Jean LUYENS

Jean Luyens : A Maestro of the Sea and Watercolor

Introduction

Born in Ostend in 1932, Jean Luyens was raised in a world steeped in sailors and oceans. This marine environment, a significant influence on his work, combined with a solid artistic education to make him a well-rounded artist. Initially educated in England and later at the Saint-Luc Institute in Ghent, Jean Luyens has successfully blended his talent in the art of painting with a career in advertising, thus offering him a balance between commerce and creation.

A Multidisciplinary Professional Path

Luyens began his professional life as a graphic designer, later transitioning to the role of art director in advertising agencies. His ability to straddle the worlds of graphic industries and pure artistic expression has earned him mutual respect in both fields. Although regularly sought-after for his skills in illustration, he has always found the time to devote himself to his first love: painting.

A Devotion to the Sea

A former member of the now-dissolved Association of Belgian Painters of the Sea, Luyens has been contributing invaluable work to the Association of Belgian Marine Painters since 1997. His oeuvre is a true tribute to the ocean, evoking the delicacy of the waves, the grandeur of historical yachts, and the infiniteness of marine horizons.

The “Very British” Style

One of the most striking features of his work is his mastery of watercolor, which he employs to create “very British” paintings. His pieces, often centered around yachts of yesteryear, reflect a bygone era while preserving a modernity and finesse that continue to impress his peers and maritime art enthusiasts.

Recognition and Exhibitions

Over the years, Jean Luyens has participated in numerous exhibitions, notably in Brussels, Ostend, and England. Each of these exhibitions has served as a platform to showcase his artistic versatility, which is appreciated as much in his native Belgium as it is internationally.

Conclusion

Through a multi-faceted career, Jean Luyens has demonstrated that art and commercialization can coexist harmoniously. But what truly sets this artist apart is his ability to capture the essence of the sea and transpose it onto canvas, echoing both his roots and his unwavering love for the maritime world.