Dutch painter Titus de Jong ( 24-03-1957) has been fascinated by the Far East, and specially by Far Eastern painting, from an early age. Living in Wageningen in the eighties he is fortunate that Japanese artist Eiko Kondo is giving classes in this small town. She teaches him the basics of sumi-e, in the following years he further develops himself. Since 1997 he works as a semi=professional artist, frequently taking part in exhibitions and giving workshops.
His main subject is nature; with sumi-e technique he tries to make visible the vitality and calmness he senses in nature. The art of sumi-e lies in using a few brushstrokes to (re-)create a whole world. Giving an impression rather than a perfect copy. The nature of the materials used asks for a resolute spontaneous way of painting.
The paper is very absorbing so, to create a clear line, it is necessary to work quickly. Before the brush touches the paper you have to know what you're going to do; hesitation results in blurry lines. This knowing beforehand can be the result of an image growing inside; the actual painting is not unlike a tree shedding its leaf.