Natura magnifica.

Standing in quietude, I remember your face. With its classical features and serene expression, the one I loved has turned to stone. In this desolation, life erupts in a vibrant display—flowers of various species and colors intertwine in a lush, chaotic harmony. Birds, butterflies, and other insects add a dynamic, ethereal touch, contrasting with the statue's stillness. The vivid oranges, purples, and blues of the flowers create a mesmerizing tapestry, meticulously crafted to convey movement and growth. Life can flourish from a single teardrop.

This juxtaposition of cold, timeless marble with the dynamic, ephemeral nature of the flowers symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and death. I aimed to create artwork that reflects my personal journey through grief and resilience, navigating the loss of a dearly loved one while striving to embrace the continuity of life.

Digital composite from own photography.

We associate a healthy rainforest with abundance of life and a symbol of this life is the macaw. This beautiful parrot and other members of this species are highly intelligent and can outlive people.

Sadly, almost a third of the world's parrot species is under threat of extinction. Largely due to human activity, parrots have the largest number of threatened species of all bird families. The scarlet macaw is one of the world's most critically endangered parrots.

There are sanctuaries being made for these animals and their numbers are slowly rising. In these portraits of them, I envisioned a small paradise for these beautiful creatures where they can roam free, and find a safe place in our natural world.

Standing in quietude, I remember your face. With its classical features and serene expression, the one I loved has turned to stone. In this desolation, life erupts in a vibrant display—flowers of various species and colors intertwine in a lush, chaotic harmony. Birds, butterflies, and other insects add a dynamic, ethereal touch, contrasting with the statue's stillness. The vivid oranges, purples, and blues of the flowers create a mesmerizing tapestry, meticulously crafted to convey movement and growth. Life can flourish from a single teardrop.

This juxtaposition of cold, timeless marble with the dynamic, ephemeral nature of the flowers symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and death. I aimed to create artwork that reflects my personal journey through grief and resilience, navigating the loss of a dearly loved one while striving to embrace the continuity of life.

Digital composite from own photography.

We associate a healthy rainforest with abundance of life and a symbol of this life is the macaw. This beautiful parrot and other members of this species are highly intelligent and can outlive people.

Sadly, almost a third of the world's parrot species is under threat of extinction. Largely due to human activity, parrots have the largest number of threatened species of all bird families. The scarlet macaw is one of the world's most critically endangered parrots.

There are sanctuaries being made for these animals and their numbers are slowly rising. In these portraits of them, I envisioned a small paradise for these beautiful creatures where they can roam free, and find a safe place in our natural world.

Standing in quietude, I remember your face. With its classical features and serene expression, the one I loved has turned to stone. In this desolation, life erupts in a vibrant display—flowers of various species and colors intertwine in a lush, chaotic harmony. Birds, butterflies, and other insects add a dynamic, ethereal touch, contrasting with the statue's stillness. The vivid oranges, purples, and blues of the flowers create a mesmerizing tapestry, meticulously crafted to convey movement and growth. Life can flourish from a single teardrop.

This juxtaposition of cold, timeless marble with the dynamic, ephemeral nature of the flowers symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and death. I aimed to create artwork that reflects my personal journey through grief and resilience, navigating the loss of a dearly loved one while striving to embrace the continuity of life.

Digital composite from own photography.

Standing in quietude, I remember your face. With its classical features and serene expression, the one I loved has turned to stone. In this desolation, life erupts in a vibrant display—flowers of various species and colors intertwine in a lush, chaotic harmony. Birds, butterflies, and other insects add a dynamic, ethereal touch, contrasting with the statue's stillness. The vivid oranges, purples, and blues of the flowers create a mesmerizing tapestry, meticulously crafted to convey movement and growth. Life can flourish from a single teardrop.

This juxtaposition of cold, timeless marble with the dynamic, ephemeral nature of the flowers symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and death. I aimed to create artwork that reflects my personal journey through grief and resilience, navigating the loss of a dearly loved one while striving to embrace the continuity of life.

Digital composite from own photography.

Collage artworks are alive with creative energy - dynamic, diverse and surprising.

The artist Jesper Krijgsman’s vibrant tableaus compile flora and fauna into exotic dreamscapes, skillfully combining natural and fantastical motifs.

His seamless collages unite the real and the imagined, land and sea, in harmonic compositions. These works invite us to dive into a parallel world, one full of life, where singing birds, humming insects and gentle breezes are joined in chorus.

“To me, the process of evolution is like magic. It’s exactly this sense of wonder that I try to express in my art - I want to celebrate the diversity of our natural world by highlighting its more mysterious qualities” Krijgsman’s greatest source of inspiration is nature itself.

The artist is fascinated by the sheer diversity of plant and animal species on our planet. For him, evolution is like an artist, using ever-changing shapes, materials and colors to create endless new wonders. He sees his own work as tribute to the natural world – taking its creations and reinterpreting them in stunning new arrangements.The first step in Krijgsman’s process is photographing every individual element of his lush compositions. Countless shapes and objects are painstakingly arranged and shot in his studio, before being combined through a series of digital tools.

Over the years, Krijgsman has assembled an enormous private archive of elements from which he can draw from, enabling him to create endless new vistas and fantastical worlds.

During the Age of Enlightenment, people believed in the importance of happiness, the pursuit of knowledge through reason, and the evidence of the senses. This enabled individuals to achieve enlightenment both cognitively and spiritually.

The bond between these birds is remarkable in the forest as their white feathers shine and brighten up the foliage, providing a sense of guidance. White cockatoos, in spiritual terms, symbolize hope. The sulphur-crested cockatoo's beautiful yellow crest, which can be displayed and hidden at will, is a representation of enlightenment. These birds fly among the angels, guiding the way through cloudy days and illuminating the world around them.

Special thanks to Ellen for letting me photograph her two beautiful Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos Sammy and Yara.

Collage artworks are alive with creative energy - dynamic, diverse and surprising.

The artist Jesper Krijgsman’s vibrant tableaus compile flora and fauna into exotic dreamscapes, skillfully combining natural and fantastical motifs.

His seamless collages unite the real and the imagined, land and sea, in harmonic compositions. These works invite us to dive into a parallel world, one full of life, where singing birds, humming insects and gentle breezes are joined in chorus.

“To me, the process of evolution is like magic. It’s exactly this sense of wonder that I try to express in my art - I want to celebrate the diversity of our natural world by highlighting its more mysterious qualities” Krijgsman’s greatest source of inspiration is nature itself.

The artist is fascinated by the sheer diversity of plant and animal species on our planet. For him, evolution is like an artist, using ever-changing shapes, materials and colors to create endless new wonders. He sees his own work as tribute to the natural world – taking its creations and reinterpreting them in stunning new arrangements.The first step in Krijgsman’s process is photographing every individual element of his lush compositions. Countless shapes and objects are painstakingly arranged and shot in his studio, before being combined through a series of digital tools.

Over the years, Krijgsman has assembled an enormous private archive of elements from which he can draw from, enabling him to create endless new vistas and fantastical worlds.

Collage artworks are alive with creative energy - dynamic, diverse and surprising.

The artist Jesper Krijgsman’s vibrant tableaus compile flora and fauna into exotic dreamscapes, skillfully combining natural and fantastical motifs.

His seamless collages unite the real and the imagined, land and sea, in harmonic compositions. These works invite us to dive into a parallel world, one full of life, where singing birds, humming insects and gentle breezes are joined in chorus.

“To me, the process of evolution is like magic. It’s exactly this sense of wonder that I try to express in my art - I want to celebrate the diversity of our natural world by highlighting its more mysterious qualities” Krijgsman’s greatest source of inspiration is nature itself.

The artist is fascinated by the sheer diversity of plant and animal species on our planet. For him, evolution is like an artist, using ever-changing shapes, materials and colors to create endless new wonders. He sees his own work as tribute to the natural world – taking its creations and reinterpreting them in stunning new arrangements.The first step in Krijgsman’s process is photographing every individual element of his lush compositions. Countless shapes and objects are painstakingly arranged and shot in his studio, before being combined through a series of digital tools.

Over the years, Krijgsman has assembled an enormous private archive of elements from which he can draw from, enabling him to create endless new vistas and fantastical worlds.

A breeze of wind clears away a patch of mist in the wilderness to reveal animals with nature living together harmoniously.

This breeze allows the sun to come through and the inhabitants to feel its warmth. A brief touch of kindness and light.

An ephemeral moment – but significant to our being.

This work is inspired by the ink wash paintings we see in Asian culture (hence the muted color palette and use of magnolia flowers). I admire the regal sense of animals depicted and flow of nature.

These two peacocks have made their nest in heaven. The tail morphs into a waterfall – symbolizing the symbiotic relationships animals have with the natural world.

Could it be their love and warmth raining down from the sky into our world?

These two peacocks have made their nest high in the sky and are watching over their kingdom. I find peacocks very interesting and mystical creatures. Besides looking beautiful in their deep colours, long and imposing tails, there is also something in their gaze in which I can see that they are thinking. Moreover, they also have something almost fairy-like. This is why I use them more often in my work. This time finally in full glory and the tail also plays a big role.

The title of this work is "Indigo". Indigo is the name of a colour between blue and violet. I found this name fitting as it leaves on the deep blue of the peacock itself, but also on the landscape in which the animals move; especially at this sunrise with the mist between the mountains (photographed in Khao Yai National Park in Thailand).

There are also several butterflies around the peacocks, and the trees are Peruvian pepper tree (photographed separately). I found this interesting because the purple colour of the pepper among the leaves gives a nice colourful and deep effect. In short: a mystical scene at sunrise.

All the elements were photographed by the artist himself and digitally merged.

The sun parakeet (Aratinga solstitialis), also known in aviculture as the sun conure, is a medium-sized, vividly coloured parrot native to northeastern South America. These energetic critters make their home in this country for a time, and the nature around them has existed for millions of years.

Antiquity and wisdom merge with new creatures, birth and death. A story as old as time.

Also on display are butterflies, lizards, palm trees and cacti and succulents.

All the elements were photographed by the artist himself and digitally merged.

As the last light of summer warms my face, I see the change in the color of the leaves. The year has gone to the middle of its life; in its third and penultimate stage. As I put on my coat during this time of year, it seems the trees will shed theirs.

Autumn is a season of contrast and introspection. As the skies lose their color and the sun's warmth gets replaced by a chill in the air, one might think of the end of things.

It is, however, a season for opportunity. For introspection and change – or, when feeling content, find solace in things just staying the same. Going along with the natural rhythm of the changing of seasons.

I will rejoice in this autumnal delight. For I hope it remedies my fall blues.

Sunlight, Water, and Nutrients. All falling down from above. Mixed through the air and wind – the cadence of nature’s breath in flow. Once down on the ground, it provides opportunities for life to grow and blossom.

This play between the sky and the ground is fascinating to me. Here I stand, showered in the love from above. Cascading down from the eternal sky.

Find me in a hidden place. An untouched meadow that grows in my head. Like the creatures it inhabits, I may reach for it in dark times and find my hiding place. An inner sanctum where my treasure lies: Inner peace. There in the tranquil evenings of summer, I find peace and a place where you can be what you are.

My journey started as a humble seedling. Through summers and winters, I’ve nurtured the gifts that are given from this world and grew into what I am today. I may be a tall tree or a colorful meadow of flowers. A lifetime of growing steady and strong. When we flourish, we are seen by all.

After winter, life will spark outside like fireworks. Inside however, we all cause tiny sparks: electrical impulses flow through the nerve system and fire up neurons on a daily basis. These internal fireworks allow us to perceive the world and live life to the fullest. As hearts collide I hope it causes more sparks to fly. Waiting to light the fire in your heart.

The symbiotic and spiritual bond between the plant and animal kingdom is something we could all learn from. In this piece, I wanted to portray a vision of this relationship in a fairytale setting. Looking to the future, I hope to see a stronger bond between humankind and nature. A clear vision moving forward...

This piece is about our relation with water. We might feel a disconnect with aquatic life as we are land mammals. Even though we share an elemental factor: from water, life emerged. We still might find solace through water. To reflect, bathe and drink. Water possesses as much mystical qualities as the land. Maintaining the health of our oceans and streams is crucial as life floats through it and all depend on it.

Pura Vida is the Costa Rican way of life: Pure life. The Vida in this country is abundant and during my travels there I was mesmerised how pure it was. Life is everywhere, and thriving. My kind of paradise on earth.

Reflecting on the last days of summer...

Seasons change and time passes. Our feelings are not what they once were. In this new era I grieve for all we must leave behind and part with. Even though nature cycles through its phases of life and death, birth and rebirth, it’s hard to imagine a bright future without you.

Now that we parted I will miss being warmed by the light coming from you. Still, you’ll never be completely gone, for the lasting imprint you’ve made will remain. I will never find myself in complete darkness, as a trace of the light you lit within will always shine within. Forever. Glowing.

It still amazes me how the natural world maintains its balance through cooperation, where plants are the most productive. With sometimes large sizes, fantastic shapes and beautiful colours, many plants have also evolved to bear fruit, which animals eat.

These fruits contain the sugary nutrients that many animals depend on and are sometimes even specifically provided for their nutritional needs. While enjoying these sweet rewards, the animals in return spread the seeds in the fruit, forming a future for the survival of the plant itself.

This interaction is considered a major force shaping the ecology and evolution of animals and plants around us. With patience and care, a new plant can grow from a seed and so the life cycle begins anew.

To ensure that this balance is maintained, we as a society must do more to protect and nurture this biodiversity so that it can continue to bear fruit in abundance.

Sea anemones are named after the anemone, a flowering plant, because of their often colourful appearance.

Some species of sea anemone live in symbiotic relationships with other animals to their mutual benefit. In this relationship, both parties depend on each other for nutritional reasons and protection from predators. We too, are living in symbiotic relationships on a daily basis. Relationships in which we depend on each other for our daily routine, but there is a much greater connection at play.

Our home is a living, breathing and often thinking organism. Our planet provides all our nutrients, protection and life in general. As we all benefit from this relationship, we need to be aware that this is a relationship worth protecting, and live a more symbiotic life.

Colourful, aromatic, highly intelligent and seductive. Orchids have managed to enchant both animals and humans for a long time.

Apart from being one of the first plants to develop flowers - scientists suggest that orchids are old enough to have existed alongside dinosaurs - it is now considered one of the two largest families of flowering plants.

With bizarre shapes and colours, this plant is constantly evolving to mimic its surroundings, communicate with them and seduce them by their appearance and chemicals. These organisms demonstrate the intelligence in plants like no other.

For now, I let it take hold of me and play along in their game of seduction...

Eunoia (n.) beautiful thinking; a well mind

Nature is both beautiful and inclusive. Because it invites each colour onto its palette. Painting a picture of harmony and richness using the earth as its canvas.

I dream of a place in time society could be as inclusive as nature. This way of thinking can make life beautiful. We are all so colourful.

Long ago the poets conceived a flower that never faded: the amaranth. The name is rooted in the Greek words amarantos, meaning "immortal" or "unfading," and anthos, meaning "flower." The word amaranthine emerged as an adjective of the imaginary flower and anything possessing its undying quality.

In a time like this, it’s interesting to see how nature can remain neutral and be unaware of the challenges we face as a society. But nature never stands still.

Even during crisis, it seems that nature is capable of nursing and nurturing itself back to health. We as a society can look at nature and learn from its resilience and interdependence.

Together, we are capable to deal with hardships and support each other. Only then, we’re able to blossom like an unfading flower.

Southern American indigenous tribes refer to the word Icaro for what they call “Magic Song”. Today this term is used to describe medicine songs performed by shamans to induce a state of healing, awareness or amazement.

The word Icaro is derived from the Quechua verb ikaray meaning “to blow smoke in order to heal”.

I see the parallels between nature giving benefits to our health and well-being as well as natural environments that need our help to heal.

A certain connection with nature is undeniable. However, at times it may be difficult to access this inner connection.

We might be struggling with our daily challenges and our minds are already racing ahead. Some events may have a lasting impact on our lives such as losing something or someone we hold dear.

To better cope with loss and grief, it might be a good thing to look into nature: the never-ending cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth. These regenerative capabilities of nature are part of the remarkable earth around us and can put life and death into perspective.

I feel both lucky and amazed to live in a world populated by wonderfully rich and diverse flora and fauna. However, at times I feel insecure about its future.

Nature can be beautiful: a reminder that all is full of life and is able to live alongside each other in many ecosystems. Reminding myself of this interconnectedness between all organisms gives me a sense of belonging and pride.

As we learn more about the challenges that face our planet’s natural heritage and ecosystems, I hope to inspire others to feel the way I feel about nature and look at it with a sense of selflessness and wonder. A feeling not only of here and now, but of millions of years of evolution in the past, and its future.

The future of much wildlife and biodiversity is something worth protecting. As a species we should not take it for granted. We should take pride in biodiversity to ensure conservation.

Take a stand in the wilderness and close your eyes. Just listen.

Birds perform their song and animals are calling for their partners. Insects are clicking and buzzing. The wind breathes through the branches of trees. Drops of rain drip from leaf to leaf, ultimately touching the ground. One could hear a symphony of energy that collides with its environment. This aural sensation comes from nature’s orchestra. Harmonic, calming and wild.

Just listen carefully – and the forest begins to sing.

What do animals dream about? I imagine these curious sisters stumbling upon new land to discover and explore.

This piece was requested by the owners of Donder and Bliksem.

From the "Circles of Life" series.

Printed on Fuji Crystal Professional Archive Maxima photo paper. Behind shatterproof acrylic glass and aluminum Dibond backing. Aluminum rail rectangle mounting system included. Comes with a certificate of authenticity.

From the "Circles of Life" series.

Printed on Fuji Crystal Professional Archive Maxima photo paper. Behind shatterproof acrylic glass and aluminum Dibond backing. Aluminum rail rectangle mounting system included. Comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Commissioned artwork.

From the "Circles of Life" series.

Printed on Fuji Crystal Professional Archive Maxima photo paper. Behind shatterproof acrylic glass and aluminum Dibond backing. Aluminum rail rectangle mounting system included. Comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Often regarded as harmonious, the natural world is rich in competition. Where plants compete for sunlight, animals compete for their space and home. We as humans have a part to play and let them have their space. Only then their ingenuity of abilities is able to flourish, and we can all dazzle in their virtuous performance.

Just like with animals, there are times when we all seek refuge. This could mean a hidden place, a safe area that protects us. Even in our minds, we sometimes wander to a space only for ourselves. This untouched ground is our sanctuary where we could rest and find clarity. May we all find our peace in our minds and our surroundings.

In many stories of our civilizations, we’ve seen people with great devotion to another. Another character has been present alongside of us. Even though it is never portrayed as having an awareness, it is an omnipresent form of life and comes in the most magnificent colours and shapes. It is life in its purest form. It is deserving of our devotion.

We often refer to a time in the past of prosperity, peace and happiness as being the Golden age. A beautiful, endless spring in which the fruits of the earth are abundant. I like to dedicate this piece to our warmest and brightest days, and what lies ahead of us. Although a Golden Age is always in the past, our actions will make way for a new era of harmony and peace.

Though millions of years, life emerged from one cell in the sea. This is what connects everything in our world. Our ability to connect with other organisms or things allows for new phenomena to emerge. We’ve developed social systems to maintain order and develop as a species. Since we are all connected on this planet, plants and animals could function similar to us. At times, it seems they are aware they are part of a whole being greater than the sum of its parts. With our compassion for another, we should be able to coexist and make way for new beautiful things to emerge.

Particles of seeds, light, water and consciousness are drifting through the air. These are thoughts and memories. Some remain tethered by their stems while others get carried away in air currents. A weightless experience in which I'm unable to steer them in any direction. At times, exploring own mentality could feel as a moon orbiting around my own planet. For it is out of my reach. I can solely observe and go with its flow.

All humans, animals, plants and matter are made of atoms. A radiance of particles that flow through the air. There are a few types of atoms that can be a part of a plant one day, an animal the next day, and inanimate objects like a river’s water the following day. This phenomena is called the biogeochemical cycle and it’s nature’s way of connecting every individual. Part of you is part of me: all of us have a place on the spectrum of life.

Even with great distance between us, memories of our time together should flourish and continue a life of their own. A soul lives on. Even in the hereafter, we could find new beginnings. Because life always finds a way.

I tried to portray the inner process of giving all memories and feelings its place after a difficult time. It is a place where many mixed emotions are settling in. When sadness casts its shadow over all memories, the beautiful one aren’t allowed to grow either. These are the remains when love is over. A rose coloured place.

In my dream, I heard falling water – but at a very slow pace. As my vision became more clear, I could distinguish a tree standing in the center of a lake. The waterfall was made of honey dripping from the heavens. This sacred tree was full with life of many forms. I believe the downpour was some sort of way for them to communicate with the afterlife.

In astronomical phenomena, the belt of Venus is the pinkish light visible during twilight. I like to think of it as the moment day changes to night – highlighted by the spectacular colours painted in the sky. Animals that wandered during the day go to their resting place and make way for the ones nocturnal. This is their rhythm. Their changing of the guard.

Commissioned artwork.

As the new day breaks, a blanket of morning dew covers this pastoral land and its inhabitants. The ones that live here rely on the warmth of the sunlight and the water that passes through their land. A harmonious relationship between all that nature provides and the residents that maintain her. For they have found their resting ground. A place for everyone.

I wanted to depict an inner awakening – discovering new abilities or new spaces inside the mind. New doors are able to be opened. The growing branch is a metaphor for the search of new possibilities, my experiences and sometimes my confusion. In the end, inner growth should not only flourish inside the mind but also reflect on the outside.

This piece is about my personal experience as an artist. To me, my pieces start to lead a life of their own during the creative process when I no longer see myself as only a spectator arranging the objects in their place, but only when subjecting and truly immersing my mind to the world that's happening in front of me. Being there and experiencing the mystical worlds become reality. A place to escape.

How joy gets replaced by sorrow when hope has gone. In a moment, the earth beneath my feet seems to disappear. Fortunately you are strong and are you the one to bring light in. With love for all things living is hope your gift to the world. A gleam of hope can lead to so much.

Wandering by an abandoned riverbed I can see myself reflected in the stream. My next actions will determine what ripple will be caused. Sometimes it's difficult to make the next move. But after reflecting on yourself, we all have to take another step.

As with the cosmic beginning of the universe, our order in life and nature came out of chaos. What keeps us alive is the radiation and pulsation of our inner light, care and love. The light you emit, creates my growth and lets me shine.

Due to heavy weather we were forced to stay indoors during our last journey through Thailand. When the rain stopped for a moment I got ready to photograph outside. It seemed as if all insects came out of hiding together to absorb the sunlight. The atmosphere was charged with something. For a moment, there was an abundance of life and energy in the air.

I wonder about many things in life. Especially nature. I also wonder about things that aren't measurable in life, like a presence of something greater. At particular places in forests, even when I'm alone, I can feel this presence of something else. Is it the nature? Is it the animals? Or is it something different? I wonder...

Between up and down, these drifting souls occupy land and air. Hiding in clouds. What do they think looking down upon earth? What lies above them?

In 'Rangers' I wanted to depict the drifting state between feeling lonely and just wanting to be left alone for a while. Do we feel alone because we lost someone and are we waiting for someone to find us? Or are we looking for shelter? Somewhere a place we can be safe and find peace of mind. This shouldn't mean I don't want to be around you — the world can just sometimes be so loud.

All living creatures start with birth: the gift of life. Every single organism has its own strategy of survival. From vivid colours to attract others, to be capable of flight, to have strong thick skin, or to grow slowly over the years. One thing we have in common: we share the world we were born into and we nourish it. Life starts with fertilization. The seed. The egg. Without it, life would be impossible.

This composition is based on a dream I had, where I wandered through a forest where the underwater world blended seamlessly with the nature around me. Everything was full of life and floated around me. There was no up or down. It's always summer under the sea.

My goal was to depict some impressions of a trip to Australia. The moment this black-necked stork and I locked eyes was a powerful connection and I felt it staring into my soul.

The wilderness flourishes into paradise. All that lives must reach out to conquer its spot in the sun. It's a playful spectacle and bringer of fantastical colours and contrasts. There is order amidst this chaos. Listen carefully to the dialogue between wilderness and your inner nature.

One of my first experiments with natural elements in Photoshop. I discovered my passion for digital landscapes. This work indicates my new relationship with nature and the digital world – my sweet summer.