Pieter Zaadstra’s Tales of the Atelier is a unique plunge into his world of art and the heritage of the European art ateliers. 

Drawing on his lineage from the masters of the School of Den Haag and his education in that tradition and beyond, Pieter leads both the appreciative art grazer and earnest art student through his experiences of creativity and drama. Interwoven are snippets of life in 1950s and ’60s Europe, the Cold War years and the urgings towards migration to Australia, plus tales of his Australia-wide travels and the characters he has met.

Volume One includes sections on art from his current home in Tasmania, his South African sojourn and discussions on ekphrasis, expressionist and impressionist art, the development of style, lines in art and a refreshing alternative discussion to the currently prevailing post-modernist dogma.

Pieter continues the tradition of the atelier, guiding his students both in his studio and through these volumes. Each lavishly illustrated edition will touch on new artistic themes and subject matter, weaving in further tales to underpin their essence. You are invited to join this journey.