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
Not available
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Tea Time 250 euro, flat canvas panel, free shipping in to Europe & North America.
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Lumiere d’Or en Dordogne, Canvas 30x40cm mixed media, 450 euro with free shipping in Europe.
Les bois, 30x40cm, canvas, mixed media, 450 euro free shipping in Europe
Mixed media, canvas, 30x40cm, 450 euro free shipping in Europe
The Jester. (Le Fou de Roi) A fragile, ticking moment captured forever in The Jester. An original acrylic painting on canvas
78x 58cm
1000 euro, free shipping in Europe
Too glam to fatch. Original acrylic painting on canvas, 30 × 40 cm
450 euro, free shipping in Europe
Where is the banana? A witty pop-surrealist smile for your wall: Where is the banana?
An original acrylic painting on thick paper, A4, 250 euro, free shipping in Europe