Dutch contemporary
painter Lotte Teussink

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INTRODUCTION

Lotte Teussink is a Dutch artist known for her distinctive aesthetic that blends childlike fantasy with profound psychological depth, often touched by subtle gothic undertones. Her dreamlike compositions invite the viewer into mysterious inner worlds, revealing hidden aspects of the human psyche with striking emotional clarity.

Her subjects are often placed against enigmatic dark backdrops or immersed in imaginatively colored, otherworldly settings. This contrast creates a delicate visual balance—harmonious, fragile, and emotionally resonant. Working instinctively, Lotte draws from deep, subconscious introspection to express life’s shifting phases and inner landscapes through her art.

INSPIRATION

From a young age, Lotte has been fascinated by the unseen—fairytales, solitude, and the shadowy corners of the imagination. After graduating from the Academy of Fine Arts in Rotterdam, she frequently undertook solo art residencies, living in seclusion for extended periods to paint and reflect—often surrounded by forests and far from daily distractions.

Since becoming a mother in 2015, these residencies have become shorter but no less meaningful. Even a few weeks of focused solitude continues to feed her creative process. Each retreat brings a new layer—whether it’s a thematic shift or the discovery of a fresh technique—that pushes her work forward.

LOTTES PAINTINGS

Lotte Teussink’s paintings are an eclectic fusion of (pop) surrealism, realism, naïve art, and spiritualism. They carry tones of melancholy and nostalgia, yet are lighthearted and at times humorous. Distinctive elements such as intricate patterns, oversized expressive eyes, and balanced, colorful compositions define her visual language.

Her characters often lack mouths—a deliberate choice that encourages feeling over speech, inviting the viewer to connect through empathy rather than explanation. She works in mixed media, beginning with charcoal sketches, layering acrylic for backgrounds, and completing main subjects in oil paint. Occasionally, she adds details with colored pencil or ink, working on both canvas and paper.

THE STUDIO

Lotte’s studio is located in an industrial area in Middelharnis, on the island of Goeree-Overflakkee in the Netherlands. The spacious studio—on the first floor of a converted building—hosts a rotating selection of her artworks and is open to visitors by appointment.

While the current space allows her to work efficiently, Lotte dreams of relocating to a studio immersed in nature—ideally a place where creativity can flow even more freely. If you know of a charming countryside space, like an old stable for rent, feel free to reach out.

IN HER OWN WORDS

"I usually let people interpret my work in their own way. Words can feel limiting when it comes to experiencing art. But I understand the questions—especially about the beings without mouths. They are meant to evoke mystery, and to reflect the depth of the human soul, which goes far beyond language.

For me, creating art is a way of exploring my place in the universe. I ask myself questions like 'Who am I?' and 'Why am I here?' My paintings are these questions, and over time, I’ve found a few answers. One of the most important is that I communicate through feeling, not words.

Since childhood, I’ve used painting as a non-verbal form of expression. I sense things I can't always explain. I’m now learning to trust that instinct, instead of doubting it. It’s an ongoing journey. Intuition is the key to creating something that truly speaks to others."