SOPHIE CROSSART

About

Sophie Crossart (b. 1989) is a Dutch representational artist whose work is rooted in close observation of the natural world. Working directly from life, she creates watercolour paintings on paper and vellum, focusing on individual flowers, seed heads and seasonal plants. Her work begins with subjects she grows in her garden or finds in the rural surroundings of her studio. Painting is her way of collecting, studying, understanding and those overlooked elements that draw her attention. Rather than documenting her subjects, she seeks to translate the essence of her encounters into images that feel both present and remembered, real and imagined.  

Vellum has become a defining material within her practice. She deliberately chooses remnants of vellum and vellum panels she prepares herself because its individuality and history reflect the character she aims to capture of each subject. She builds colour gradually through many layers of carefully applied brushstrokes. This slow process contributes to the depth, luminosity and distinctive velvety quality of her finished work.

Alongside her watercolour paintings, Sophie creates intimate still lifes in oil on panel. Across both disciplines, she is interested in materiality, collecting, observation, and the transformation of ordinary subjects into small-scale, precious paintings that invite closer attention. 

Sophie holds degrees in Art History from the Netherlands and Germany (B.A., M.A., Dr. phil.). Her academic research into the historical representation of everyday life and the natural world informs her broader artistic practice.

Working as both an artist and educator, she teaches botanical and observational painting to an international student base through online workshops. Her book Botanicals was published by EMF Verlag.

Her paintings are held in private collections internationally and have been shown in selected exhibitions and art fairs across Western Europe. She is open to commissions and collaborations.. 

Education

DipSBA(Dist), The Society of Botanical Artists (2021)

Dr. phil. Art History, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich (2016)

M.A Art History, Utrecht University (2012)

B.A. Art History , Radboud University Nijmegen (2010)

Teaching

Online and local, courses & workshops

Volkshochschule Heidelberg (2021-2025)

Memberships

Meester van het Realisme — Masters of Realism

SBA Fellow — The Society of Botanical Artists

Founding member VBKD — Verein Botanische Kunst Deutschland

Aspirant werkend lid VBKN — Botanisch Kunstenaars Nederland 

Member — GEDOK (Heidelberg)