Artist exchanges pasture for the city center of Hoorn: “People are like cows”

This weekend the new cultural season will be kicked off in Hoorn with several activities in the city. A new exhibition will be opened in the pop-up museum Expoost, where the works of art made by Ruud Spil of the city can be admired for free.

Ruud describes his work as a kind of photo with a slow shutter speed. “I capture everything that happens in a street for three hours and make a painting of it,” says Ruud. Never before has he painted so openly in the city. “It’s a whole new experience, people really connect with the artist.”

Bringing art to the people

The goal of his painting journey this summer was to bring art back to the people. “Yes, I think that worked out well. People came to talk about art, but also about the city. They gave tips about beautiful places, for example,” says Ruud.

Ruud was also painting in the city during the construction of the fair. “Everyone is drinking, you get completely different conversations,” Ruud laughs. Ruud could also enjoy himself in the city on other days, he noticed. That passers-by really look up when he is painting a building.

“Passers-by sometimes pose for me,” Ruud laughs. Those who finally got into the painting will not recognize themselves. “If someone walks by with an interesting color, I quickly mix it up and put it on the canvas. I’m not going to completely copy someone, it’s kind of a mix of different people.”

Cows

He normally also uses this method in his paintings of cows. “The cows don’t stand still either, so I use the front of one cow and the back of another. As long as it’s a whole,” says Ruud. He does exactly the same with people, he also sees similarities. “People and cows look alike, they are both very curious.”

Passed

All in all, Ruud found his painting tour through the city very successful and worth repeating. “You also have many public gardens in Hoorn, maybe I’ll be in them next year,” Ruud thinks.

Ruud notices that he is getting more and more followers online and thinks that his painting journey has contributed to this. “Although I still sell cows, you know. I sent another one to Texas last week.”

He has had a calender printed for people who also want to have a Ruud Spil at home. With twelve works of art, made in Hoorn. “That seemed like a good idea, so everyone can enjoy the paintings.”

All paintings can be viewed in the exhibition at Expos in Hoorn. It will last until October 3. On September 11, Ruud himself will give a tour of his works of art. He will also explain more about his method and choices for the depicted places.