
Nanou Jacobs, an Eindhoven (Netherlands)-based artist born in 1965, channels her passion for nature into striking drawings that serve as both an exploration of the natural world and a reflection of her artistic journey. A graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts, Department Drawing in Arendonk, Jacobs’ work embodies her fascination with lines and marks, capturing the essence of landscapes and personal experiences through a unique blend of observation and intuition.
Jacobs draws her inspiration primarily from her experiences outdoors. She explains, “I get my inspiration from the moments I’m outside, or just the things around me, but especially by doing!” This intrinsic connection to nature fuels her creative process, leading her to engage in life drawing and ‘en plein air’ sessions which allow her to document the world around her. Her practice is centered on exploring, observing, and recording the intricacies of her environment, making every moment spent outside a potential catalyst for new artistic insight.
Her artistic approach is deeply rooted in the dynamics and skill of drawing. Jacobs embraces spontaneity in her work; she often begins with experimental, accidental, or blind drawings, allowing these initial sketches to guide the creation of more abstract compositions. “My drawings are a play of lines and marks that are connected to form abstract maps, landscapes, or spaces. They are powerful, vibrant, and exploratory,” she shares.
Utilizing diverse materials such as charcoal, pencil, ink, oil pastel, and watercolor, Jacobs brings her observations to life, creating compelling visual narratives that reflect her experiences. In her studio, she uses notes and insights gained from outdoor explorations as starting points for new works, merging intuitive drawing with an array of techniques. “I try to create as freely as possible!” she states, emphasizing her desire to maintain artistic freedom without the constraints of paper size.
Jacobs’ journey into the world of art began in her childhood, where her love of writing, paper, and nature aligned with her studies in floral design and landscape architecture. This foundation ignited a passion for art that continues to shape her practice today. She acknowledges that, for her, “In art, everything comes together,” illustrating the interconnectedness of her interests.
Influenced by a range of esteemed artists—including David Hockney, Richard Diebenkorn, Joan Mitchell, and Cy Twombly—Jacobs draws inspiration from their works as she continues to develop her unique style. For color studies, she refers to the creations of Etel Adnan, Mark Rothko, and Nicolas de Stael, enriching her artistic palette with insights from a diverse array of sources.
Jacobs also finds value in viewing interviews with artists and reading biographies, frequently diving into titles like “Man with a Blue Scarf: Portrait of Lucian Freud” and “A Larger Message: Conversations with David Hockney,” both by Martin Gayford.
Currently, Jacobs is exhibiting her work in the contemporary drawing exhibition “TEKENKABINET XIII,” running from June 13 to July 13, 2025, at the Gallery Art Singel 100 in Amsterdam. Additionally, she will present a solo show at KIJKVENSTER, taking place from August to September 2025, at Kromstraat 55, Veldhoven, Netherlands. This unique daily window exhibition offers an intimate perspective of her art, allowing viewers to engage deeply with her process and creations.
For more information about Nanou Jacobs’ work and exhibitions, visit her Instagram @nanoujacobs_art or contact her via email at nanoujacobs@gmail.com.
As Jacobs continues to blend her profound connection to nature with her artistic practice, her work invites viewers to experience the vibrant interplay of spontaneity and observation—a true testament to the beauty found in being present in the moment.
Photo credits: The photographs are the property of the artist
Quotes from blog by Converstations_with_artists
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