A Born Artist
“I have always loved to create things with my hands, not a day goes by where I don’t have an idea. It goes from painting, making furniture, sculptures, lamps, clothes, upholstery, often with things I find lying around, or I keep for years until an idea strikes me…”
How It All Began
Born into a family of artists in Belgium, Rikki Tollenaere’s pedigree is evident in her own stunning paintings and artworks. A passion ignited in her youth, Rikki studied art from a young age, eventually becoming a master painter, specialising in marble and wood imitations, Trompe l’-oeil and gold leaf.
Her Greatest Inspiration
Although progressing to running her own painting business, Rikki’s other love – the ocean, has always been in the background of her mind. Five years later she was given an amazing opportunity to set sail across the Atlantic. Her subsequent years sailing across the globe presented never-ending inspiration for her artwork. Hours of watching the night sky from yachts, visiting exotic places, and the movement and stillness of the sea translated into spectacular art pieces, with seascapes becoming her specialty. Rikki’s preferred medium is oil paint, and she often combines this with other materials such as newspaper pictures or real sailcloth to give the paintings more life and depth.
Artist and Philanthropist
With the ocean as her underlying theme, 2014 saw Rikki embark on a new and more altruistic artistic venture – ‘100 Waves’. She is committed to produce 100 unique paintings of waves and donates a percentage of every painting sold to Ondine Asociacion. This marine conservation organization is based in Palma and protects and improves local marine ecosystems around the Balearic Islands. Rikki is fast approaching her goal- 82 waves have been created so far!
An Art Piece of Your Own
Now based in Mallorca, Rikki has had exhibitions both here and in Antigua, but her work has been commissioned all over the world. You too can have your own piece of Rikki Art, whether it be one of her own inspired paintings, or a piece commissioned specially to fit your space. She can even give you a private painting lesson to help you unleash your own inner artistic abilities!
Restoration Work and Advice
As well as being creative, Rikki’s painting skills can also be utilised in a more practical way. Should you require restoration work on your yacht Rikki can fix dings and scratches, or if your home or workspace is in need of some interior or exterior love, she can provide a wealth of advice.
