Messy Art
by Valérie van Kraaij
I grew up in Eindhoven, the design capital of the Netherlands, where creativity, design, and bold thinking were part of everyday life. Surrounded by innovation from an early age, I developed a deep appreciation for storytelling, playful expression, and the power of visual art.My journey has taken me through many creative chapters — from working as a stewardess for KLM, to nutritional research at University of Toronto, to working as a chef focused on wholesome plant-based food. Each experience shaped my perspective, expanded my creativity, and strengthened my belief that life should be lived with joy, curiosity, and compassion.Today, I live in the Dordogne region of France, where I also run a small vacation rental business surrounded by nature and calm countryside life. My greatest artistic inspiration came from a beautifully simple moment: watching my daughter draw. Her playful freedom, humor, and fearless creativity reminded me that art doesn’t need perfection to be meaningful. It can be messy, vibrant, emotional, and full of life.
That inspiration became the heart of my work and the foundation of my Messy Art style — joyful, playful art that celebrates funny stories, animals, imagination, and the imperfect beauty of everyday life.Through my drawings and paintings, I aim to create joy. My work is designed to spark smiles, invite curiosity, and reconnect people with the childlike wonder that often gets lost as we grow older.For me, life is about joy — and Messy Art is my way of painting it.
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Original Paintings
The Jester
A fragile, ticking moment captured forever in The Jester.A mysterious white rabbit in an ornate harlequin costume and dramatic ruffled collar stares out with deep red eyes, a tiny red bob dangling from its paw. Painted with expressive depth on a 77 × 57 cm canvas in the heart of the Dordogne. This original acrylic work sings with poetry and quiet power — the pinnacle of Responsibly Messy storytelling. At 1000 €, it is a haunting, narrative masterpiece for discerning collectors across the globe who cherish art that stays with you long after you look away.An original acrylic painting on canvas
77 x 57cm
1000 euro, free shipping in Europe
Too Glam To Fatch
Meet the ultimate tennis diva: Too Glam To Fetch – The Pink Poodle Tennis Club.
This glamorous pink poodle, visor tilted just so, grips a tennis ball while lounging amid scattered lemon slices in a sun-drenched court. Painted with rich texture and playful confidence on a 30 × 40 cm canvas in the Dordogne, France. Pure Responsibly Messy energy — bold, glamorous and irresistibly fun. 500 € with free shipping in Europe. A show-stopping, smile-inducing addition to any international collection.Original acrylic painting on canvas
30 × 40 cm
500 euro, free shipping in Europe
Where is the banana?
A witty pop-surrealist smile for your wall: Where is the banana?An abstract crumpled napkin figure, stylish black glasses perched on its face, balances a bright yellow banana against a sizzling hot-pink background. Painted in bold acrylic on thick paper in the Dordogne, this original work blends humour, crisp lines and vibrant chaos with thoughtful precision — pure Responsibly Messy Art. A conversation-starting, joy-giving piece that modern collectors worldwide will love to own and show off.An original acrylic painting on thick paper
A4
250 euro, free shipping in Europe
