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Open Studio with Square Confetti – Jasper Oostland opens his doors with vibrant new work

During the Pentecost weekend (Saturday June 7 to Monday June 9), visual artist Jasper Oostland once again opens his studio doors to the public. Visitors are welcome to drop by, explore his colorful work up close, and have a chat with the artist himself.

This year, many paintings share a new visual element. Alongside the frogs and other animals that still appear everywhere, the square plays a prominent role. "I find that squares give me a sense of calm," Jasper says. "Both the shape of the canvas and the tiny blocks within the paintings themselves. And the fact that these squares sometimes resemble confetti just makes it more joyful."

The inspiration came from an unexpected source. "Besides painting, I've recently returned to an old hobby of mine: drawing sprites – tiny pixelated figures used in video games. You literally draw frame by frame, square by square. The limited color palette is also a creative challenge for me. And I bring that feeling back onto the canvas."

"Despite all the squares, animals remain a central theme in my work. I often paint them in human–like situations, and my frogs are probably the most recognizable."

Painting all those colorful blocks is a meticulous job. "Sometimes I have to go over a square four times to get the color just right," Jasper explains. "I experiment with masking, but in the end, I always go back to painting everything by hand."

Some paintings are built on a precise grid, forming a graphic play of color and rhythm. Others are looser, more playful. "I let things emerge, but the limitation of the square also forces me to make choices. That tension makes it interesting."

Visitors are welcome to explore Jasper's studio, home, and garden in a relaxed atmosphere. Free coffee and tea will be available, and people are welcome to stay as long as they like. In addition to original paintings, there are also prints and art postcards for sale.

What does Jasper hope visitors take away from their visit? "A good mood! People often tell me my work makes them happy – and that's a wonderful compliment. With all those square confetti and animals, I think we'll definitely manage that this year."

A frog, another frog, more frogs?! Yes, right now you find yourself on the website of the figurative painter Jasper Oostland who apparently 'has something' with tree frogs. The red-eyed tree frog (Agalychnis callidryas) is starring in most of his colourful paintings. When you look a bit further, you will see that other animals take part in his collection as well. You will find: cats, dogs, birds, reptiles or any other animal.

The works are figurative. They are painted in a realistic style with many layers of acrylic paint. The images are alienating and surreal.

Jasper’s art is continually on exhibition, in Groningen and in other locations of the Netherlands. See exhibitions

In the webshop you can order everything from postcards to calendars and reproductions (giclées). For the original work or a commissioned painting please get into contact.

Would you like to stay informed about exhibitions or other new activities? Click here to join the mailing list.

Have fun!

Latest paintings: Toucan on squares, Two hooded crows, Two corvids, Turtle with arrows, knapsack, Sailboat, Squirrel with books, Yellow, Stichting Bebo and Pink tights.