Hi! I am Sabrine Strijbos, artist

Painting: A Journey of Joy, Freedom, and Expression

Painting fills me with a sense of joy, freedom, and relaxation. The moment I place a pristine, snow-white canvas on the easel, my mind focuses entirely on it. What will I create? What inspiration will guide me? I thrive on variety and have a wide range of interests, which is reflected in the diverse techniques and vibrant colors I use. While some may find this diversity confusing, I embrace it—it brings richness and energy to my work.

One of the most rewarding aspects of painting is the ability to use bold, expressive, and exuberant colors that truly make a statement. Interestingly, this contrasts with my personality in daily life, where I prefer a modest and understated approach. This duality—vivid, striking paintings and a grounded, unpretentious outlook—adds depth to my creative journey.

I am deeply drawn to positivity and authenticity. For me, colors offer a unique lens through which to view the world. Take, for instance, the idea of painting orange animals. Envisioning them basking in the sunlight breathes life into them, making them vivid and believable. Colors help me convey the strength of an animal or translate an abstract concept into something tangible. Can you see it too?

My journey with painting began early in life. By the age of 12, I was already wielding an oil brush, creating small, detailed paintings. Later, I discovered watercolor and used this medium to surprise my sister José with a personal project: illustrating her poems in a private edition of our book, Children’s Thoughts. These poems explored the beauty of wonder of children, and the project caught the attention of publisher Terra. Together with José, we published Between Colour and Refracted Light, selling over 1,000 copies.

A pivotal moment in my artistic journey came after a trip to South Africa with my husband, Peter. The powerful presence of wild animals during our game drives left an indelible mark on me. I couldn’t stop thinking about them. Beyond photographs, I felt compelled to capture their essence in another way. This led me to start painting wild animals using acrylics that radiate the warmth and brilliance of sunlight.

In addition to wildlife, I also explore the world of acrylic fluid art. This technique is a completely different experience—intuitive, dynamic, and delightfully messy, often leaving me covered in paint up to my elbows!

I create whatever inspires me in the moment, and I’m always happy to take on commissioned work. Just share a word, and let’s bring your vision to life.