“There are no mistakes,
only happy accidents.”

~ Bob Ross

Petra van der Lem

About Petra

My name is Petra van der Lem, Dutch artist and designer with a great love for color. I believe colors can set a mood, make a statement and change the way you feel. I make (mostly) abstract works in which I am guided by what happens on the paper or canvas. I enjoy small imperfections and can be delighted by the unexpected beautiful ‘oops’.

Creative exploration

More and more, my intuition has become my guide. I started paying attention to what my inner vision shows me and let my art become my voice. I explored new ways of seeing and telling stories without words. Concentric circles are used as a metaphor for creative courage. Sometimes you need to turn inwards, to dive deeper in yourself. Other times you need to expand, take a leap and get out of your comfort zone. My art takes you on a journey, just take your time and let your eyes travel over my painting to imaginary worlds, where you’ll find happy memories and sparks of joy.

The gift of sight

Vision is the sense that fascinates me the most. By observing I learn. By creating images I communicate. By seeing I understand. I realize that the ability to see is easily overlooked and under appreciated. My niece’s visual disadvantage made me realize what vision means to me and what a gift sight really is.

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!

WORK IN PROGRESS

New Beginnings

‘New Beginnings’ is a series of paintings about starting over – or better said – in a new way. I explore new ways to create and be inspired. Click below to get a sneak peek.

take a Sneak peek!

Explore

Create

Inspire

Short Bio

I was born in 1976 in the western part of the Netherlands. I’ve always had a strong desire to learn and explore. Since I was a child, I found joy in playing with colors and discovering their endless possibilities. This passion led me to pursue studies in graphic design at the Grafisch Lyceum in Rotterdam.

After gaining experience at a graphic design studio for a year, I felt a deep curiosity to broaden my horizons. This led me to embark on a new adventure in Interior Design at the Royal Academy of Arts in The Hague.

However, my thirst for knowledge and creativity didn’t stop there. I was eager to delve into the world of Art History, which led me to pursue studies at Leiden University. In 2008, I proudly obtained my BA in Art History, with a minor in Printmaking.

This journey has ignited a lifelong love for learning and a profound passion for art. I’m excited to continue exploring and see where this path takes me.

Meet ‘Metamorphosis’ my painting that started out as a potted plant, became a wild river and is now a volcano bursting with ideas…