Martine van Os, Sterren op het doek 2024

The story behind this work

I made this painting in 2024 for the Dutch TV programme Sterren op het doek (Stars on canvas). I took the reference photo of Martine van Os myself during our first meeting. That photo gave me the idea to portray her in a castle-like room: a nod to her programme We zijn er bijna, in which she often stayed with holidaymakers in special places.

I worked several personal elements into the painting. The vase with white flowers stands for calm, peace and patience. The vintage dress form refers to her son, who studied fashion design at art school. In the background you can see a mural, inspired by the colourful art of her husband, Wouter Stips.

Her family is present in other ways too. The violin in the window belonged to her father, and the old camera in the foreground refers to her daughter, who is a photographer. The clock symbolises the time that still lies ahead of her, and a dream she told me about when we met: to become an actress one day. Although she was still a little unsure about it, I wanted to give that dream a place in the painting.

And then there is the little robin. It stands for everyone she has lost in her life. A small but meaningful detail that symbolises memories and connection.

So this portrait has become much more than just a picture of Martine. Through its many details, it tells a personal story about her life, her loved ones and her dreams.