Steffie de Leeuw is a Dutch artist whose work breathes life into the canvas. Her journey into the world of art began at a young age, guided by the loving influence of her father—a passionate art enthusiast, music lover, and skilled amateur painter and sculptor. Steffie’s artistic roots run deep, intertwined with her father’s impact, as he not only exposed her to the works of great masters but also instilled in her the art of seeing—the ability to recognize and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.
Armed with a degree from the University of Amsterdam and having honed her skills at the prestigious ‘Willem de Kooning’ Art Academy in Rotterdam, Steffie embarked on her artistic career, choosing oil paintings as her medium of expression. Her creations are a testament to her diverse inspirations, drawing from fine art, the influence of the great masters, and the unparalleled beauty of nature.
Travel holds a special place in Steffie’s heart, a passion passed down from her parents. It is the key that unlocks the door to her imagination. She traverses the globe, absorbing the sights and sounds of different cultures, blending these experiences with her innate creativity to construct a unique world of imagination on her canvases.
In the realm of Steffie de Leeuw’s artistic universe, the influence of her surname—the Lion—cannot be overlooked. Felines, particularly lions and leopards, grace her works, symbolizing strength, majesty, and a connection to the untamed wild. Her art becomes a canvas safari, where the Night Forest comes alive with the stealthy movements of leopards and the playful antics of monkeys.
One of her notable works, aptly titled “Night Forest,” invites viewers into a nocturnal realm where the jungle teems with life under the cover of darkness. The leopard, an elusive guardian of the night, observes a bathing monkey while others playfully hide among the foliage. Steffie’s use of mixed media adds depth and texture to her creations, capturing the essence of the jungle with a touch of magic. The finishing touch, Liquid Gloss with a delicate dusting of ‘floating’ glitter, transforms the artwork into a spectacle that sparkles and shimmers, offering a different perspective from every angle.
The journey through Steffie’s artistic evolution spans decades, an odyssey through various expressions of art that converge in her current body of work. Her pieces find homes in both private collections and public venues, a testament to the universal allure of her creations.
In conversation with Steffie de Leeuw, one can sense the passion that fuels her art. Her voice resonates with a love for nature, a fascination with wildlife, and an unyielding commitment to capturing the intangible beauty that surrounds us. It is this amalgamation of personal experiences, artistic heritage, and a keen eye for the unseen that defines Steffie’s contribution to the world of art.
As the sun sets over Amsterdam, Steffie continues to paint, her brush strokes weaving stories of the wild, the untamed, and the enchanting beauty of the Night Forest. With each creation, she invites us to join her on a journey through the canvas, where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur, and the art of seeing takes on a new dimension.
