Johan Messely

Johan Messely grew up in the artistic world of his father Paul Messely, also a painter, who served as his great example and motivation. After his studies into technical engineering and later photography, Johan settled as a proffessional photographer in Menen, Belgium, but eventually decided to turn painting from being just a hobby into his main occupation.

Johan aims to create scenes in which the subtle play between light and shadow takes the central stage. His oil paintings are sunny and colourful, and depict optimism and the joy of life. They can be descibed as figurative art, but with an impressionistic touch. Apart from oil on canvas. Johan also has a passion for pastel, in which he depicts the woman in a natural pause. Again here, the combination of light and shadow are an important part of his work.