My First Fine Art Fair in Europe: Lens&Canvas Highlights + A Special Sale
Last weekend I had the joy of participating in my very first art fair in the Netherlands — Lens&Canvas in The Hague. What an experience!
Of course, it was wonderful to share my newest paintings with collectors and art lovers, but the part that surprised me most was how much I valued the camaraderie with the other artists. After years of mostly creating alone in my studio, I realized just how much I had been craving that sense of community. Being surrounded by so many passionate, talented artists was inspiring, and I left with new friendships and some possible future collaborations.
A Very Special Sale
One of the most magical moments of the fair was seeing This Gentle Knowing find its forever home. On the second day, a woman came up to me and said she was drawn to it—but she needed some time to think. This was going to be her very first major art purchase.
This Gentle Knowing, 80×60 cm, mixed media on cotton canvas
On the final day, she returned, and she was still in love. We stood together, talking about the story behind the piece: how I created it after a hike on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, where I felt like I was in the perfect place at the perfect moment. The overlapping stone shapes in the painting are symbols of wisdom and the beauty of imperfection.
It turns out she’s a fellow hiker, and that connection to the landscape resonated instantly. She also shared that she’s moving through a stressful season in her life, and the calming energy of the piece struck a deep chord.
What’s most remarkable is that she felt drawn to this painting before she knew its story. It was as if she could translate the hidden language of the painting immediately. It felt destined—like this piece was created just for her.
Looking Ahead
Lens&Canvas was more than just an art fair. For me, it marked a milestone in my journey as an abstract artist in Europe. I’m already excited to plan more events, to connect with new audiences, and to keep building a community around art that brings peace and inspiration.
Lens & Canvas Artists 2025
If you missed the fair, you can explore my new Costa Collection on my site. I ship worldwide, so whether you’re in Europe, the US, or beyond, you can bring calming contemporary art into your home.