In 1992 I took drawing classes at Highschool (“de Randijk” in Nieuwegein, now “Anna van Rijn College”, if anyone cares). One of the assignments we got was a linocut. (Don’t worry I still have ten fingers.) We were ordered to select a part of the school building and make a sketch using perspective in order to cut a lino and print it later.

The lino cut turned out fine, but it was the first time ever I had to print, and since I had little patience the end result did not turn out to well. The sketch on the other hand I was quite happy about, and I enjoyed this assignment a lot.

One day the drawing teacher who thought the younger kids entered the classroom. When he saw my sketch he asked me if he was allowed to make a copy, and turn it into a painting himself. Of course I felt a little honored. Who wouldn’t be, if the person who thought you used your work as inspiration? I not only told him this was fine by me, but I told myself I had to do the same, one day and turn the sketch into a painting.

Above you can see the painting. It is not for sale, and measures 90 by 70 cm. One day I wish to turn the same sketch into a bigger painting. I wonder if this too will take me 16 years to start.

If you were wondering: I do not know if my teacher ever did turn the sketch into a painting. So if you are ever reading this, meneer Leenhouts, please tell me if you did!