MARCEL WITTE paints animals on a background of clear and often bright colours. His paintings tend, despite their realism, towards fantasy and is evidence of a daring approach. The composition of his work is deceptively easy. However, a closer look reveals an ingenious combination of colours and shapes. This harmony, in connection with the fact that his animals are recognisable, provides the paintings with a great expressive power and strength.

"From when I was a little boy drawing is my biggest hobby. I filled sketchbooks with delicate drawings of mainly animals”, says the artist. "Some people expected me to go to the academy of art, but I was of a different opinion. Already from my time at the kindergarten I wanted to be a forester.” Marcel attends courses at the Forestry and Technical College, where he specialises in the development and fitting of landscapes. His drawing pen does not remain on the shelf during his studies. He regularly embellishes his reports with drawings. "Due to these drawings I get assignments for making illustrations.”

Initially, Witte combines a fulltime job for Het Utrechts Landschap with his activities as a freelance illustrator. In 2004, he established himself as a fulltime artist.

The rendering of animals suits him the best and makes up the central theme of his work. "At first, I made quite realistic pictures of landscapes and animals for my family and friends. In 2003, however, I decided to embark on a different approach: animals in detail against a background of clear, and often, bright colours. These paintings are a balance on the edge between realism and fantasy.”

Marcel sees his work as a mixture of modern art (colour, shapes and lines) and old realism (detailed). He uses photos to get a clear image about the animals he wants to paint. "With the help of these photos, I try to render a particular animal as realistic as possible. The choice of the background colour can harmonise with the animal; it can symbolise or provide a beautiful contrast. The animal ‘asks’ for attention and defines the composition.”

Marcel Witte exhibits in The Netherlands, Belgium and Italy.