About the Work
There are moments in life when all we need is a little peace and quiet.
A moment to take a deep breath. A moment to focus on something beautiful and calming.
I often feel the same way. Through my art, I want to create a space where people can lose themselves for a moment. A place where every glance reveals new details and perspectives, inviting quiet reflection, curiosity, and a sense of peace.
Artist
Philip Strüwer
From an early age, I loved drawing, building things, and expressing myself through creativity in many different forms. Over time, my creative focus gradually shifted toward abstract art, eventually becoming a true passion. Today, each of my works is created through a layered process that begins long before the first brushstroke reaches the canvas. Every new piece is an opportunity to grow as an artist, explore new directions, and express my artistic vision with greater clarity and intention.
Discover all worksThe Work
What Defines My Work
The Creative Process
I rarely begin painting without a clear direction. The creative process of finding the right colors, composition, and atmosphere takes up most of the time. It's not uncommon for an artwork to exist in my mind for weeks or even months before I apply the first layer of paint. Only when the idea feels complete do I begin working on the canvas.
Palette Knives Instead of Brushes
I create most of my work using palette knives and squeegees rather than brushes. Limiting myself to these tools continually challenges me to discover new techniques and forms of expression. At the same time, they create the distinctive textures and visual language that define my work.
Texture and Detail
One of my main goals is to create artworks that continue to reveal something new over time. Through bold layers of paint and expressive textures, my pieces are meant to be experienced not only visually but also through their physical presence. Depending on the light and viewing angle, each work subtly changes, offering a different impression with every look.
The Viewer as Part of the Artwork
For me, a piece is not truly finished with the final layer of paint. It reaches its full potential through the interaction with the viewer. Everyone brings their own experiences, memories, and emotions, creating a unique interpretation of the work. This openness is an essential part of my artistic practice.
The Process
How an Artwork Comes to Life
Inspiration
Inspiration can be found almost anywhere. Sometimes it's a combination of colors I notice during a walk, other times it's a particular light, texture, or shape. Even the smallest moment can stay with me and gradually evolve into the foundation of a new artwork.
Developing the Idea
Before a painting reaches the canvas, the idea is carefully refined. I create multiple sketches, adjusting the composition, forms, and proportions until they convey the atmosphere I want the finished piece to express. Many ideas never make it beyond this stage because I realize they don't evoke the emotional response I'm looking for.
Painting
Only then does the painting itself begin. I prepare my colors and tools and often start by building a foundation of color. Compared to the planning, the actual painting process is surprisingly short, often lasting only a few hours. During this time, I become completely immersed in the work, losing all sense of time and my surroundings. Even with careful preparation, new ideas and details emerge spontaneously, making the process not only technical but deeply creative. This is where each piece develops its own unique character.
Reflection
Once the painting is finished, I let it rest for several weeks before signing it or making any final adjustments. Sometimes I write down the thoughts or emotions that accompanied its creation on the back of the canvas. From that moment on, the artwork begins a new chapter. It comes to life through the viewer, inviting different interpretations and revealing new details with every encounter.