Guest blog: Rotterdam City Artist John Neve

In this new series of guest blogs, Rotterdam city artists have their say. What inspires them about Rotterdam? How do they express this in their work?

Let me introduce myself...

I am John Neve, born in Middelburg. Since my studies I have been a Rotterdammer for 50 years. After many years of working in health care I am now active in the field of visual arts. In high school my interest was aroused and stimulated by Hans Heeren, teacher and painter. For years I lacked the time to be productive myself.

In recent years I have learned a lot from various Rotterdam artists. In addition, I regularly draw from models together with others.

How do you proceed?

The materials I use are diverse. I work with pencil, ink, chalk and paint. I make watercolours and work with acrylic or oil paint on panel and canvas. I also etch occasionally and make lino and woodcuts. Sometimes I work on an i-pad.

I often sketch on location, sometimes take photos and work them out later. Sometimes I work on commission, but most of my work is more or less spontaneous.

How would you describe the style of your work?

My style is predominantly impressionistic naturalistic and sometimes abstract or more expressionistic.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I find my inspiration in my surroundings, the places I go, current events or in my fantasy. This results in portraits, still lifes, landscapes, village and cityscapes.

Finally, what appeals to you about Rotterdam?

As for cityscapes, Rotterdam and its surroundings are an inexhaustible source of inspiration for me. Its history, the contrasts of old and new, high versus low and of course the Rotte and the Maas. Walking around, looking and capturing the images that I find fascinating.