Toon Verhoef (b. 1946)

'All my paintings are based on preliminary sketches or drawings. I usually spend a long period drawing, doodling, ruminating, turning things around in my head before the idea and the character of a new painting become clear. After this gestation period the format, shape, material, colour but especially the 'personality' of the painting are settled - the sketch reminds me of all these aspects and I need it throughout the process of constructing the painting to conjure up the complex of elements that make up its character. ' - T. Verhoef