Folkert de Graaf (born 1960) is a visual artist who trained at the Minerva Academy in Groningen (1982–1987), where he was taught by artists including Matthijs Röling, Ger Siks, and Jan van Loon. His work moves between tradition and innovation, characterized by a strong painting technique combined with a free, experimental spirit.
His oeuvre includes classical, impressionist paintings—cityscapes, interiors, and landscapes with cows—in which he captures light, atmosphere, and composition with a precise hand. On the other hand, he creates autonomous work in mixed media, combining materials and styles to explore new paths. This versatility gives his work a rich palette of atmospheres: from intimate, recognizable scenes to more autonomous and layered compositions.
Since 1986, De Graaf has exhibited in numerous local and national galleries and museums. His work is included in various collections and is valued for its balance between craftsmanship and a contemporary, personal signature.
In all his work, De Graaf shows himself to be an artist rooted in the tradition of the North, but at the same time taking the freedom to experiment and continue to renew his own visual language.
