to persevere

Hello! Pieter Athmer here, an Amsterdam-based artist: I paint portraits in oil. It was not an easy decision to start this campaign, but in the end I am convinced of its necessity. 

I was getting by alright until Covid-19 completely wiped out  the income which kept me going while I was slowly but surely building my painting career. In order to continue on my path, to finish my current Cell Portraits project, and to  keep my house, I need financial support to see me through to the end of this year.

In January this year I embarked on a project to portray a series of people in a cell within the former prison where I currently have my painting studio. I paint people from life in just three sessions, on large square canvasses specially made for this series. The intimacy of the cell and the urgency of the method have given rise to a colourful and varied series so far - I am now working on no's 15 to 19. I hope to arrive at around 20 in total by september 1st ( when the prison will be renovated and I have to leave). I will exhibit all the works in the spring, and I am also making a book/catalogue with a few stories on the 'making of'. 

It is always a tough time in the arts, and I knew that when I started. But now it is just that little bit harder, so I could really use your support. 

You can help me by donating any small or large amount of money - really every little bit helps, even if its mainly boosting my morale.  I will be taking commissions for portraits (oil on canvas, various sizes), to be painted between september 1st and the end of this year. 
I also have work for sale; from the series Selfies from the Bijlmerbajes (oil on paper, 33cm by 41cm, €195 each), a couple of wine box portraits and some miscellaneous others.

I will think of a fun way to thank everyone who supports me, and will keep everybody posted on exhibition and other news.

If you would like to see pictures of my work you can find me on Instagram
and on  my website.

Thank you for your attention and if you have any questions I would love to talk to you.

Yours,
Pieter / Athmer