Dirk Verschueren is largely self-taught, although in recent years he has immersed himself in the painting techniques of the old masters. For the past year and a half, he has been working weekly at De Studio, an atelier where portraits come to life with striking realism. The more exclusive part of his oeuvre consists of nude paintings, in which classical techniques merge with a contemporary cubist interpretation. His artistic vision centers on capturing the beauty of the human being and the everyday things that surround us. In his paintings, he strives not only to depict a physical likeness but also to convey the soul and emotion of the model at that specific moment. His portraits are characterized by a high degree of realism, while his nudes show a cubist influence, dissecting the human body into shapes and tonal planes. Yet, there remains a sense of harmony and connectedness throughout the composition. The initial sketches for these works are created during live model sessions, after which the most compelling compositions are further developed in oil on canvas. My preference is for subjects that arise from nature, with a particular fascination for nudes and portraits. This is not only because these forms are technically challenging for me – which makes the painting process all the more engaging – but also because they are a source of deep connection. While painting, I naturally become one with the subject and with the act of painting itself.