The art by Gerard de Nijs

Meet the work of Gerard de Nijs, a naïve artist who only began painting seriously at the age of 59 and never stopped painting for the rest of his life.

Gerard had an itch to paint his entire life, but he only started at the age of 59. Gerard was continuously inspired by his own work but also by the many other naïve works he saw. He was known for painting day in and day out.

Gerard de Nijs created a world full of symbolism and romance with his work. Although Gerard was very modest, he was able to convincingly shape ideas and intentions through his language and imagery.

He often painted girls who turn their backs. He painted them frequently because he was convinced that they conveyed something enigmatic and mysterious. He also believed that many people could identify with the girl.

Characteristics of his art are the symmetrically waving waters and skies, the trees and flowers meticulously arranged with fine details of leaves and blades of grass, and, of course, the girls who turn their backs.