Her eyes shine like stars in the dark night,
A glimpse of struggle and inner strength.
The newspapers merge with her countenance,
Reports of hope, determination and a story that never dies.
The delicate butterfly, so fragile and delicate,
Symbol of transformation, of freedom in her being.
The butterfly dances on the breeze of change,
And just goes her own way.
This work tells a story of a continent,
Of freedom struggles, almost unprecedented.
A small tribute to Nelson Mandela, the father of the nation,
And to all African women, sources of inspiration.
===
Mixed media work. Colourful drawing elaborated with digital coloured pencils and brushes. Then digitally processed newspaper pieces were incorporated into the drawing. Since a tour of Senegal, I have created several works on the theme of Africa.
                                
 
                                Karen Nijst has lived in and near her beloved hometown of Maastricht for many years. She currently works as a web developer (Kahlo Websites in Hapert, Brabant) and is responsible for both programming and graphic design . The latter has undoubtedly influenced some of the drawings you can see.. Read more…
 
                         Visit to Vienna (impression)Karen Nijst
Visit to Vienna (impression)Karen Nijst Frida, in Mexican clothing. Fantasy drawingKaren Nijst
Frida, in Mexican clothing. Fantasy drawingKaren Nijst Market in Meerssen and Basilica of the Blessed SacramentKaren Nijst
Market in Meerssen and Basilica of the Blessed SacramentKaren Nijst Carnival, Kempenoptocht Hapert (N-B) 2017Karen Nijst
Carnival, Kempenoptocht Hapert (N-B) 2017Karen Nijst Maiko (Geisha), paper art.Karen Nijst
Maiko (Geisha), paper art.Karen Nijst Carnival Vrijthof Maastricht, with MooswiefKaren Nijst
Carnival Vrijthof Maastricht, with MooswiefKaren Nijst Smoking Frida in front of the Blue HouseKaren Nijst
Smoking Frida in front of the Blue HouseKaren Nijst Carnival Maastricht 2022 with Vrijthof and GiantKaren Nijst
Carnival Maastricht 2022 with Vrijthof and GiantKaren Nijst Carnival Vrijthof with Mooswief and Saint Servatius Church 2017Karen Nijst
Carnival Vrijthof with Mooswief and Saint Servatius Church 2017Karen Nijst African beauty in African landscape with CheetaKaren Nijst
African beauty in African landscape with CheetaKaren Nijst Flower SymphonyKaren Nijst
Flower SymphonyKaren Nijst Redheaded Lady & Apple Tree (á la Klimt)Karen Nijst
Redheaded Lady & Apple Tree (á la Klimt)Karen Nijst Colorful Life in a jungle. African mixed mediaKaren Nijst
Colorful Life in a jungle. African mixed mediaKaren Nijst Frida's Ivory HandsKaren Nijst
Frida's Ivory HandsKaren Nijst The Splendour of Maastricht CarnivalKaren Nijst
The Splendour of Maastricht CarnivalKaren Nijst Queen of Hearts With Chinese FanKaren Nijst
Queen of Hearts With Chinese FanKaren Nijst Asian Flowers and Crane birds. Female portrait (fantasy drawing)Karen Nijst
Asian Flowers and Crane birds. Female portrait (fantasy drawing)Karen Nijst Lady with earring. Mixed media techniqueKaren Nijst
Lady with earring. Mixed media techniqueKaren Nijst African Queen and little birdKaren Nijst
African Queen and little birdKaren Nijst The Spirit of Aquarius. The essence of an Aquarius woman.Karen Nijst
The Spirit of Aquarius. The essence of an Aquarius woman.Karen Nijst