The stories behind the paintings of KOJO Art
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⏱️ 7 minute read
Every brushstroke begins with a thought. Or a feeling. Sometimes a memory. In this blog, I'll take you through my creative process as a visual artist and tell you where the inspiration for my paintings comes from: from classical masters to everyday moments. Discover how my art is created, grows, and comes to life on canvas in my studio in Tilburg.
A new beginning in quiet times
I painted as a child, but I had little patience. Everything had to be fast, finished, done. That changed during the COVID-19 period. The world stood still, and suddenly I had time. In that calm, I found space to truly slow down, practice, and experiment. I discovered the power of repetition and learned the importance of patience in the painting process.
Together with a former housemate, I bought a set of acrylic paints and just started. That was the beginning of something that is now an indispensable part of my life.
Currently, I work with acrylic, oil paint, and oil pastel. Three materials that each lend their own energy and character to my abstract paintings. I took painting classes with Annelies van Biesbergen and delved deeper through blogs, books, and YouTube tutorials. But I learned the most by doing. Again and again. More and more freely.
Where do I get my inspiration from?
My paintings arise from a mix of art history, personal experiences, and intuition. Great masters like Monet, Van Gogh, Klimt, and Vermeer inspire me. Especially their use of color, brushwork, and thematic depth. And the dramatic light in Caravaggio's works continues to fascinate me.
Additionally, I draw a lot of inspiration from emotions that I translate into color and form, memories of a moment or an atmosphere, the world around me such as cities, music, and conversations, and other artists I study to learn to see anew.
You can read more about my personal motivations as a visual artist on the about me page.
From idea to canvas: my creative process
Every painting starts with a spark. A feeling, an image, or a thought. I capture that in a mood board, usually on Pinterest. I collect colors, shapes, atmospheres, and let my intuition decide what sticks.
Then I sketch loosely on canvas, paint in a flow to capture the emotion, sometimes add texture or accents, and stop at the right moment. The latter remains the most difficult.
For me, speed is essential. If I linger too long on a work, I lose the feeling. Then it becomes too contrived. Art must flow.
Ma (間): the art of negative space
An important concept in my work is Ma (間), the Japanese idea of in-between space and silence. It's not just about what you add, but also about what you omit. Those empty spaces, those breathing walls, those moments of calm between the energy.
You can see this reflected in my geometric and minimalist works: planes that don't touch, space that breathes, balance between form and emptiness. It's a conscious choice not to paint every piece of canvas full, but to allow tranquility to exist alongside movement. This concept perfectly suits modern, minimalist interiors where art should not scream, but resonate.
All KOJO Art collections
My work is divided into different collections, each with its own character, theme, and energy. Below is an overview of everything currently available.
Theros.
Expressive, layered works with thick paint strokes and intense colors. This series revolves around emotion and movement, with a raw, almost tactile appearance. Available as an original and as an art print.
Antra.
Geometric and minimalist. Here, clean lines, planes, and the Ma concept come together. These works exude tranquility and are perfect for modern interiors.
New York City Districts.
A love letter to the city. Each neighborhood has its own character, its own colors, its own story. In this series, I translate that into abstract geometric compositions. The brutalist architecture of Manhattan, the vibrant colors of Brooklyn, the tranquility of Central Park.
Ombre.
Color transitions that create movement and atmosphere. In this collection, I explore how color can slowly transform, from light to dark, from warm to cool, from energy to calm.
Skyline.
Urban silhouettes translated into abstract compositions. Cities as a source of inspiration, reduced to their essence: line, form, and light.
Limen.
Limen stands for threshold. Works that are on the border between two worlds: abstract and figurative, calm and movement, light and dark.
Polychros.
Color as the main protagonist. Polychros is a celebration of color in all its forms, layers, and contrasts. Bold, vibrant, and full of energy.
Abstract. | Art Print & Abstract. | Original
A wide selection of my abstract work, available as a high-quality art print or as a unique original painting.
Figurative. | Art Print & Figurative. | Original
Portraits and figurative compositions in which I translate the human face and body into color and form. Every face tells a story, every gaze evokes an emotion.
🖼️ View all collections
From expressive abstract to figurative portrait, from geometric minimalist to colorful and bold. There is something for every interior and every taste.
Affordable Art.: original art for everyone
Art doesn't have to be expensive. The Affordable Art. collection consists of original, hand-painted acrylic works for a maximum of €50. No prints, no reproductions, but real unique artworks accessible to everyone.
Perfect as a first purchase, as a gift, or as an addition to an existing collection. Small in size, big in impact.
Did you know? Every work in the Affordable Art. collection is unique and hand-painted. So you always buy a one-of-a-kind artwork, for a maximum of €50.
View the Affordable Art. collection →
Print Club.: monthly art by mail
One of the most special parts of KOJO Art is Print Club. Every month you receive a new, exclusive print directly in your mailbox. Carefully selected, suitable for the season or a personal theme, and always a surprise.
Print Club. is a way to build a growing art collection without large investments. Month after month, your interior renews itself automatically.
📬 What do you get with Print Club.?
Every month, an exclusive print by mail, carefully packaged and ready to hang. Art that surprises, inspires, and constantly renews your interior.
Snail Mail: art by mail as a surprise
In addition to Print Club., I also offer Snail Mail: a handwritten card or small print that I send personally. It is the most direct way to have a piece of my studio land at your home.
Snail Mail is perfect as a gift, as a personal keepsake, or simply because you want to surprise someone with something real. In a world full of digital messages, a handwritten card with original art is something special.
Snail Mail is available through the webshop. Feel free to send me a message if you want to know more or have a personal request.
Originals vs. prints: what's the difference?
Original works are unique. Created once, hand-painted on canvas or paper. You buy not only a work of art, but also the story, the energy, and the time put into it. Each original is numbered and signed.
Art prints are high-quality reproductions of original works, printed in limited editions. Each copy is numbered and signed. This makes art more accessible without compromising on quality.
Both have their value. Originals are investments and statement pieces. Prints are perfect for building a collection or for styling multiple spaces. And through Print Club., you build a unique collection month after month.
Local production and worldwide shipping
As an artist based in Tilburg, I consciously work with local partners. My prints are produced in the Netherlands with high-quality materials and sustainable inks. Original works are carefully packaged and shipped worldwide from Tilburg.
I collaborate with Lijstenmakerij De Lat for professional frames and framing. For me, sustainability also means creating art that lasts. Not fast fashion, but timeless works that endure for generations.
Buying art in Tilburg: view KOJO Art works
Do you want to see my work in real life? Works from the Theros. collection are on display at De Nachtzuster in Tilburg, and various prints can be seen at Creatief Koffiecafé Buutvrij (also in Tilburg). As a visual artist based in Tilburg, I regularly collaborate with local cultural initiatives.
🖼️ Want to see more or follow?
Curious? View my work in the online gallery, follow my creative process via Instagram or subscribe to my newsletter and stay informed about new blogs, works, and exhibitions.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find inspiration for paintings?
My inspiration comes from art history (Caravaggio, Monet, Van Gogh), personal emotions, memories, and the world around me. I gather inspiration via Pinterest mood boards and translate that into color, form, and composition on canvas.
What materials do you use?
I primarily work with acrylic paint, oil paint, and oil pastel. Each material gives a different energy and character to the work.
What is the difference between an original and a print?
An original is unique and hand-painted. An art print is a high-quality reproduction in a limited edition, numbered and signed. Both have their value: originals are investments, prints make art more accessible.
What is Print Club.?
Print Club. is a monthly subscription where you receive an exclusive print by mail every month. More info on the Print Club. page.
What is Snail Mail?
Snail Mail is a handwritten card or small print that I send personally. Perfect as a gift or surprise. Available through the webshop.
What is the Affordable Art. collection?
The Affordable Art. collection consists of original, hand-painted acrylic works for a maximum of €50. Unique artworks accessible to everyone.
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes, I ship worldwide from Tilburg. For questions, you can contact me via the contact page.
Where can I see KOJO Art work in Tilburg?
Works from the Theros. collection are on display at De Nachtzuster in Tilburg. Various prints can be seen at Creatief Koffiecafé Buutvrij. Follow @kojo_art_official for updates on exhibitions and new locations.
Related articles
Want to read more about art, color, and creativity? Also check out KOJO Art's other blogs for inspiration, background stories, and tips on art in your interior.
About KOJO Art
KOJO Art is the brand name under which I, Jordy Koumans, paint and sell. From my studio in Tilburg, I create abstract and figurative work in acrylic and oil paint. My work is available for sale as original paintings, as art prints, and through Print Club. I ship worldwide.
