Michiel Molenaar

Michiel Molenaar was born in The Hague and grew up in Breda. After high school, he returned to The Hague to study at the Royal Academy of Art. Even during his studies, Michiel began working as a designer and illustrator. With his hyperrealistic airbrush art, he has amazed many viewers in disbelief, reaching an exceptional level despite being entirely self-taught. Together with his younger brother, he started a business producing advertising boards for the real estate market, inspired by a groundbreaking design by Michiel. The explosive success of the business kept Michiel away from his creative talents for some time. However, the lure of paint remained strong, and when he found some free time, he returned to his easel. There was a significant change, though – the airbrush cardboard was replaced with a large, pristine linen canvas. Michiel says, “I always drew strange and funny creatures, and stored them in a large box, waiting for the right time to do something with them.” That time had come. No more realistic commissioned work, but rather, bold, colorful creatures painted from his own imagination. The artist’s skill is evident in his complex techniques. With only 10 to 15 works created per year, interest quickly grew, but a solo exhibition never materialized. For about five years, the artist had to balance his time with his entrepreneurial pursuits. In early 2002, Michiel gradually stepped away from his business to focus entirely on painting from 2003 onwards... An artist was born.