The Artist's Diary
Welcome to this site, entirely dedicated to the sketches of Dutch artist Jan Nieuwenhuys (1922–1986). A co-founder of the revolutionary European CoBrA movement, Nieuwenhuys explored new artistic territories, embracing spontaneity, experimentation, and the unfiltered expression of ideas.
This collection of over 1,000 sketches—gathered from diaries, sketchbooks, and loose sheets—offers an intimate glimpse into his artistic process and creative development. Despite their modest scale, with the largest no larger than a standard school notebook, these sketches are rich with ideas that often served as the foundation for his paintings.
Why focus on these sketches?
Jan Nieuwenhuys is widely celebrated for his paintings, yet his sketches reveal a more personal side of his artistry. They are more than preparatory studies; they serve as a visual diary documenting his exploration, experimentation, and evolution as an artist.
This collection provides an unfiltered view of Nieuwenhuys' working process. It allows us to trace the origins of his expressive vision while also highlighting creative paths that remained on paper. Each sketch offers a candid look into his artistic thinking and serves as a testament to the importance of the small and spontaneous.
A Space for Experimentation
As a co-founder of the CoBrA movement, Nieuwenhuys embraced spontaneity and freedom in art. His sketches reflect these ideals, capturing moments of exploration and playful intuition. While modest in size, these works hold significant artistic value, offering insights into the methods and ideas that defined his practice.
This site serves as a visual archive of Nieuwenhuys' experimentation and creative process. It is a tribute to his ability to express so much within such modest dimensions and invites viewers to engage with the depth and vitality of his small-scale works.
