Jan van der Kooi (Groningen, 1957) is a Dutch figurative draftsman and painter, widely regarded as one of the foremost living artists in the Netherlands. Van der Kooi grew up in the village of Bedum, where his love for nature and the countryside developed—an influence that would later feature prominently in his work. After completing secondary school and teacher training in Leeuwarden, he attended the Minerva Academy in Groningen from 1980 to 1983. There, he studied under esteemed artists such as Matthijs Röling and Martin Tissing, who further refined his technical skills and artistic vision.
Following his studies, Van der Kooi moved to Drachten, where he fully dedicated himself to drawing and painting a wide range of subjects, including landscapes, still life, portraits, nudes, and animal portraits. One of the distinguishing features of his work is the way he approaches his subjects: he often places them off-center and views them from unconventional angles, such as from above when they are lying on the ground. These unique compositions are enhanced by his subtle use of light and reflections, often cast by sunlight streaming in through high windows. His color palette is predominantly light, and his brushstrokes are equally delicate, giving his works a serene and refined atmosphere.
Initially, Van der Kooi was associated with the Northern Realism movement, but over time, his style evolved. He began incorporating more white and light into his work, and his subjects shifted from carefully arranged still lifes to spontaneous scenes from everyday life. His love of travel also played a significant role in shaping his art; Van der Kooi traveled to places such as Nepal, Peru, and the Middle East, and regularly visited Tuscany and Venice. These travels inspired him and introduced new elements into his paintings. Since 2010, he has been teaching annual masterclasses at the Classical Academy of Fine Arts in Groningen, passing on his knowledge and techniques to the next generation of artists.
A turning point in his career came after he moved to a new home and studio filled with light and space. This new environment brought a tonal shift in his paintings: they became brighter, more celebratory, and exuded a Southern, Mediterranean atmosphere. His "floor still lifes" gained particular attention during this period. In these works, Van der Kooi captured everyday objects such as steaming cups of coffee, baskets of wildflowers, and glasses of water, all set on his studio floor, bathed in sunlight. These paintings were praised for their playful use of light and composition. In recent years, Van der Kooi has shifted his focus to works centered around windows and the light that filters through them.
Despite his success, Van der Kooi remains modest and is known for his down-to-earth attitude. In an interview, he once said: "It’s flattering to be compared to Rembrandt’s drawing skills—he could also create a scene with just a few strokes—but I don’t need that, financially at least. My only ambition is to become better than Jan van der Kooi." Although humble, he remains driven to improve as an artist. "What makes me happiest is sitting in a meadow, with a thermos of tea beside me, homemade ink, and a sheet of paper. That’s when I truly feel content."
