Art has the power to connect, inspire, and tell stories that words sometimes fail to capture. For artist Marjolein Poels , this is precisely what her paintings are about: a tribute to the strength and beauty of women. In The Playground at Atelier Oost Amsterdam, where her painting ‘June’ was recently photographed, she spoke with us about her work, her mission, and the balance between her artistry and her work in women’s rights.
Women as a source of inspiration
From the moment you see a painting by Marjolein Poels, you feel the power and depth of her subjects. Her female portraits exude not only beauty but also complexity, emotion, and layers of meaning. “I am fascinated by the many aspects of femininity—softness and strength, vulnerability and fearlessness,” she explains. “For me, the essence lies in the eyes. They define the soul of the painting and draw the viewer directly into the story.”
The creative process: intuition and texture
Marjolein’s painting process always begins with a feeling or an idea. Sometimes it is a glance that moves her, sometimes a colour combination that inspires her. “Because I work with impasto—a technique in which I apply thick layers of paint with a palette knife—correcting mistakes is difficult. That’s why I first create a digital sketch before I begin.”Her impasto technique results in a layered quality that balances abstraction and realism. “The palette knife forces me to let go and work intuitively. That makes each painting unique.”Art and women’s rights: a deep connection
In addition to being an artist, Marjolein also works as a consultant in the field of women’s health and rights. This work has profoundly influenced her vision of femininity. “We live in an era where women have more opportunities than ever, yet expectations and responsibilities remain unequally distributed. Many women try to fulfil multiple roles—partner, mother, daughter, professional—which sometimes causes them to lose themselves. My paintings depict this struggle but also the strength and authenticity of being a woman.”
‘June’ photographed in The Playground
When Marjolein wanted to photograph her painting ‘June,’ she chose the photo studio The Playground at Atelier Oost Amsterdam. “The atmosphere immediately felt like a perfect match with my work,” she says. “The natural lightthe neutral tones, and the serene ambiance provided the ideal setting to showcase the details and textures of my paintings.”
The studio’s interior also offered countless opportunities to experiment with presentation and composition. “The studio has a beautiful selection of furniture and accessories, allowing you to create different moods. Moreover, the location is close to my own studio, which makes it even more convenient.” She is already planning a new photoshoot at The Loft, together with her regular photographer and makeup artist. “I’m really looking forward to it!”
‘June’ is a special work within Marjolein's collection, partly due to the conscious choice of neutral tones. ‘I wanted to create a painting that fits effortlessly into different interiors. ‘June’ is all about subtlety and the power of simplicity,' she explains. ‘The neutral colours bring tranquillity and make the painting timeless. At the same time, it remains an eye-catcher because of its layering and texture. Depending on the light and angle, you always discover new nuances.'
Art as a topic of conversation
Besides aesthetics and interior value, art has a deeper role, according to Marjolein. ‘Art can spark conversations about themes of equality and empowerment. My paintings portray women in all their strength and authenticity, detached from fixed societal images. Art can show how multifaceted and unique femininity is. And that is where change begins.’
Through her work, she hopes not only to enrich interiors, but also to create a sense of connection and inspiration. ‘If someone feels a real connection with a painting and gives it a place in their home as well as in their heart, then my mission is accomplished.’
