Hanneke Hazelzet

Why did you choose your field of study/instrument?

I love playing with color and imagery and expressing this on canvas or panel.

What is your motivation for teaching?

I love sharing my enthusiasm for creating things with children.

What can students expect from your classes?

Experience the joy of creating visual art through play and a variety of techniques.

What advice do you have for students who want to get started in your field or with your instrument?

Don't be afraid to start with a blank sheet of paper. There's no such thing as making a mistake. Watch and listen carefully, and follow your heart and your hand. Practice makes perfect. Above all, color outside the lines.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Painting and drawing, of course, and reading about art. Visiting museums, going to the theater or the movies. Swimming in the Wijde Blik or the Spiegelplas, even in the winter (brrrrrr….). Cooking together and enjoying good food with my family. Giving old furniture or lamps a new lease on life. Enjoying a nice boat ride on our little boat.

Which musicians or artists inspire you, and why?

Visual artists: Yayoi Kusama, Matisse, Frida Kahlo, Claire Tabouret, Maria Primachenko, Tschabalala Self, Vincent van Gogh, Gustav Klimt, Matthew Wong, and Paul Klee—for their bold use of color and unique, authentic styles. And, of course, my two children.

Music: I absolutely love music, and I really enjoy putting together my own playlists. From Spinvis to Fleetwood Mac—the lyrics and melodies really speak to me and remind me of summer vacations spent traveling by car.