Leone Holzhaus,artist in Portugal
“Dutch light….in the heart of Portugal, that`s what inspired me to move to Portugal twenty one years ago.”
Dutch artist always have had a keen eye for light. True masters in showing and depicting the light.Within this tradition Leone has found her space in the wide, hilly interior of the northern Alentejo , bordering to the Spanish Extremadura.
Light that determines the atmosphere of the landscape. Light on the faces and clothes of the people on the land, in the streets, by the washplace.the man that peel the cork oaks. The bright Portuguese sun that draws rich shadows on the bright whitewashed walls of the houses, on the churhwall. Light on a mule standing under a three.
The spaciousness and stillness of the sweltering hot countryside, Leone observes it all, experiencing it all and paints it all. Impressions and portraits with a story because she knows the people and their history. They are people from the neighborhood and they became friends.
Born in 1948 raised in Bussum, Holland. Trained as a Graphic Designer at the Academy Artibus. Then she taught herself to paint. Portugal became her new homeland in 1990. Leone lives and works in Barretos since 2011,a village at the foot of the picturesque fortified village of Marvão,where time stood still. She lives in a tradional grocer shop and café, a colorful ,”tasca” that she restored to its former glory. Her studio is above the shop, whilst downstairs you can enjoy her artwork in the exhibition space and café, even enjoying a glass of wine.
Part of her work is also for sale as prints on linen in various sizes , A4 cards and postcards. The exhibition space is to visit, Leone will be pleased to show you her work.
Furthermore you will come across her work in the surrounding areas of Barretos in local restaurants ,swimming pool and shops. Everywhere were people getting together. People and the Portuguese countryside are the basis of her colorful and evocative work.
Galeria de Arte Barretos
Estrada National nº 14, 7330-011, Barretos, Marvão.