Abstract Watercolors by Louise van Terheijden of LouiseArt

We’re featuring some of our favorite Etsy artists this season in our catalog and online, including Louise van Terheijdan‘s abstract watercolors!

How did you get started on Etsy?

I discovered Etsy by accident. I was surfing the web, looking for a handmade gift for a friend. It was the summer of 2010. I immediately fell in love with this handmade community, and I wanted to be part of it!

Where do you like to turn to for inspiration

At the moment I’m working on a series called Sea Glass And Beach Finds.
 These little paintings are inspired by the beautiful nature of Sardegna, where I’ve stayed several summers. The colors on this Italian island are incredibly beautiful. When I paiant, I like to add my own interpretations to a theme. Painting an imaginary collection of pebbles could lead me to an observation of a human relationship. Figurative images become abstract, and vice versa.

How does where you live affect your art?

I work and live in the Netherlands in Europe where there is a long tradition of painting. You can find a lot of beautiful museums nearby for inspiration. I’m very lucky to live in a place with one of the best modern art museums, De Pont
, so I can visit this easily which is very inspiring. I love the Dutch painters René Daniëls and Marlene Dumas, for example. Having my own studio in a wonderful old house with an enormous garden is also very inspiring. I’m always surrounded by nature. Living with the seasons in my garden is reflected in my work.

What are your goals and fantasies for the LouiseArt studio?

I fantasize about making larger paintings because I get so many questions about it. I fantasize about sending my work into the world for others to enjoy! Making art is my full-time job. I love what I’m doing. 
Art is my passion. Realizing that I’m not alone in this big world and that we are all connected in one way or another: That’s what I want to express in my art.

Louise’s framed watercolor is featured on page 64 of the January catalog, and on westelm.com. You can get social with LouiseArt on Facebook.

For more of our featured Etsy artists, see west elm Collaborations | Etsy.

Images: Louise Van Terheijden, west elm