Painting
Chris de Hoog
Chris de Hoog is an artist living and working on Wadawurrung Country (Geelong, Victoria). Inspired by nature, memory, and colour, he creates expressive, imaginary landscapes.
Artist Profile
Chris’ artistic process usually begins by making intuitive marks on the material (often using leftover paint from a previous piece) and letting that determine the direction of the work. This is followed by a process of refinement and covering up/removing aspects to bring out something new. He rarely paints from a source such as a photograph, as he finds his inherent perfectionism gets in the way of creating something truly expressive.
Chris was born in Canberra, Australia in 1986. He obtained a Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) from RMIT University in 2009. He has been a practising artist since 2018, exhibiting all over Australia.
Artist Interview
What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?
I mainly use acrylic paint, but also incorporate oil sticks and paint pens in my work. I love working in acrylics because of their short drying time and ease of use. Adding oils over the top brings another level of texture, which I also love.
How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?
My work goes through a number of iterations that involves adding and/or removing sections, playing around with unusual colour combinations and adding layers upon layers. I get the painting to a point where it feels right and I’ve painted over the parts that aren’t working. Sometimes the most difficult works to finish turn out to be the best.
Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?
I have a studio at home that I share with my wife, who is also an artist. We have four kids, who love to critique our work!
Career Highlights
- Finalist in ‘Heart of the Bush’ exhibition – Goondiwindi Artspace Jan 2023
- Curator and exhibitor for ‘Beyond the Horizon’ group exhibition – Hue & Cry Gallery (Geelong) May 2023
