An egg painted by Annie Barkhuis. Own picture
Whether it is an egg from a goose, an ostrich or a zebra finch, Annie Barkhuis (83) transformed the eggs into a true work of art. A display case full of painted eggs is still a reminder of the hobby, which she had ‘enjoyed immensely’ for many years. However, due to eye problems, she is forced to call it a day.
“I can’t do it anymore,” sighs Annie, who lives with her husband Otto in the Botanicahof residential community in Winschoten. Annie, originally from Gasselte, began to see less and less well. Research showed that the retina of her eyes is partly worn out. “There is nothing that can be done about it. Although it is progressive, I have been assured that I will not go blind. However, because of this I have to say goodbye to painting, but well 83 years, what do you want?”
Hindelooper painting
Annie started her hobby decades ago, when she was enthused by her teacher at the School for Manual Labor in the city of Groningen. She has always been creative. “Out of necessity”, she laughs. “I am quite tall and often clothes I bought in the store were too short. That is why I sewed my own clothes at a young age.”
As far as painting is concerned, in the early days she focused on the so-called Hindelooper painting, which is characterized by a fast, elegant style, after which the artwork is finished with numerous details. “I painted on canvas, among other things, but also on trays and even thimbles, for example, until someone said to me: ‘Why don’t you paint eggs?’ That’s when I started doing this, and it worked great. I loved it right away.”
The eggs she kept from far and wide. “In Boerakker you have an ostrich farmer, and I got the goose eggs from Germany. As more became known that I painted eggs, people also came along with various types.”
Time-consuming process
Before the eggs can be painted with oil paint, there is a time-consuming process. “The eggs have to be cleaned carefully first,” says Annie. “A small hole is pierced at the bottom with a hypodermic needle, after which air is blown into the egg with a compressor. Then the egg is carefully rinsed with soap and water, after which it is left to dry for a while. Once that’s done, I can start applying the undercoat to the egg and then painting it in the old master style. Afterwards, the egg has to be varnished two or three more times. All in all, you are a few months further.”
‘Out with a bang’ is a well-known English phrase. That also applies to Annie and her painting. “The last egg I probably painted is one with Panorama Mesdag on it. I am very satisfied with that.”
Married sixty years
Now that the painting is over, Annie is not going to give up. “No, I’m not the person for that. There are still plenty of fun things to do. For example, next year my husband and I will be married 60 years. That is something to look forward to.”