Merel MAY
Fine Artist
EXPLORING, CREATING & PAINTING
Exploring sparks adventure and discovery.
Creating brings ideas to life.
Painting expresses the soul.
Dou Under
Finalist
Merel MAY is a finalist in the currently broadcast national TV show De Gezonken Meesters, a program that searches for artists re-creating Dutch masterpieces that were drowned more than two centuries ago while being transported to Saint Petersburg. For this painting competition, Merel MAY portrayed Prof. Rebecca Painter as the central figure on a triptych inspired by and in the style of Gerard Dou, Rembrandt’s first apprentice. Through this artwork, she raises awareness about Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), a severe form of pregnancy sickness that can be harmful to both the mother and the unborn child.
New
E-Reader (Everywhere Reader)
60×30 Oil on panel
This painting is a heartfelt tribute to the transformative power of reading. It captures the essence of pausing in busy lives to embark journeys of the mind, where stories take shape and imagination flourishes. While the convenience of e-readers is undeniable, nothing compares to the profound magic of a physical book. Luckily the ease of an e-reader attracts also the younger generation with endless books waiting as an invitation to explore boundless worlds.
Books empower us, opening doors to new insights and fostering empathy in a way that other media often cannot. Books breathe life into our dreams and ignite our imaginations. In a time where digital distractions dominate our attention, this work embrace the joy and depth that only a book can provide. Everywhere Reader.
Rhythm of the Ocean
43×59, Oil on canvas
This painting celebrates the healing power of the sea. Waves come and go, yet remain constant. The painting captures the ocean’s ever-changing beauty, inviting viewers to pause and appreciate its simple, magical rhythm. For me, the ocean is a daily reminder to find peace in the natural flow of life.
Drifted Gift
55×32 Oil on driftwood
This painting is an unique exploration of nature’s gifts, where the ocean and the land converge to create something timeless. I paint directly on driftwood found on the stunning shores of Bunurong Land*/ the Mornington Peninsula.
The texture of the wood, shaped by the elements, underscores that I find my primarily inspiration in nature. The creation of this work enclosed also a reminder: if you have your eyes open, nature will always provide. It’s my intention that this artwork serves as a reflection of the profound beauty around us, an invitation to pause, notice, and cherish the simple, often unnoticed gifts the world offers.
Senses
40×60 Oil on wooden panel
Since migrating to Australia from The Netherlands, I have undergone a profound transformation in how I connect with the world and engage with nature on a deeper level. The breathtaking landscapes of Bunurong Land have changed my perceptions and enriched my understanding of sensory experiences. This painting is my first attempt to evoke more than just the viewer’s eye; it is an immersive exploration of how my migration has expanded my world, both literally and metaphorically. The aroma of eucalyptus, the fresh taste of limoncello (my personal favourite), the vibrant colours of native plants, and the simple joy of blowing a dandelion all contribute to a multi-sensory experience of this still life.
About
Merel MAY is a Dutch fine-artist specialised in working with oil paint. Inspiration flows from nature, and Merel MAY’s art aims to uncover the unseen — the glimmers of beauty that often go unnoticed or the thought-provoking elements that leave the viewer contemplating. Driven by creativity and curiosity, Merel’s life is a journey of discovery and exploring uncharted territories (e.g. new styles, and techniques). This journey led her to the breathtaking Bunurong Land*/the Mornington Peninsula, southeast of Melbourne, Australia, where she finds a rich source of inspiration.
Picture by @yannicreative