Dutch born painter and printmaker, Peter John Voormeij, first came to Canada in 1965.  Trained in the realist schools of painting, he was quickly influenced by the new forms of art in the Montreal and New York galleries.

"I was totally taken in by what people like (Willem) de Kooning and (Mark) Rothco were doing. It really changed me.  I began to believe  that I could do more abstractly than through realism." But Voormeij doesn't regret having a strong foundation in realism.
"It's better to know what you are abstracting from before jumping into it".

The exuberant use of colour and vigorous organic lines is influenced by Voormeij's passion for literature and music. "A poem or a political event can trigger a need to respond. I allow the painting to direct me and I trust my instincts to judge colour and composition."  The characteristically bold coloured canvasses usually have strong themes as noted by their titles. "Titles are important because they often lead the way into the painting."

Voormeij acquired his Master of Arts degree in Painting and Printmaking from Concordia University where one of his instructors was the late Roy Kiyooka.  Currently painting full time, Voormeij has taught art classes at University of British Columbia and Langara College. 

The Elliott Louis Gallery represents Peter in Canada.  In the Netherlands Voormeij is shown in eight galleries.

For information on Peter's latest body of work, please see "Through Dutch Eyes 2"