RK Hercules
Born: 1989
Hometown: Amsterdam
Based in: Amsterdam
Born in 1989, RKHercules is a self-taught Dutch contemporary artist from Amsterdam. Her work is known for its striking female portraits, a subject that is inspired by her time studying the oil paintings of old masters. In her lifelong pursuit of art, Hercules developed her characteristic style that blends the old and the new; by drawing from the image of modern women today through Instagram models and the fashion industry, she joins these often contradictory depictions of women together, creating a timeless vignette of the modern woman.
Today, Hercules is devoted to her craft, creating artwork both on commission and with a unique eye for interior decor. Believing that artwork should be part of the home, not merely an ornament placed on the wall, Hercules works to create beautiful art for every client’s home, considering every detail, from furniture to wall color. An artwork from Hercules is said to become a member of the family, perfectly crafted to fit within its environment.
“A true piece of art blends in with its surroundings and lifts the energy of the room” - RKHercules
More About RK Hercules
What inspires you?
I am always inspired by beautiful models and interiors. When I see a models image, on the internet or in magazine, I get caught up in her look. Then I imagine the painting in a interior. Most of the times I have an ideal interior in my mind, also found online. Then I match my painting with the interior so it gets an ideal "home"
Describe your creative process.
Im inspired by the layered technique from the old masters but gave my own touch to it. I like to use unusual colors as undertones and love to make it imperfect. The challenge is to net get caught up in too many "accidents" and still make it look like 1 beautiful piece.
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
contemporary female portraits with a touch of rembrandt
Who are some artists that have influenced your work?
rembrandt, casedy baugh
What is the most important tool when creating your work?
my mind. I schedule drip/stroke/scratch in the beginning. I imagine everything before I start.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
do art everyday. every-day. even when you dont feel like it. It improves so much :). Ive been painting my whole life and Im actually a perfectionist. In the beginning when I painted I wanted "myladies" as I call them, to look exactly like my references. But that was not satisfying at all. I was too perfect. I taught my self to let go more and more.
Where do you go for inspiration?
Most me from browsing online. I look on interior websites and fashion website for the latest trends and photos. Most of the time a look of a model catches my eyes, and them Im like "I have to paint her"!
Collections featuring RK Hercules
1 Collection
