ournal

“Mirada Encantadora”

A PORTRAIT OF DAAN MICHAEL HOEKSTRA

‘Wall works’ are gigantic signs of hope
Murals created by fresco painting have existed since 300 BC
and even earlier using more primitive methods. Once thought
of as having a significant impact on communities with
messages of historical or political incantations, this art form is
now taking a different twist through artists like Daan
Michael Hoekstra. Fresco painting is a type of mural
painting done on walls or ceilings and is derived from the
Italian word affresco, meaning fresh.
Exploring historical and contemporary fresco painting practices, Hoekstra
realized the impact that public displays had on people when expressed through
universal human traits. A fine example of his work can be found in Grand Rapids,
Michigan on the side of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation building. Here,
Hoekstra’s painting reflects the realism of a woman looking to the past with sorrow,
but turning toward the future with hope lining her face. The scene causes people to
relate to worldly aspirations or personal reassuring of better days ahead.
 Originally from Ohio’s ‘Northeast coast’ - Cleveland, artist Hoekstra began his art education studies at the
University of Dallas in 1980. Apprenticeships included working with Ray Vinella in Taos, New Mexico, then with
Richard Lack at the Lack Atelier in Minnesota. His passion for fresco came to light when Daan worked with Mark
Balma on a large-scale fresco project at St. Mary’s College in Minnesota. This was the largest US buon-fresco project
to be commissioned and completed in the past fifty years.
Taking his knowledge of Italian fresco traditions to Mexico, to begin another two year project, Muralismo ai Fresco,
funded by the Programa de Desarrollo Cultural Municipal de Alamos in 2007, Hoekstra has found a united
symbolism of international traditional peoples and the environment through the mixture of historical exploration and
contemporary fresco painting practices. People stop and ponder the implications of an artistic public display and how
it affects their lives.
Today Daan lives with
his family in Sonora,
Mexico, where he is
founder and director of
the studio-school of fine
art, Atelier Sonorense in
Alamos. Students are
taught the basics of oil
painting through an
‘Atelier’ program based
on the tradition of 19th
century ateliers and learn
the distinction of artistry
that raises their senses.

H oekstra’s past
work is evident
throughout the
United States, Mexico
and Japan in landscape,
life and ecology paintings
with recent emphasis on
his love of murals
through fresco. His
balance of humanity and
nature are creating public
awareness in a world
filled with too little time
and too little compassion.
Murals are making a
comeback in a new and
exciting way for everyone
to focus on and enjoy like
this featured creator. Stop
by Daan’s website at
www.hoekstrastudio.com
to learn more about him
as well as he will help
design and display murals
of distinction through his
expanded fresco talents,
whether by commercial
commissions, residential
or religious settings can
be arranged by emailing
Hoekstra at
alamosartist@yahoo.com.
During my across the miles’ time with Daan, beyond his artistic side, his huge visual works brought to mind a
writing by Albert Schweitzer, “The Ethics of Reverence for Life.” In short, Dr. Schweitzer’s philosophy is that we as
humans have the responsibility to not only create life, but also to give it meaning.

By Kate Garton/AAPJ Senior Feature Editor

 "Brick Town House" oil on canvas, approx 20 x 24 in.

"Spring Storm Near Mancos" oil on canvas, 20 x 24 in. 

                                                                                                                                                     www.arttoartpalettejournal.com                                                                                                  01‐2011