Colour and attention
shift the ordinary

I paint small, everyday moments, often seen from above.

Adventure, abstract art print by Petra van der Lem

recent work

What starts intuitively sometimes moves closer to recognition.

a Flock of Daydreams - a collection of colorful abstract paintings on paper in handmade paper-mache frames by artist Petra van der Lem

art on paper

a Flock of Daydreams

This collection is a reminder that dreams, like art, can start small and grow beyond our wildest expectations.
‘A Flock of Daydreams’ is my first step in dreaming big.

Frame 6 of 'a Flock of Daydreams'. Colorful abstract painting on paper in emerald green and teal blue in a handmade paper-mache frame by artist Petra van der Lem

Sideview of 'a Flock of Daydreams'. A collection of colorful abstract paintings in handmade paper-mache frames by artist Petra van der Lem

See more!

More info

Abstract Bliss

Bite-size Art
to brighten up
your home!

Pick & choose your favorites!

Abstract Bliss

Bite-size Art
to brighten up
your home!

Pick & choose
your favorites!

Hi, I’m Petra!

For me, art serves as a means of communication, allowing me to convey stories that cannot be expressed in words.

Of all the senses, vision fascinates me the most, often undervalued and overlooked.

Through my art, I invite you on a visual journey, where you can learn to appreciate the precious gift of sight.

There’s more!

Hi, I’m Petra!

For me, art serves as a means of communication, allowing me to convey stories that cannot be expressed in words.

Of all the senses, vision fascinates me the most, often undervalued and overlooked.

Through my art, I invite you on a visual journey, where you can learn to appreciate the precious gift of sight.

There’s more!

The Gift of Sight

People have eyes, but not always the ability to see

‘The Gift of Sight’ is a body of work that is about seeing and being seen. It is about little imperfections that you notice when your eyes travel across the paper. The colors are inspired by the rainbow, my favorite color! The nine circles represent focussing on the positive and turning within. This collection of 9 paintings are inspired by my six-year-old niece and things she and I talked about.

It is because of my niece, that I value the gift of sight even more. Her visual disadvantage allowed me to evaluate what vision really means to me. It also made me realize that the ability to see is easily overlooked and under appreciated.

SEE THE COLLECTION
‘The Gift of Sight’

All paintings in this series are framed and available for sale. For each painting that is sold € 48 will be donated to Retinoblastoom Centrum Nederland and directly benefits retinoblastoma. This may be in the form of scientific research or something simpler to educate children about the disease. You don’t have to buy my art to make a donation every cent for cancer research counts! Thank you for your kindness.

Abstract paintings on canvas or paper by Petra van der Lem

Figurative paintings on paper or canvas by Petra van der Lem

Collage or assemblage on paper or canvas by Petra van der Lem

art on canvas

Angel Tears

The delicate golden details are Angel Tears. Happy memories, tears of joy, intangible connections felt only for a moment.

Metallic shimmering details on Angel Tears an abstract painting by Petra van der Lem.

Happy tears in gold leaf. Sparkly details on Angel Tears a painting by Petra van der Lem.

Mockup of Angel Tears n abstract painting by Petra van der Lem.

Latest from Blog

Read about the stories or inspiration behind (most of) my art.

Art on paper

Happy to see you!

A simple play of form and colour, where fruit comes together to suggest a face. In ‘Happy to see you!’ something familiar appears, turning an everyday moment into a small, unexpected smile.