Sophie Ploeg

In my paintings I aim to connect dots; the dots of history, fashion, art and contemporary life. By seeking connections I hope to construct a meaningful layer to my and our lives. By incorporating pieces of history, referring to the art from the past, and using props such as antique lace, art can show the bigger picture.

Antique Lace depicted in oils
portraits on commission
Painting Blog

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Welcome!

I am a Dutch-born artist, art tutor, writer and art historian, based in the UK. I find much of my inspiration in art history, especially the Dutch and English 16th and 17th century. I try to find a dynamic between the past and the present in my painterly depictions of lace, silk, and velvet as well as my portraiture. My portrait work has been exhibited at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, the BP Portrait Award and elsewhere. I paint in oils and pastel and am available for commissions. 

Paintings

Beautiful galleries show portraiture, fabrics and lace, pastel and drawings as well as recent work. With links to current exhibition listings, how to buy a painting and more. 

Workshops

One-day workshops in small groups and with lots of personal help. Sophie teaches painting and drawing in intensive but informal workshops in South Gloucestershire.

Blog

A large resource of articles on art history, pastel and oil painting tips and techniques, exhibition reviews, musings and inspiration.

Video

Short videos, tutorials and peeks in the studio on Sophie’s Youtube channel

Discover the Blog

Top 10 Framing Tips
What should artists and collectors look out for when framing a work of art? After my extensive interview with my[...]
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Colour at Incamminati
In the past couple of blog articles I have been exploring colour a little. But there is this one place[...]
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Painter of light and colour: Monet
Claude Monet (1840 - 1926) has always been known to us all for his amazing waterlily paintings. We all know[...]
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Colour: Value, Chroma and Temperature
Colour is a major part of most paintings. So how do you choose your paint colours and how do you[...]
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How to Frame Art: An Interview with my Framer
Framing is a big part of many artists’ work. But the choice of a good frame can be tricky. Not[...]
Read More 

Do you know your canvas from your cotton? 
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