Artist Statement


Discipline and background

Meike van Riel resides in the visual arts discipline of painting, in which she preferably paints on large format canvas with acrylic or oil paint. Just about every day she is creating, which is not limited to painting alone: she enjoys creating poetry, sculptures, drawings and figurative art.

An education at Artibus was finished successfully and Van Riel founded the 'Nieuwe School' with a fellow artist: a painting school for adults.

Portrayal on the canvas

Meike van Riel enjoys to work as autonomously as possible.

In terms of content, her pursuit was driven by the theme of 'being human.' As of late summer 2022, the subject changed.

Currently, she is fascinated by the subject of simplicity. A recent collection of large minimalist paintings represent a response to today's complex society.

Van Riel portrays tranquility and simplicity.  She highly appreciates the viewer transcending into this imagery.

The mere simplicity is reflected in the use of color and composition. Consisting of multiple layers and hues, yet within the same color line. Presenting a clean and soothing image. Minimalism is a remark as a representation for this theme.

Inspiration and invitation

Van Riel's inspiration is profoundly connected to her fascinations, and the urgency to translate her emotional states to visual art.

She would love to invite you at her atelier, situated in Utrecht, The Netherlands.


2024/2025  december/january 

                  Hotel restaurant Bunk (solo), Utrecht

2019 /2023  Galerie Article (solo),Wijk bij Duurstede

2019/2021   Gallery Staalkast (solo),Utrecht

2019/2020  Galerie Vinkenburgstraat 8, Utrecht

2018             Project The Colorfield Performances,

                     Culturele hoofdstad Leeuwarden

2018             Galerie Zaansgroen (solo),Zaandam

2017/2018  Galerie Salon West (solo), Amsterdam

2015             Montfoort kunstenaars collectief  

2014             Galerie Huis ter Heide, Drenthe

2013             Camaver Kunsthaus gallery, 

                   Como Lake, Italië

2013              Mary K Hotel (solo), Utrecht

2012              Grand Hotel Karel V, Utrecht

2012              Galerie Sille Kunst, Oudewater