“Dutch artist specializing in heartfelt pastel pet portraits”

I’m Esther, a Dutch artist who has been living in the beautiful province of Zeeland, in the southwest of the Netherlands, for more then 23 years. I share my life here with my husband, Hennie. Together, we have three wonderful children and two delightful grandchildren.

My journey as an artist began as a self-taught creator. Initially, I started drawing mandalas as a way to relieve stress from running our own company, HE-logistics B.V. I dabbled in lettering and adult coloring books, but I quickly found myself drawn to something more intricate and fulfilling. When I stumbled upon mandalas, I thought, I can do this. And so I began.

What started as a simple hobby soon turned into a passion. My mandalas grew bigger, more detailed, and increasingly complex. Today, my collection features a stunning variety of geometric patterns inspired by nature, emotions, and life itself. I love this unique art form and often encourage others to try it for themselves.

After mastering mandala art, I wanted to challenge myself further. I ventured into realistic drawing—starting with graphite, then crayons, and finally pastels. My first realistic pastel painting was of my beloved dog, Angel. It was a deeply emotional experience and gave me the confidence to explore realistic animal portraits. What began as a hobby has grown into a meaningful part of my life, as I now take on commissioned work.

There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the joy in someone’s eyes—or even tears—when they receive a portrait of their cherished pet. It reminds me why I do this: to capture not just an animal, but the bond, the love, and the soul behind it.

Beyond animals, my art has expanded to include many subjects, each created with care, patience, and passion.

“CREATIVITY TAKES COURAGE”