Hank says this has really helped him during the pandemic and he urges others to use this time to do what you are most passionate about, whatever that may be, for Hank painting has stolen his heart.

His paintings use striking bright colours, in order to present a story and evoke emotions and thoughts on canvas or wood. He has always enjoyed drawing and painting since he was a young child but the pandemic has really given him the time to do so and he has concentrated his efforts into beautiful pieces of art.

Previously, he was an interior designer in London and has always been passionate about art. He has taken something positive from lockdown as it has given him much more time to do what he loves and he has pursued his creative side through painting and has become obsessed with trying out new ideas.

I asked him where he gets his inspiration from and he told me he has always had a creative eye and he feels so inspired lately which is how he can complete so many paintings. Additionally, his sister is an art critic and because of this he has always gone to many art galleries in Holland so he says perhaps it is because of this he has absorbed a lot of art work.

A lot of positives have come out of the pandemic for him because he would not have been able to paint as many pieces as he has done. This has been something he has put a lot of time and effort into and now wants to make this into his full-time career.

Hank and his partner moved over from England and have been in the Algarve for two years, they find “living in the Algarve is such a blessing due to the weather”. Hank has been coming to Portugal for the last forty years as his partner is Portuguese and they have travelled all over Portugal but what he really appreciates about the Algarve is how friendly and helpful people are here.

All artists need help during this time, like so many people that have been hit during this difficult time so Hank would really appreciate if you checked out his website, if you are interested in brightening up your space.

We spoke about his hopes for the future, and he told me he would love to have his paintings in one room for people to see, so his dream is to have an exhibition. This is a permanent career change for Hank and he has always wanted to do this and he finally can do as it now has moved to the Algarve. A passion that has grown over time but lately it has become an “obsession in the best possible way”.

This article is really a reminder to pursue what you are passionate about and to do something you really love and it could be anything and so many things you do these days with help from the internet. All his paintings tell a story but his collection entitled “Colours to lift us up” really emphasises the power of art in the way that it can make you feel better, especially during the pandemic. This collection specifically is so positive and would really brighten our home or work space, but most of all your spirits.

All of Hank’s paintings are for sale and the best way to contact Hank is to check out his website at https://www.hennyhendrikus.com/.

Author

Following undertaking her university degree in English with American Literature in the UK, Cristina da Costa Brookes moved back to Portugal to pursue a career in Journalism, where she has worked at The Portugal News for 3 years. Cristina’s passion lies with Arts & Culture as well as sharing all important community-related news.

Cristina da Costa Brookes