Marlies de Wit is a Dutch artist living in Deventer. Her artistic journey began at 26, studying illustration at ArtEZ, University of the Arts. After graduating, she focused on designing birth announcements but sought to expand her creativity by taking drawing classes at KunstLokaal Deventer in 2015. It was here that she discovered her love for oil pastels and began working on a larger scale.
With an open mind, and over time, she mastered the material, with the discovery of Sennelier pastels and the use of tape marking significant milestones. Although she identified as an illustrator for many years, in late 2024, she decided to shift her focus to fine art, a transformation still ongoing.
Her art often features birds, symbolizing the space we occupy, the relationships we engage in or avoid, and the boundaries we define. Everyday dynamics serve as a continuous source of inspiration, along with other art forms that emphasize design, form, and bold colors.
Influenced by Kayoon Anderson’s “gardeners and planners,” Marlies’ work now shows a dynamic interplay between structure and spontaneity. By giving words to her art, she clarified its form and meaning, leading to greater cohesion in her practice.