Chantal van Leeuwen – Folklore

Original Contemporary Art – Mixed Media; pastel and oil paint.

Chantal experienced the magic and beauty of rich folklore in her studies in fashion history. Now living in Portugal she shows her interest in the traditional Portugese clothing that showcases a vibrant array of patterns. From the ornate floral patterns reminiscent of Portugal’s lush countryside tot geometric motifs influenced by architecture, each element tells a story of the land and its people. Her new collection of artwork follows inspired by Portugal’s cultural heritage.

Price € 300,- (Excluding VAT)

This painting is 40 x 40 cm. and is painted in on an iron panel. The painting will come with a certificate of origin from the artist.

This painting can be shipped through Europe and we be packed in a special frame to avoid any damage. Ask for shipping options info@houseofstyle.pt or at the shop at ANANTARA RESORT.

Artist Chantal van Leeuwen:

Born in the heart of the Netherlands in 1973, Chantal van Leeuwen was destined for a life immersed in creativity.Growing up in an artistic household, with a father who was a painter and a mother with a keen eye for style, she was exposed to the world of art from a tender age. Frequent visits to art exhibitions in the Netherlands and France during her childhood ignited a passion that would shape her future.

Formal training in textile, fashion, and interior design at the core of Chantal’s artistic journey. Here, she honed her skills in model drawing, composition, and color theory. A deep dive into abstraction, experimentation with diverse techniques,and a three-year exploration of 17th-century painting methods further enriched her artistic repertoire.

In recent years, Chantal has found her artistic home in the Algarve, Portugal. Inspired by the region’s captivating landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and the echoes of her past experiences in fashion and interior design, her work is a harmonious blend of abstract and figurative elements.

Algarve’s Alchemy: Creating with Clay pigments

Chantal’s fascination with the Algarve’s natural beauty is evident in her unique approach to pigments. She meticulously collects clay from the region’s cliffs, transforming them into a palette of warm earth tones, ochres, and deep reds. By combining these hand-processed pigments with oils, mixed media,and gold leaf, she creates works that are as tactile as they are visually stunning. The raw energy of the cliffs is captured on canvas, forming the foundation of her distinctive style.

Chantal van Leeuwen (1973) was immersed in the world of art from her earliest childhood. Born in The Netherlands, her father an artist, while her mother is a stylist. They often took her to art exhibitions in The Netherlands and in Paris and other areas of France when she was young.

She studied textile, fashion and interior design, where model drawing and compositions were focal points. She took lessons in abstraction, mixed techniques by different artists, and she studied 17th-century painting techniques for three years.

Living in the Algarve, she is focusing on her artwork, which has all been inspired by her past life experiences in fashion and interior design combined by the environment and cultural heritage of Portugal. Her style, a mix of abstract and figurative, is incorporated in her 17^th-century painting techniques and mixed media style. She makes her on pigments of the cliffs of the Algarve, paints on antique Portuguese door panels and a new collection of artwork follows inspired by Portugal’s cultural heritage of rich folklore.

Handmade pigments from the Cliffs of the Algarve

Chantal focuses on pigments and colors of stones from the cliffs of the Algarve. She started collecting pieces of stone to create color combinations. Warm earth, ochre to deep red rock became challenging color combinations. Chantal processes the fine rock on her canvases by mixing the pigments with oils and mixed media and a finish of fine gold leaf. The structure of the pigments of the cliffs provides a beautiful base

Reimagining History: Art on Antique Doors

A serendipitous discovery of antique Portuguese doors while exploring the Algarve cliffs led to a new artistic venture. The weathered charm and intricate details of these doors provide the perfect canvas for Chantal’s expressive brushstrokes. By fusing the past and present, she breathes new life into these historical artifacts, creating works that are both nostalgic and contemporary.

Portuguese Folklore Reimagined

Chantal’s deep appreciation for Portugal’s cultural heritage is reflected in her latest collection. Inspired by the vibrant patterns and rich symbolism of traditional Portuguese clothing, she translates these elements into contemporary art. Her work pays homage to the country’s history while offering a fresh perspective on its folklore.

Chantal van Leeuwen’s art is a testament to the power of inspiration and the transformative nature of creativity. Rooted in her Dutch heritage and nurtured by the Algarve’s enchanting environment, her work invites viewers to embark on a visual journey that celebrates both the past and the present.