Raw portraits

Irene de Klerk Wolters

@irenedkw

After almost a decade living in Copenhagen, Dutch artist and painter Irene de Klerk has recently moved back to the Netherlands. She is now settling in with her family in a beautiful old house from 1903 not too far from the ocean, her endless source of inspiration. We speak with Irene about her painting practice, her day to day and her skincare habits. 

Town - Copenhague

Skin type - Dry

Favorite plant - Aloe Vera

1. Hi, Irene, could you tell us a bit about yourself?
We are a Dutch family of four. My boys are 16-year-old Beau and 11-year-old Pepijn. Three months ago we moved from Copenhagen to the Netherlands. The move to Copenhagen was meant to be an adventure for a year or two but we stayed there for nine years, which means my boys mostly grew up in Copenhagen. So, although we are Dutch, it all feels new for them. Since I’m a painter I can work everywhere. I take care of the boys, and while they are at school, I do my work..

2. We loved your home in Copenhagen. Could you describe to us your new home? How do you feel about the change?
We live in an old beautiful city between Amsterdam and the ocean. After living close to the ocean all these years in Copenhagen I’m really happy to have found a house close to the sea. We bought an old house from 1903. Though it’s perfect to live in, we like to change things into our own style and since it’s an old house the never-ending to-do list is really there. So lots of work to do, which we will do ourselves as much as possible. We promised our boys to finally get a dog once we would move. And so we did! 

3. What moves you in terms of inspiration?
It can be everything. Nature, my big love for the endless and ever-changing sea, fashion, the colours of ceramics, vegetables and fruits, or other artists' work. But I guess it’s my feeling about colour which drives me to paint. To me, colour is key to creating harmony in my paintings, to ensure they contribute to building a warm atmosphere within a space without taking over it. Painting is always a process. I know which colours I like to work with, but how the painting develops is a process... I never know what will happen. I have to let it come and do it.

4. After 15 years as a lawyer you decided to quit yo ur job and started painting full time. Did you always want to be an artist?
I never, ever thought of becoming a painter in my life! While working as a lawyer I did paint and then came a moment when I started to get more and more requests. At the same time, the desire to work more creatively became so strong that I decided to leave my job. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I felt I had to do it. You never know what will come out on your life's path. You might change your interests or your personality. I always want to be open to new opportunities in any creative way.

5. What do you love the most when you are painting?
When I paint, I can create my own world. Light is important, there are always candles, a bottle of water and a particular way of placing things around me. I usually start by deciding on a colour and go for it.

6. How do you take care of your skin. Do you follow some kind of beauty routine?
I really enjoy taking care of my skin. I’ve never been a makeup person but I love skincare and trying out new products, especially serums and oils, they feel like a big treat to use. Every morning and evening I clean my face really well. I never skip that step. Depending on how my skin feels I will use a serum or an oil, and l love a mask too –it really helps to feel and look better. 

7. How has your routine evolved through the years?
I’m 52 years old, and I don’t wake up as fresh as when I was a young girl. My skin has different needs now, so my routine is focused on hydrating and softening my lines. I have introduced some beauty tools too, I feel my skin really appreciates the massage, either with the Regenerate Night Serum or with some nourishing plant oil.

8.  Are there some rituals you like to practice when you feel the need to take care of yourself?
Definitely a massage, with my fingertips or some skincare tools. I love ROWSE’s gua sha and I try to use it as much as I can –consistency is always essential. Exfoliating, or any kind of mask, always makes me feel better, and I also adore taking a long, hot bath. It’s not always easy to find the time, but it makes me feel so much better, the tensions in my body disappear. Once I get out, I absolutely love to moisturize my skin with Summer Body Oil. I apply it when my skin is still damp, and it leaves my skin super soft. 

9. Could you tell us your experience with ROWSE’s products so far? Is there one that you love most?
They are heaven to me, like candy to all my senses. The bottles are so beautiful, it’s a joy to walk into your bathroom and see the beautiful products. They smell divine, which is almost therapeutic. And of course, I love how my skin feels after using them. Rose water feels wonderful, and I love the Eye Contour Serum too. But for me, it’s the full routine that makes sense. I love how each product complements others.

10. What’s the best beauty advice you’ve ever received?
Always cleanse your face, both morning and night, even if you don’t use makeup. Otherwise, you won’t get the benefits of the following products in your routine. And use a cotton cloth to rinse off, it will provide a slightly exfoliating effect and helps reduce water consumption.

11. Just to end up with. What’s next for you in the following months? What are some things you’d like to accomplish this year?

Moving back to the Netherlands means settling in with our house, kids at school, getting new friends and doing several different projects on the way here or abroad. I’m open to new chances with my arms open. 

Irene's ROWSE routine essentials

Summer Body Oil

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