The Artist

Tonnis van Essen

Tonnis van Essen (1946 – 2010) was a versatile and passionate painter from Apeldoorn in the Netherlands. His work was very diverse and ranged from abstract works to intimate still lifes with fower bouquets to vibrant city scenes and characteristic rural landscapes that captured the essence of country life. 
 

Education and international inspiration

From an early age onwards Tonnis developed a creative side to him, especially with a focus on painting. Already at an age of 13 he set outside with his easel painting landscapes. Pursuing his passion he completed his studies at the DEVA (later merged into the AKI – Academy of Art and Industry) and became a fulltime art painter. Tonnis spent extended periods in France, where he deepened his skills as a painter. He also enjoyed traveling and visited Mexico, Greece and New Zealand as cultural study trips. These encounters with landscapes, people and art broadened his horizons and became a lasting source of inspiration for his work. He sold most of his work in the Netherlands but in the early years he also exported a lot of his art to the United States.
 

Style and techniques

His paintings, often oil on canvas but also on wooden panels or paper, are notable for their variety and technical diversity. Some works lean toward abstraction, while others are more figurative and narrative. What ties his art together is the dynamic interplay between bold primary colors and subtle pastel shades, a hallmark of his artistic expression.
Tonnis also experimented with different styles like "textured painting" where sand is added to the paint in order to create a tactile, three-dimensional surface. Some examples thereof can be found in the collections section.
 

A lasting legacy

In 2010, Tonnis passed away from cancer. Though his life ended too soon, his art lives on. The Latin phrase he often cited "Ars Longa, Vita Brevis" (“art is lasting, life is short”), perfectly captures his legacy.

Tonnis left behind his wife and two sons, for whom both his art and his struggle with cancer remain deeply meaningful. This website is therefore not only a tribute to his work but also connected to a greater purpose: supporting the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF Kankerbestrijding)*. 

Some of his paintings can still be found and purchased or "borrowed" at various art shops, particularly in the Netherlands.
 

Future webshop

In the near future, a small online shop will be added to this website. Here, his most beloved works will be available as high-quality prints on products such as cards, posters and other items. A portion of the proceeds will be donated directly to the Dutch Cancer Society, ensuring that Tonnis’ art not only continues to inspire and bring joy to the people that love his work, but also contributes to the fight against cancer.

 

*The Dutch Cancer Society
The Dutch Cancer Society (DCS) is a Dutch Society committed to fight cancer by scientific research, education, patient support and fundraising in cooperation with volunteers, donors, patients, doctors and researchers. By this commitment, DCS targets less cancer, more cures and a higher quality of life for cancer patients. Its motto is, 'Everyone Deserves a Tomorrow'.