Miriam van Veen

Hi, I am Miriam (1966). My studio is at the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, a beautiful Nature Park in the middle of the Netherlands. I paint animals, birds, flowers and other nature subjects, mostly in watercolor. 

My connection with nature and animals is an important source of inspiration. The character that radiates from each animal is fascinating to me and is a theme in my work.  As is the unique role of wildlife in the balance of nature. Besides wildlife, pets and farm animals are a great attraction as subjects. 

I am also working on commissioned pet portraits, be they dogs, cats, birds and all other animals. We have a special bond with our pets, we share memories and they elicit strong positive emotions, they are family. This is the starting point for a portrait and the effort to enliven it with an animals unique character and expression. Attention to detail and specific characteristics that I see in my subjects result in a portrait with special personal and meaningful close-up for the spectator.  Do you want to know more about making a pet portrait of your pet/animal, please look under the heather 'Huisdier portretten'.

With my nature inspired art, I want to bring the beauty of nature indoors an tell her stories. Watercolor is a wonderful medium with vivid colors and a transparent effect.

My passion for nature and painting and drawing was always present and also runs in the family. I am educated by various English artists, in the botanical tradition, painting in watercolor and Natural History illustration.  As a daughter of a biologist, I have gained a lot of knowledge and interest in all sorts of animals, birds, flowers, trees and all kind of aspects of nature from an early age. With my work I hope to give nature the attention it deserves and to contribute to the awareness of the beauty and value of nature and animals. Researching my subjects is an important part of the creation process. This often results in special 'discoveries', these stories are  incorporated into the image.