Arie Zwart

Arie Zwart's Education

Arie Zwart was born on August 30, 1903, in Rijswijk. He began painting while still in primary school, when he won a small box of painting supplies. Arie Zwart went to work for his uncle, a house painter, but this was short-lived. Arie preferred painting in nature and took lessons at the Hague Academy of Fine Arts to further hone his skills. Additionally, he received instruction from Louis Soonius, a family friend. To earn money, Arie Zwart went to work for an advertising agency in Amsterdam. He bought a bicycle and made many trips to find inspiration. First to Rotterdam, and later to Rhenen and Oosterbeek, where many landscape painters of the Hague School had been active. Just like these painters, Arie Zwart began painting outdoors, directly in nature. To bring his paintings to the attention of the public, Arie contacted an art dealer in The Hague. And so, he sold his first paintings. After his marriage in 1926 and the arrival of their daughter, he devoted himself entirely to his painting. To make a living from it, he became more productive. His subjects were mostly atmospheric landscapes in the style of the Hague School.

Travel-loving painter

When the De Zwart family moved to Lage-Mierde in Brabant, he created many landscapes and farm interiors there. The travel-loving Arie did not like staying in one place for long and moved with his family to Zaltbommel. Because the family could not find a suitable house, they went to live on a houseboat. This was entirely in the spirit of Arie and his wife, as it allowed them to discover new places while sailing. They sailed to Gorinchem, across the IJssel to Hattem, and wherever Arie Zwart went, he painted whatever inspired him. In the late 1930s, Arie Zwart moored the boat in Meppel during the winter months. Here, he went out to paint with painter friends from the Meppel School. From that time on, his palette became lighter and sunnier in tone. His impressionistic interiors, landscapes, and flower still lifes are more colorful. When the war breaks out, this is not an easy time for the Zwart family. Nevertheless, he continues to work in his own style. After the war, they move to the lakes near Nieuwkoop, where he captures the surrounding landscape with drive and enthusiasm. His works sell well, which is also one of the reasons why Arie remains quite consistent in his painting style. The travel-loving Zwart couple leaves for abroad in the early 1950s. The South French and Spanish landscapes are a favorite subject for him to paint. The Mediterranean atmosphere is reflected in his palette. In the early 1970s, traveling and living on a houseboat becomes too much for Arie Zwart and his wife. They move to Laren, where he continues to paint. After a short stay in the hospital, Arie Zwart passes away in 1981.