Hi!
I'm Naomi, a visual artist, curator, and art educator (courses and workshops) with a focus on painting and drawing. You can find my art and more information about my practice at 'www.naomimakkelie.nl'.
As an experienced artist and art educator in the form of Painting Workshops at Treehouse NDSM, I offer a unique approach to art education. My background in art studies at HKU, a year of Psychology at UvA, and the rich teaching experiences of my family form the foundation of my teaching method. I possess an in-depth knowledge of contemporary painting and techniques, far removed from the conventional painting courses that often limit themselves to replicating models or still lifes. I am eager to share these modern insights to prepare you for a future in the current art world, which is a crucial part of the admission process to art academies.
In my career, I have explored the power of personal expression through art, both in my own work and in guiding aspiring artists. My experience ranges from conducting workshops at Treehouse NDSM to developing my own Art Practice, where I exhibit and display my work, and of course, spend a significant amount of time creating my art. However, there's so much more involved, which many art academies unfortunately don't pay much attention to, such as promoting your work through Social Media, your Website, and applications for prizes and grants. I won the Buning Brongers Prize in 2018, and was nominated that same year for the Royal Prize for Modern Painting and the Dooyewaard Stipendium. I can also guide you in applying for grants, prizes, and other types of applications, help you write Artist Statements and Project Plans (for grants), and of course, with the writing part of the application to art academies. I can also provide information more focused on the art practice, building your own business. In today's times, this gives many self-taught artists the opportunity to set up an art practice through the internet and entrepreneurial skills, with an online shop selling (limited-edition or open-edition) prints of their paintings or drawings, and amazingly, many artists are able to earn a decent income this way, with some going viral on platforms like Instagram and suddenly becoming world-famous. This is not something that happens quickly or often, but it does represent a significant shift in the Contemporary Art World, which previously was much harder to establish your own business and art practice, making the artist much more dependent on representation by a Gallery.
My lessons focus on (re)discovering the joy of making art. I believe that every individual has a unique creative process, and that in art, there is no right or wrong. With my extensive knowledge of people, I can tailor guidance and coaching to meet the needs and interests of each student. Whether it's about building an impressive portfolio, exploring pre-courses, or navigating the choices of art academies and directions, I'm ready to share my expertise. Also, having studied at various Academies in the Netherlands (KABK, HKU, and Frank Mohr Institute (Master of Fine Arts) but also being admitted to the foundation year of Rietveld, which I chose not to pursue, I can explain exactly what the different expectations are of each Academy, which can vary considerably. Each Academy has its own approach and philosophy.
In my workshops and personal coaching sessions, you'll learn not only the essential skills of the trade but also how to further develop your own style. This includes professionally stretching canvases and applying contemporary painting techniques that are essential for successful admission to the art academy. I am a professional painter and draughtsman, but can guide you in almost any medium and material.
Located in the bright and inspiring studio at Treehouse NDSM, or on location in Amsterdam (with a possible travel expense reimbursement outside Amsterdam), I offer an environment where creativity and individual expression are central.
Are you ready to elevate your artistic skills, rediscover the joy of art creation, build a portfolio for admission to an art academy, and prepare for the admission process to greatly increase your chances of being admitted? I can also explore with the student which Academy best suits him/her, having experience with multiple academies, I can look together with the student at what best fits them, and provide enough information about what it's like at an art academy to reduce the chance of dropping out early due to a 'wrong picture' of what it's like at an academy.
For more information, contact me about my offerings and how I can support you in your unique creative development and discovering where your talents lie!
