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Philippe Ceulemans
Antwerp - Belgium
Whispers in Oil:
Harmony in Hue: The Oil Painting Gallery
My paintings emerge from quiet observation: shifting skies, mineral surfaces, and the pulse of natural light. I work in layered oil, metal leaf, and textured mediums, building surfaces that feel both ancient and contemporary.
These are stillness-born works — meditations in pigment and gold — created for collectors who live with art as a portal, not decoration.
Originals and commissions available.
Studio visits by appointment.
Aqua é Sole
Aqua é Sole
Size: 100 x 100 cm
Medium: Oil on Canvas
"Aqua é Sole" is a piece close to my heart, where I explore the harmony between water and light. The azure blues and golden hues represent the interplay of calm and energy, creating a balance that feels both grounding and uplifting. It’s a reflection of nature’s serenity and the quiet strength that sunlight brings to even the stillest waters.
My Process and Vision
I approached this piece with the intention of evoking tranquility, layering textured strokes to give the surface a tactile quality. To enhance the golden accents, I used gold pigments blended with the oil paint, which catch the light in subtle ways and bring the sunlit energy to life. The horizontal division felt natural to me, almost like drawing a horizon where earth meets sky. The gold highlights were added deliberately to cut through the expanse, much like the sun breaking through clouds—a moment of clarity and illumination.
What It Represents to Me
This painting speaks to the duality I often feel in life: the calm of introspection and the energy of transformation. The water and the light are metaphors for that delicate balance. For me, this is more than a landscape; it’s a spiritual expression of unity and renewal, a reminder that even in contrast, there is harmony.
Its Place in the World
I see "Aqua é Sole" as an anchor for reflective spaces. It’s meant to draw the viewer into a moment of stillness, encouraging contemplation and connection to the cycles of nature. To me, it’s not just a painting—it’s a window into a meditative state, a place where light and water dance eternally.
Size: 100 x 100 cm
Medium: Oil on Canvas
"Aqua é Sole" is a piece close to my heart, where I explore the harmony between water and light. The azure blues and golden hues represent the interplay of calm and energy, creating a balance that feels both grounding and uplifting. It’s a reflection of nature’s serenity and the quiet strength that sunlight brings to even the stillest waters.
My Process and Vision
I approached this piece with the intention of evoking tranquility, layering textured strokes to give the surface a tactile quality. To enhance the golden accents, I used gold pigments blended with the oil paint, which catch the light in subtle ways and bring the sunlit energy to life. The horizontal division felt natural to me, almost like drawing a horizon where earth meets sky. The gold highlights were added deliberately to cut through the expanse, much like the sun breaking through clouds—a moment of clarity and illumination.
What It Represents to Me
This painting speaks to the duality I often feel in life: the calm of introspection and the energy of transformation. The water and the light are metaphors for that delicate balance. For me, this is more than a landscape; it’s a spiritual expression of unity and renewal, a reminder that even in contrast, there is harmony.
Its Place in the World
I see "Aqua é Sole" as an anchor for reflective spaces. It’s meant to draw the viewer into a moment of stillness, encouraging contemplation and connection to the cycles of nature. To me, it’s not just a painting—it’s a window into a meditative state, a place where light and water dance eternally.
The Girl Behind the Window 70x100
In creating The Girl Behind the Window, I wanted to explore the profound and heartbreaking reality faced by countless women across the world. The soft, blurred tones of blues, purples, and hints of red were carefully chosen to evoke feelings of isolation, sadness, and vulnerability. The indistinct figure of a woman, hidden behind veil-like layers, symbolizes how these women are both seen and unseen—trapped in a life of forced objectification and exploitation.
For me, this painting is more than a visual expression; it is a call to action. The window represents a metaphorical barrier, highlighting the detachment and indifference that allow this suffering to persist. Their stories are too often overlooked, their struggles ignored, yet their presence is undeniable—haunting and demanding recognition.
Through this work, I aim to confront uncomfortable truths about the exploitation of women. It is not just about representing their pain; I want to stir empathy, provoke dialogue, and, ultimately, inspire change.
The blurred figure is a reminder that while society may render these women faceless and nameless, their humanity endures, waiting for liberation. This painting is a testament to their resilience, even in the face of systemic neglect and abuse.
With The Girl Behind the Window, I hope to emphasize the collective responsibility we all share—to advocate for gender equality, human dignity, and the freedom of those trapped behind invisible walls. This piece stands as a reflection of both their strength and our capacity to make a difference.
For me, this painting is more than a visual expression; it is a call to action. The window represents a metaphorical barrier, highlighting the detachment and indifference that allow this suffering to persist. Their stories are too often overlooked, their struggles ignored, yet their presence is undeniable—haunting and demanding recognition.
Through this work, I aim to confront uncomfortable truths about the exploitation of women. It is not just about representing their pain; I want to stir empathy, provoke dialogue, and, ultimately, inspire change.
The blurred figure is a reminder that while society may render these women faceless and nameless, their humanity endures, waiting for liberation. This painting is a testament to their resilience, even in the face of systemic neglect and abuse.
With The Girl Behind the Window, I hope to emphasize the collective responsibility we all share—to advocate for gender equality, human dignity, and the freedom of those trapped behind invisible walls. This piece stands as a reflection of both their strength and our capacity to make a difference.
Les Voiles Rouges 100x100 cm
"Les Voiles Rouges" is a 100x100 cm oil painting that captures the tranquil beauty of the Belgian coast. Featuring textured brushstrokes and jute fabric for the iconic red sails, the piece combines dynamic abstraction with a touch of realism. The vibrant red sails glide gracefully across a shimmering sea, reflecting the golden hues of the sunlit sky.
In the foreground, the characteristic white beach cabins anchor the scene in its coastal identity, evoking the charm and nostalgia of summer days at the North Sea. The interplay of light and texture creates a sense of depth and movement, while the contrasting colors draw the eye to the striking sails.
This painting is both a celebration of Belgium’s coastal heritage and a reflection on the harmony between natural elements and human craftsmanship. "Les "Les Voiles Rouges" invites the viewer to feel the breeze, hear the waves, and sail into a moment of serene beauty.
In the foreground, the characteristic white beach cabins anchor the scene in its coastal identity, evoking the charm and nostalgia of summer days at the North Sea. The interplay of light and texture creates a sense of depth and movement, while the contrasting colors draw the eye to the striking sails.
This painting is both a celebration of Belgium’s coastal heritage and a reflection on the harmony between natural elements and human craftsmanship. "Les "Les Voiles Rouges" invites the viewer to feel the breeze, hear the waves, and sail into a moment of serene beauty.
Balcon Sur La Méditerranée
60x60 cm
"Balcon Sur La Méditerranée" is a piece close to my heart. Painted in oil on a 60x60 cm canvas, it captures the serene beauty of gazing out over the Mediterranean from a quiet balcony. The vibrant pinks, purples, and blues of the flowers frame the deep azure of the sea and the tranquil sky beyond, creating a harmonious interplay between nature and the horizon.
Using an impressionistic style, I wanted to convey the feeling of standing on this balcony, soaking in the peacefulness and timeless connection with the Mediterranean's vast, calming presence. The scene holds a spiritual resonance for me, a reminder of how moments in nature can ground and inspire us.
This artwork is my invitation for you to step onto that balcony and feel the gentle embrace of color, light, and tranquility that the Mediterranean offers.
Using an impressionistic style, I wanted to convey the feeling of standing on this balcony, soaking in the peacefulness and timeless connection with the Mediterranean's vast, calming presence. The scene holds a spiritual resonance for me, a reminder of how moments in nature can ground and inspire us.
This artwork is my invitation for you to step onto that balcony and feel the gentle embrace of color, light, and tranquility that the Mediterranean offers.
Azure Garden 100x100 cm
"Azure Bouquet" is a 100x100 cm oil painting that celebrates the serenity and elegance of nature's floral beauty. The textured canvas comes alive with a harmonious blend of soft blues, purples, and gentle yellows, creating a lush, dreamlike garden scene. Each deliberate brushstroke adds depth and movement, as if the flowers are swaying in an unseen breeze, drawing the viewer into their tranquil world.
The rich azure tones exude a calming energy, while the lighter petals symbolize hope and renewal. With this piece, I sought to capture the fleeting yet profound beauty of a blooming garden—its quiet whispers of joy, its gentle embrace of peace, and its timeless connection to the human spirit. "Azure Bouquet" invites you to pause, reflect, and immerse yourself in the harmonious rhythms of nature.
The rich azure tones exude a calming energy, while the lighter petals symbolize hope and renewal. With this piece, I sought to capture the fleeting yet profound beauty of a blooming garden—its quiet whispers of joy, its gentle embrace of peace, and its timeless connection to the human spirit. "Azure Bouquet" invites you to pause, reflect, and immerse yourself in the harmonious rhythms of nature.
Garden Symphony 100x140 cm
"Garden Symphony" is one of my earliest oil paintings, created in the year 2000. Measuring 100x140 cm, this vibrant piece celebrates the raw beauty and chaos of a flourishing garden. The canvas is alive with bold reds, lush greens, and bursts of yellows and blues, capturing the dynamic energy and diversity of nature in full bloom.
Using expressive, textured brushstrokes, I sought to convey the movement and rhythm of a garden alive with color and life. This early work reflects my deep connection to nature and my passion for exploring the interplay of color and form. "Garden Symphony" invites you to step into this wild, untamed paradise and feel the joyous harmony of nature's song.
Using expressive, textured brushstrokes, I sought to convey the movement and rhythm of a garden alive with color and life. This early work reflects my deep connection to nature and my passion for exploring the interplay of color and form. "Garden Symphony" invites you to step into this wild, untamed paradise and feel the joyous harmony of nature's song.
Resilient Blooms 100x100 cm
"Resilient Blooms" is a 100x100 cm oil painting that tells a story of endurance and hope. Amidst a trampled field, two delicate blue flowers stand tall, their vibrant color shining through the chaos around them. This piece captures the poignant beauty of survival, where life triumphs against adversity.
Using expressive and textured brushstrokes, I created a dynamic interplay of deep greens and blues, with bursts of red and purple suggesting the surrounding destruction. The contrast between the vibrant blooms and the turbulent background highlights the flowers' quiet resilience.
"Resilient Blooms" invites you to reflect on the strength found in fragility and the persistent beauty that emerges even in the harshest circumstances. This painting is a tribute to nature's unyielding will to thrive.
Using expressive and textured brushstrokes, I created a dynamic interplay of deep greens and blues, with bursts of red and purple suggesting the surrounding destruction. The contrast between the vibrant blooms and the turbulent background highlights the flowers' quiet resilience.
"Resilient Blooms" invites you to reflect on the strength found in fragility and the persistent beauty that emerges even in the harshest circumstances. This painting is a tribute to nature's unyielding will to thrive.
Bloom Burst 100x100 cm
"Bloom Burst" is a vibrant 100x100 cm oil painting that celebrates the boundless energy and joy of a garden in full bloom. The canvas bursts with an explosion of colorful flowers—reds, blues, yellows, purples, and more—layered in rich, textured brushstrokes. Each bloom seems to pulsate with life, creating a mesmerizing symphony of color and movement.
The dynamic composition evokes the beauty of nature's abundance, where chaos transforms into harmony. The playful interplay of colors and textures invites the viewer to lose themselves in this joyous floral mosaic, finding new details with every glance.
"Bloom Burst" is a tribute to the uplifting power of nature's vibrancy, capturing the essence of growth, renewal, and uncontainable beauty.
The dynamic composition evokes the beauty of nature's abundance, where chaos transforms into harmony. The playful interplay of colors and textures invites the viewer to lose themselves in this joyous floral mosaic, finding new details with every glance.
"Bloom Burst" is a tribute to the uplifting power of nature's vibrancy, capturing the essence of growth, renewal, and uncontainable beauty.
Digital Eden 100x100 cm
"Digital Eden" is a 100x100 cm oil painting that reimagines the organic beauty of a garden within the boundaries of a digital world. This abstract piece merges flowing, layered brushstrokes in vibrant purples, blues, and touches of red, creating a sense of depth and rhythm. The sweeping lines and luminous colors evoke the essence of nature while embracing the structured complexity of a virtual space.
Through this work, I explored the intersection of the natural and the digital, imagining a world where gardens thrive in the virtual realm. The movement and interplay of light and shadow invite the viewer to see nature reinterpreted—alive, yet transformed, in a new dimension.
"Digital Eden" reflects my fascination with how creativity can transcend mediums, bridging the tangible and the intangible, the traditional and the futuristic. It’s an invitation to explore what lies at the heart of nature in a digitally redefined world.
Through this work, I explored the intersection of the natural and the digital, imagining a world where gardens thrive in the virtual realm. The movement and interplay of light and shadow invite the viewer to see nature reinterpreted—alive, yet transformed, in a new dimension.
"Digital Eden" reflects my fascination with how creativity can transcend mediums, bridging the tangible and the intangible, the traditional and the futuristic. It’s an invitation to explore what lies at the heart of nature in a digitally redefined world.
Wind and Dunes 100x150cm
"Wind and Dunes" is a 100x150 cm mixed-media painting created with oil, gold accents, and jute. The textured canvas brings to life a serene yet dynamic coastal landscape where sailboats glide effortlessly across a shimmering sea. The sails, crafted from jute, add a tactile and earthy dimension, contrasting beautifully with the radiant golden tones of the dunes in the background.
The composition evokes the interplay of wind and nature, as the boats are carried by invisible currents under an expansive, atmospheric sky. The textured details create a sense of depth, while the warm and cool tones balance tranquility with movement.
"Wind and Dunes" captures the poetic essence of a coastal journey, blending the raw elements of nature with the reflective beauty of gold, inviting the viewer to experience a moment of quiet harmony amid the forces of wind and water.
The composition evokes the interplay of wind and nature, as the boats are carried by invisible currents under an expansive, atmospheric sky. The textured details create a sense of depth, while the warm and cool tones balance tranquility with movement.
"Wind and Dunes" captures the poetic essence of a coastal journey, blending the raw elements of nature with the reflective beauty of gold, inviting the viewer to experience a moment of quiet harmony amid the forces of wind and water.
A Journey Through Color and Emotion
In Bermuda Triangle, layered oil, resin, and pigments evoke a marine-psychological landscape suspended between map and myth. Two triangles painted with a special black material absorbing 99% of light function as visual voids, intensifying the surrounding turquoise and red gestures. Drips, abrasions, and a fragile horizon line create a sense of navigation, disturbance, and disappearance—where luminosity and absence coexist in dynamic tension.
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