Enjoy the delightfully humorous portfolio of artist Carla Raadsveld. Visit her website to see more of her work.
![The artist Carla Raadsveld](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Carla-Raadsveld.jpg)
The artist Carla Raadsveld
My name is Carla Raadsveld, and I was born in Rotterdam, although I am currently living in Ireland. I was educated at the Rotterdam Academy of Fine Art, and received scholarships in both Italy and South Africa.
![Big Hair Day](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Big-hair-day-100x120-cm-40x51-inch.jpg)
“Big Hair Day” mixed media, 40″ x 51″
A gallery described my recent work as ” contentment with a smile.” I like that, it sounds a lot better than “big women with crazy cats.”
![The Park 2](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/the-park-2-100x80-cm-39x32-inch.jpg)
“The Park 2″ mixed media, 39″ x 32”
My work has changed over the years, but long-time clients tell me that they always recognise my hand.
![The Beach](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/The-beach-60x120-cm-24x-47-inch.jpg)
“The Beach” mixed media, 24″ x 47″
I prep my (usually large) canvas with a skin and paint it black. The contour lines are not drawn or painted, they are the unpainted black background. I paint whites over black, a time-consuming technique.
![Any Afternoon](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/any-afternoon-80x160-cm-32x64-inch.jpg)
“Any Afternoon” mixed media, 32″ x 64″
The act of painting is very important to me, as is the composition. The painting has a life of its own. I don’t use sketches, just a vague idea of what the result might look like. That idea can change totally during the painting. It’s never a dull moment.
Cats are very present in my work, birds as well. My companion cats think that my every painting is great, that helps a lot of course.
Stunning, beautiful, inspiring, creative, evocative, charming and memorable work. I want to see more and more and more. The style totally rocks. I love it.
Thank you Roopa,
I am honored