Ger Doornink (1949) is a multidisciplinary talent who specialises in painting, illustration and photography. He studied Publicity at the Arnhem Art Academy and began his career as a designer and photographer.
Living in Tokyo, Doornink was influenced by the “Japanese style”, using it throughout his designs of this period.
When moving back to Europe, he first settled in Milan to be inspired by the Italian masters. Upon returning home to the Netherlands, he found inspiration in the Dutch masters, specifically Rembrandt.
Nowadays, Ger Doornink portrays large scale female faces. He pulls together his wide knowledge of techniques and sources of inspiration that influenced him during his career and adds his own eye for beauty.
Doornink is constantly trying to explore and examen his own skill and technique. For example, he works with layer upon layer of watercolour, oil and resin. Also, the use of the Japonism and Cloissonism styles are present in his work. Notice the flat planes lacking perspective and the frame that separates the subject from the background. Two prominent characteristics of his painting.
The graphic white or black line, a common feature in his work, depicts abstract backlighting while enforcing his cloisonnist style.
In addition to this, the portraits are connected to cultural characteristics by portraying clothing or headgear with historical resemblance.
Serenely, the portrayed women look at their spectators, fixing their magnificent gaze.
Powerful stripes, smudges and stains intertwine the beautifully stylized faces. These additions turn the subjects into strong, graceful or vulnerable women while imparting a modern look to the large, imposing and aesthetic paintings of Ger Doornink.




