Anatomy of an Artwork: Anne-Margreet Niemeijer

Inspired by the painterly qualities of early morning mist, Dutch artist Anne-Margreet Niemeijer brings the beauty of everyday life to the forefront of her illustration business: Blue Dew Design. Anne-Margreet’s watercolor style adds an element of whimsy to her subjects and surface patterns; minimalist geometric forms and ephemeral arrangements objects and botanicals come alive beneath her pens and brushes. This attention to natural details is unsurprising, as Niemeijer’s prior pursuit was landscape architecture. Her pieces are sure to leave you with a sense of playfulness and wonder.

Read below to learn more about Anne-Margeet’s work and to see the beautiful pages she shared with us!

When did you participate in The Sketchbook Project? 

I started with my sketchbook in early February of this year. Since then, I have been creating one or two pages every week. In this way, I spread out all my drawings until the deadline of the 15th of August.

What are your favorite tools and materials that you incorporate into your daily practice?

After experimenting with different materials, I love working with watercolor and black ink the most. And I definitely like working with my hands a lot more than working on a computer. The effects of water and pigments on the paper, and the unique effect you can create with them is wonderful! Sometimes I use colored pencils in combination with watercolor. This gives a nice texture to the illustration.  

 The combination of black ink and watercolor is also a nice contrast. With ink you can really draw very neatly, whereas watercolor always creates unexpected effects.  Black ink is beautiful on its own too, simple but effective.

Can you explain some of the materials featured in your photos?  

Before I started my sketchbook I decided to use a limited color palette, limited materials, and limited time for each page (around 15-30 minutes). Setting some boundaries can really spark your creativity. I use a simple pencil and an eraser, a fountain pen with a flexible nib with black ink, and seven colors of watercolor. And, of course, a special watercolor brush.

Do you have any tips or tricks for artists who want to try out these materials? 

Use those materials that feel natural to you and what makes you smile when you work with them. Do not just use what others use, but really try out what works for you the best. 

When you use black ink or pens, use the ones that are lightfast. Especially when you want to preserve your drawings. Dip pens create wonderful small and larger lines, but there are also fountain pens who can create (more or less) the same effect. Those are sometimes easier to work with.

 Use the best quality you can afford when you buy watercolor paint, watercolor paper, or brushes. It works so much easier. The pigments are so much richer and those brushes can hold so much more water. In my experience the paper is maybe the most important thing to pay attention to. Every step towards the most professional papers reveal to me how important it is when you work with watercolor. Watercolor is not very easy to work with, but with cheap paper it will be so much harder. So even if you are a beginner, learn to use this beautiful medium on good paper (100% cotton)!

What are your favorite subjects to illustrate? 

Before I started working in my sketchbook, I decided to only draw and paint subjects that I really like: characters (animals, humans, objects), nature/landscape, old cars, patterns, and buildings. All the sketches in my sketchbook tell something about me. You will see what makes me smile and gives me energy.

 What inspires your vibrant color palettes? 

When I chose my colors, I started with two or three of my favorite colors. I wanted six, so I chose a few more that fitted well with the others. I like muted colors, with some splash of bright ones. I could not help to add the yellow one, since it is such a happy color. My colors are inspired by everything I see, especially nature. There are a lot of blue and greens in nature, with a splash of pastel and bright accents.

How are you staying creative during this time? 

I stay creative by drawing or working on my art every day. Even if it is just a small drawing or some splashes of paint. When I can’t draw, I listen to a creative podcast or watch a video or documentary about art or illustration.

Do you have any advice for artists who may be struggling with creativity right now?

Choose subjects, colors, and materials that you really love. It can make it easier to start a drawing or painting. Or use this time to learn something completely new. Search online for good quality courses or lessons to inspire you. Some are even free or reduced in price now. Watching a professional draw or paint can really be motivating! And you will probably notice an improvement when you start creating yourself.

 Set some (offline) time apart every day to just make something. For yourself, and not for social media or anybody else. If the news is distracting you, just don’t follow it (as much). Instead, search for everything that gives you energy and a smile!