the form, the continuous search for the essence and the best composition, Stefaan tries to create a different reality. The paintings radiate tranquillity and balance. They are in the artist's own words, 'Emergency exits in our stressful computer dominated society.' In the pursuit of a tranquil refuge for his painting, Stefaan moved to a secluded part of rural France: the Quercy Blanc on the wine plateau of Cahors. One of the barns of the old farm is scrupulously converted into a large 19th century painter’s studio, historically correct and with natural north light.

Stefaan’s paintings are being sold in well established galleries in The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, UK, USA, Japan, etc.