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VLOG | Let’s go to the Rijksmuseum to see my charcoal portrait

Long Live Rembrandt! Over 8,390 artworks inspired by Rembrandt were sent in for this exhibition in the famous Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, and around 575 have ultimately been selected. And I’m very honored to say that my portrait is one of them!

My submission is this charcoal portrait (see bigger version at the end of this post) that I made last year, which is inspired by Rembrandt’s use of light and shadow. When I heard about the exhibition, I immediately knew I wanted to send in this drawing. If you know Rembrandts young self portraits, you will probably recognize the lighting effect, with the shadow over the eyes.

The exhibition officially opened today, but since Marko and I are members of the Rijksmuseum Friends program we could go to an exclusive preview a day earlier! πŸ™‚ We live very close by, so of course we couldn’t resist! I made a little vlog about our trip yesterday from our home in Amsterdam to the museum, and our visit there. So many lovely artworks, all inspired by Rembrandt. Such an honor to see my work in the Rijksmuseum!

And today was the official opening of the exhibition! First speeches and cake in the garden of the Rijksmuseum, and then off to see the exhibition. And yes, let’s just say it was a ‘bit’ more crowded than yesterday… πŸ˜‰

The exhibition Long Live Rembrandt runs until September 15, 2019 at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. If you visit the exhibition let me know, I’d love to hear how it was for you!

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This Post Has 59 Comments
  1. I’m so glad I discovered you and your art classes. What a wonderful honor to have your work shown at the Rijksmuseum. As a point of interest, I’ve only visited the museum once (only my only visit to Amsterdam.) It was on 14 September 1975. I was viewing The Night Watch at the very moment when Wilhelmus de Rijk lunged forward and started slashing the painting. I was taking a photograph at the time and caught a blurry image of the slashing on film.

    1. Oh wow, really?! That has been a historic moment that you witnessed Ralph! What a shock that must have been! From what I’ve read, he stabbed the painting multiple times and the damage was huge. It took 8 months to repair. I’ve found a short YouTube video where they showed how the restoration was done (unfortunatly the narration is in Dutch) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-9LZwIBJzo . Amazing that you even thought of taking a picture! πŸ™‚

      1. Thanks for the link about the restoration. I followed the news on the restoration and was happy that it was successful. I managed to get a picture because I was in the process of shooting the image when the attack began. Everyone was stunned, of course, the crowd was in chaos and it felt quite dangerous for awhile–being around a wild man with a knife. Unforgettable event for me.

        1. Oh yes, I imagine you never forget that! Thanks so much for sharing this amazing experience Ralph!

  2. Congratulations on this portrait and the fact that it’s shown in the museum, Juna. It really stands out amongst all the other pieces. Spotted it right away. Well done.

  3. Wow, what an incredible privilege to have your piece there! Absolutely lovely portrait and so full of emotion and expression! I love your classes and cannot wait to do Drawing in the Soul. You are an amazing artist and my absolutely favorite art teacher!! Thanks for sharing this video with all of us. Tina

    1. Aww thank you so much Tina, it really means a lot to hear that! ❀️ Drawing in the Soul is going to be awesome, and I look forward to having you in class again! Yay!

  4. Dear Juna,
    CONGRATULATIONS!!! What a beautiful, and well-deserved, honor. I loved the
    vlog, the tour through lovely Amsterdam, but most of all, seeing your winning
    portrait – another stunning work with your signature sense of mystery. Thank you for sharing.
    As always,
    Helen

    1. Thank you dear Helen! So lovely to hear that you liked my little vlog and the portrait! Thank you for your kind support, always! It means a lot to me! <3

  5. Having taken your classes, knowing your background, the place where your studio is, I am so thrilled to see the excitement in your eyes as you walk towards the museum to see your Rembrandt piece. Of all the people I know, you are the most deserving. You have the bewilderment of a child with the patience of an artist. Bravo Juna!

    1. Thank you so much Julie! It really was a special moment and it is so lovely to be able to share it with you all!

  6. Juna, watching this video made me cry with joy and excitement for you! Your piece is so lovely and looks fabulous in that space. You are a really special, sensitive artist, I am so proud of you, congratulations! Karen

    1. Thank you so much Karen for experiencing this special moment together with me and sharing it here. It really feels very precious!!

  7. Hi J*una,

    How Awesome – it really touched my heart to see your little video. I signed up to one of your classes before & never got around to doing the work & what I feel I have missed something very special. You are a * star X0X0X

    1. Thank you so much for your kind words, Janet! And don’t worry, you didn’t miss anything. You can always do the lessons whenever it feels right to you. You have lifetime access. πŸ™‚

  8. Hi Juna, wow this is so wonderful and to be proud of!! Your work next to Rembrandt’s………it has the same sphere and light/darkness as his paintings! Well done and keep on making the world more beautiful with your art!

  9. It is such a stunning portrait. I am thrilled for you and filled with pride to say I learned from your lessons in Drawing in the Soul.

    1. Thank you so much Linda, and I’m delighted to hear that you found Drawing in the Soul so helpful! πŸ™‚

  10. what a Beauty! lost for words. Very touching. Congratulations dear friend! Love and kisses.

  11. Thanks for the lovely walking tour; it brought back many fond memories of walking through Amsterdam. And the exhibit was wonderful. Your portrait is so very Rembrandt and yet, so very you! Congratulations my dear teacher!

    1. So glad you enjoyed the walk through Amsterdam, Donna! Thank you so much for your kind words, they really mean a lot to me! <3

  12. OMG! that just made the hairs on my neck stand right up. Congratulations to you and it is an absloutely outstanding portrait.

    God bless,

  13. So happy for you Juna, fabulous portrait! Rembrandt would be very happy with your result I am sure…….warm regards……..Nancy

  14. This is so wonderful to see you and your work in such a prestigious showing. Congratulations. Your work is fabulous. Thanks too for taking us to the museum. I was able to visit only once in 1986. So many good memories from that visit.

    1. How lovely that you have already been to the museum, Ruth! In the meantime the building has changed a lot, because it’s been completely renovated during a period of almost a decade. It was reopened in 2013. Who knows, maybe you can come and visit again some day…!

  15. Thank you so much for sharing your journey to see your portrait with us. I was so excited and thrilled for you Juna! Your portrait is truly unique and outstanding!
    Congratulations!

    1. Thank you Barb! It was so much fun to make this little vlog, and to take you all with me!

  16. Thank you so much for sharing this video – it was a pleasure to watch! You inspire me in many ways. Your portrait is quite beautiful and intriguing, leaving the viewer to image what is going on with her. Well done!

    1. That’s exactly what I’m striving for in my art, Donna, so that’s really wonderful to hear. Thank you!

  17. Thank you for taking me along on your fantastic adventure! What an honor and privilege to have your piece selected! Thank you for sharing your talent as a teacher! Blessings!!

    1. Thank you so much for your kind words, Cathy! And I’m happy that you enjoyed the vlog! πŸ™‚

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