Biography

Anita Thevissen’s artistic journey began in her childhood, blossoming into a more intense creative pursuit during her residence in France’s “Pays de la Loire” region, a short drive from Paris. Immersed in this setting, she refined her watercolor techniques under the guidance of various mentors, from 2004 till 2015. Her return to her native Belgium in August 2015 marked the commencement of another chapter in her artistic journey. This phase culminated in the attainment of the Visual artist degree in 2021 after a five-year study at the Royal Academy of Arts (KABK) located in Oudenaarde (BE).

Thevissen’s art is deeply rooted in a natural and sustainable ethos, employing materials such as Indian ink, watercolors, water-based acrylics, and pencils on paper. Her affinity for Indian ink stems from its unique interaction with paper, mirroring how emotions and sensations are captured within people. Thevissen’s watercolor technique involves layering colors to enhance the drawing’s sensitivity and plasticity, a method she perfected in France, resulting in stunningly bright colors achieved without mixing pigments.

Critics in Belgium have noted the powerful lines in Thevissen’s work, imbuing it with expressive force. Her artistic focus centers on capturing the nuances of human emotions and behaviors through her figurative art. Her portfolio spans from elegant and recognizable portraits to depictions of disoriented figures or isolated body parts, each encapsulating a distinct emotional narrative. Thevissen’s drawings are a reflection of her mood, ranging from minimalist and monochrome, where white space exudes an enigmatic air, to vivid and colorful compositions radiating joy and sensuality. Throughout her diverse expressions, her art consistently seeks equilibrium between line tension and composition.

Her expertise in line drawings is evident as she captures the contours of her subjects with remarkable precision using just a few strokes—speed and directness characterize her approach. Her creations are born in the spontaneity of the moment. Employing a squirrel brush for drawing blurs the boundaries between drawing and painting.

She predominantly works on French or Italian watercolor paper, typically with a minimum weight of 140 Lb (brands like Arches or Fabriano), in sizes ranging from 5 by 10 inches to 44 by 60 inches.

Her overarching goal is to elicit emotions and stir viewers with her artwork, deriving immense joy from the smiles that her creations bring to people’s faces. Pierre Alechinsky, renowned for his vibrant freeform works, serves as a profound inspiration for Thevissen—particularly in her adept use of Indian ink. Anita cites the drawings by Van Gogh, stylized ink drawings by Pettibon and the figurative work of Kiki Smith as inspiring to her work.

Moreover, Anita’s artwork is instructed by the beautiful colors of Van Gogh and Hockney. Hockney’s methodology emboldens her to delve into vibrant hues within her watercolor compositions. This inspiration is evident in her ink and watercolor paintings and drawings, where she captures a similar intensity and vibrancy.

Anita took part in numerous group exhibitions.