In the latest edition of our interview series, we once again dive into the world of minimalist aesthetics. In inspiring conversations with creative minds from the fields of architecture, design, and art, we explore how they are guided by their vision and how they express it in their works. Along the way, they provide us with interesting insights into their creative process and reveal how they perceive and shape the world. This time, I had the pleasure of having an inspiring conversation with Patrick van Riemsdijk.
Patrick van Riemsdijk (1986, Utrecht) is a Dutch artist whose works are characterized by a minimalist but powerful aesthetic. With a reduced color palette, the artist captures the essence of beauty and emotion through expressive techniques. His art balances between controlled composition and intuitive freedom, creating a fascinating dialogue between structure and spontaneous energy.
In this interview, Patrick talks about his creative process, the influence of his family on his artistic development and the importance of balancing control and letting go. He also gives exciting insights into the development of his unique style and reveals which projects he is currently working on.
Patrick, thank you so much for your time! You come from a family of artists. How did your parents and their artistic background shape your own creative path?
Both of my parents had a passion for the arts, but my father was especially dedicated. Our home was filled with creativity, his large easel stood in the living room, always holding a work in progress. Art wasn’t just something we admired; it was a way of life. Growing up in that environment, I naturally absorbed the drive to create.
It wasn’t just about learning techniques but about understanding the patience, discipline, and emotional depth that art requires. My father’s dedication showed me that creativity isn’t just about inspiration but about committing to the process, experimenting, and embracing imperfection.
How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?
My art is a blend of traditional and contemporary influences, capturing the essence of beauty and emotion through expressive techniques. Within the boundaries of my style, I experiment with new colors, materials, and forms. The result is minimalist, but not empty, it carries a charged silence, a space where the viewer can find their own meaning. My work invites introspection and is meant to convey both tranquility and strength.
My work invites introspection and is meant to convey both tranquility and strength.
How has your artistic style evolved to this day? Has your painting always been abstract?
My work has always been rooted in abstraction, but my approach has evolved. In my early years, I experimented more with textures and dynamic movements. Now, I seek a refined balance between composition, layering, color, and emptiness. I am increasingly conscious of layering, subtle contrasts, and imperfections that enhance the beauty of a piece. While my earlier work may have been more expressive and explosive, my style has developed into something more restrained and meditative.
Your works radiate a meditative calm. Is meditation or mindfulness part of your life, and how does this influence your approach to art?
Yes, in a way. I am very aware of the importance of silence and focus in my work. The act of painting itself is a form of meditation, it forces me to be completely in the moment, free from distractions and external expectations. I love this feeling; I even forget to eat and drink. I see it as a dialogue with the canvas, a process of observing, adjusting, and feeling. In that sense, mindfulness is an integral part of my creative process.
The act of painting itself is a form of meditation, it forces me to be completely in the moment, free from distractions and external expectations.
In an interview, you once mentioned that painting for you is like putting yourself onto the canvas. Are there specific aspects of your personality that are particularly strongly reflected in your works?
Absolutely. My paintings reflect my need for balance, simplicity, and authenticity. I am not someone who thrives in chaos or excess – I always seek clarity and meaning in what I do. That translates into my work: it is stripped down to the essence, without unnecessary elements. At the same time, there is a certain intensity and determination in my paintings, which I believe also speaks to my character.
Can you tell us something about the creative process behind your paintings? How do you go from the idea to the finished artwork, and how do you know when one of your works is finished?
My process usually begins with color. Color evokes a certain feeling or atmosphere, and from there, I build the painting. Sometimes I have a vague sketch in my mind, often I make many sketches on paper, and sometimes I just let the canvas guide me. Layer by layer, a dialogue emerges between me and the work. I often step back, observe it for a while, and sense if something is missing.
The moment a painting is finished is hard to define, but I know it intuitively – there is a point where everything feels right, and I no longer want to add anything. Knowing when to stop is an art in itself; in the past, I tended to go on too long, making the piece too crowded.
Your paintings are minimalist and incredibly powerful at the same time. How do you find the balance between simplicity and expressiveness?
That is something I have learned to sense over the years. Too many details can distract from the essence, but too little can feel empty. For me, it’s about finding the right rhythm in a composition, the interplay between what is seen and what is left unseen. Sometimes the power lies in what is not painted, in the space that remains. Finding that balance is an intuitive process, a search in which I rely on both experience and instinct.
And finally: What are you currently working on, and what are your plans for the future? Are there any topics you would like to explore further?
At the moment, I am working on a series of large canvases in which I further explore the idea of perspective and stillness. I am fascinated by how color and composition influence perception and how abstract art can function as a window into an inner experience. Additionally, I am experimenting with ways to bring my work into dialogue with the architecture in which it is presented. My studio in Mallorca provides the perfect setting for this, and I’m excited to push these ideas further.
Beyond that, I am also involved in some exciting projects and major collaborations. While I can’t share details just yet, there are inspiring things in the works that I look forward to revealing in the near future.
The moment a painting is finished is hard to define, but I know it intuitively – there is a point where everything feels right, and I no longer want to add anything.
