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Johan Dijkstraartist • painter • watercolourist • draughtsman • printmakerGroningen 1896-1978

biography of Johannes 'Johan' Dijkstra

Johan Dijkstra, born in Groningen, takes after the three-year HBS the Hogere Handelsschool and from 1915 afternoon lessons at the Academy Minerva. There he, like Jan Altink, is taught by the non-conformist painter F.H. Bach, the teacher who took his students outside to paint the landscape on the spot. A popular place was the Blauwborgje, a farmyard on the Reitdiep, where Dijkstra would return a lot later. After obtaining the MO certificate of drawing, he went to Amsterdam for another year in 1919 to further focus on painting at the National Academy. While still a student at Minerva in 1918, Dijkstra was one of the founders of the Groninger Kunstkring De Ploeg and took part in the first Plowing Exhibition in 1919. The press is full of praise. During this time Dijkstra maintains himself with making illustrations and advertising work, just like Altink. In 1922 he married Marie van Veen, a fellow student from Hefswal.

In his early years, Dijkstra often went out with Altink to paint. Both are attracted to the typical Groningen landscape and the hard-working farm workers. In 1921 he starts to experiment with color and technique. Initially he was inspired by the radiant colors and the brushstrokes of Vincent van Gogh's paintwork with short brushstrokes. In this style he paints cityscapes and landscapes. With this he stood outside the expressionism of the other Ploeg members, who had already become acquainted with the art and ideas of Ernst Ludwig Kirchner through Jan Wiegers. The Ploegmakkers often go out together and like to settle down with Blauwborgje. Or they drive to Oostum to paint the church there. Was this because this church was so much more beautiful than other Groningen churches? The reason is not so prosaic; many team members painted places that were within cycling distance because they did not have a car. Dijkstra said of the churches in Groningen: 'It was as if they were calling to be painted'. He thought that in the countryside of Groningen you always saw a church around you in the distance, built in red brick, made of the local Groningen clay and thus inextricably linked to the landscape.

It was not until around 1926, a little later than with the other Ploeg members, that a fierce expressionism, influenced by the German expressionist Kirschner, made its appearance in Dijkstra's work and his use of color became increasingly daring and the forms freer. Instead of small strips of oil paint, he paints landscapes, cityscapes and portraits in large areas of wax paint in bright, almost clashing colors. His graphics show the same dynamics and expressiveness, especially in etchings and woodcuts.

Towards the end of the 1920s, we see an understated, impressionist artist, albeit retaining his bold, bright colors. During that time Dijkstra also took on many commissions for glass art and mosaic. He makes windows for the auditorium of the University of Groningen, designs gobelins for the first room in The Hague and makes murals for the Groningen town hall. He does, however, continue to draw and paint freely, more true to nature than before.

After the outbreak of the Second World War, it becomes impossible to carry out monumental commissions and Dijkstra picks up brush and canvas again. He must register with the Kultuurkamer, but does not participate in official exhibitions. He retreats to the countryside where he mainly records the Groningen landscape and makes many portraits of his friends. He continues to be interested in the Groningen landscape with its extensive grain fields, churches and mounds. In a time of scaling up and land consolidation, he chooses to capture simple farm life and a landscape that will be lost. He no longer cares about modern artistic movements. As a monumental artist he remains popular even after the war and makes windows for the Geertekerk in Utrecht, among other things.

Dijkstra started writing texts for publications by and about De Ploeg back in the 1920s. From the 1930s on, he also wrote as a critic for various newspapers, including the Provinciale Groninger Courant, the Nieuwsblad van het Noorden and the Nieuwe Rotterdamsche Courant. Unfortunately, his last years were not his happiest. After the death of his wife, his artistic production came to a halt. His creativity seemed to have left him and his health was rapidly deteriorating. Due to his fierce art critiques, he had few friends left. Dijkstra died at the age of 81 in Groningen. His estate is managed by the Johan Dijkstra Foundation.


for salepaintings, watercolours, drawings and prints & multiples by Johan Dijkstra


Johan Dijkstra | Farmhouse on the Paddepoelsterweg near Wierumerschouw; on the reverse: Farm on a countryroad, oil on canvas, 52.4 x 66.0 cm, painted ca. 1930

Johan Dijkstra

painting • for sale

Farmhouse on the Paddepoelsterweg near Wierumerschouw; on the reverse: Farm on a countryroad

Johan Dijkstra | Country road in Ezinge, Groningen, oil on canvas, 60.0 x 100.0 cm, signed l.r.

Johan Dijkstra

painting • for sale

Country road in Ezinge, Groningen

Johan Dijkstra | The Westerhaven in Groningen, oil on canvas, 60.1 x 92.0 cm, signed l.l. and dated '60

Johan Dijkstra

painting • for sale

The Westerhaven in Groningen

Johan Dijkstra | Evolution du printemps, oil on canvas, 84.3 x 103.8 cm, signed l.l.

Johan Dijkstra

painting • for sale

Evolution du printemps

Johan Dijkstra | Harvesting farm workers, oil on board laid down on panel, 35.7 x 62.8 cm

Johan Dijkstra

painting • for sale

Harvesting farm workers

Johan Dijkstra | Red flowers, oil on canvas, 36.0 x 35.8 cm, signed on the stretcher

Johan Dijkstra

painting • for sale

Red flowers

Johan Dijkstra | Near Maarhuizen, Groningen, oil on canvas, 60.3 x 100.3 cm, signed l.l.

Johan Dijkstra

painting • for sale

Near Maarhuizen, Groningen

Johan Dijkstra | Country road in Den Andel, Groningen, oil on canvas, 60.4 x 90.2 cm, signed l.r.

Johan Dijkstra

painting • for sale

Country road in Den Andel, Groningen

Johan Dijkstra | Bean pickers; on the reverse: Portrait of the actress Charlotte Köhler, oil on canvas, 65.3 x 85.2 cm, signed on the reverse

Johan Dijkstra

painting • for sale

Bean pickers; on the reverse: Portrait of the actress Charlotte Köhler

Johan Dijkstra | Flowers; on the reverse: Still life with pipe and tobacco, wax paint on canvas, 40.5 x 30.0 cm, signed l.r. and painted ca. 1930

Johan Dijkstra

painting • for sale

Flowers; on the reverse: Still life with pipe and tobacco

Johan Dijkstra | Pigeon loft at the farm Blauwborgje, Gronigen, oil on paper laid down on panel, 42.1 x 64.5 cm, signed on the reverse

Johan Dijkstra

painting • for sale

Pigeon loft at the farm Blauwborgje, Gronigen

Johan Dijkstra | The stern and helm of George's Martens tjalk 'Alida'; verso: Still life with a 'kraantjeskan' and knot of wool, oil on canvas, 36.0 x 40.2 cm, signed on the reverse and 1921-25 and  ca.1927-1931 Achtersteven Alida

Johan Dijkstra

painting • for sale

The stern and helm of George's Martens tjalk 'Alida'; verso: Still life with a 'kraantjeskan' and knot of wool

Johan Dijkstra | The Drinkers (posthumous printing), woodcut on paper, 49.5 x 37.0 cm

Johan Dijkstra

prints & multiples • for sale

The Drinkers (posthumous printing)

Johan Dijkstra | Female nude, chalk on paper, 51.3 x 31.1 cm, signed l.r.

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • for sale

Female nude

Johan Dijkstra | Field, Groningen, watercolour on paper, 73.0 x 63.0 cm

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • for sale

Field, Groningen

Johan Dijkstra | A view of castle Radboud in Medemblik, watercolour on paper, 38.0 x 66.0 cm

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • for sale

A view of castle Radboud in Medemblik

Johan Dijkstra | Female nude, chalk on paper, 37.0 x 22.0 cm, signed l.r.

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • for sale

Female nude

Johan Dijkstra | At the ball, black chalk on paper, 38.4 x 31.6 cm, signed l.r.

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • for sale

At the ball

Johan Dijkstra | Standing nude, black chalk and watercolour on paper, 62.7 x 46.6 cm

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • for sale

Standing nude

Johan Dijkstra | Model in the artist's studio, watercolour on paper, 55.5 x 44.0 cm

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • for sale

Model in the artist's studio

Johan Dijkstra | Giethoorn, watercolour on paper, 51.2 x 66.0 cm, signed l.r.

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • for sale

Giethoorn


previously for salepaintings, watercolours, drawings and prints & multiples by Johan Dijkstra


Johan Dijkstra | Farmhouse en church of Leegkerk, oil on canvas, 60.4 x 100.1 cm, signed l.r.

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

Farmhouse en church of Leegkerk

Johan Dijkstra | Figure walking under the trees, oil on canvas, 100.0 x 70.0 cm

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

Figure walking under the trees

Johan Dijkstra | A view of Garnwerd at the river Reitdiep, oil on canvas, 70.8 x 94.3 cm, signed l.r.

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

A view of Garnwerd at the river Reitdiep

Johan Dijkstra | Garnwerd at sunset, oil on canvas, 60.0 x 100.5 cm, signed l.r.

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

Garnwerd at sunset

Johan Dijkstra | Farmhouses in Orvelte, benzinerel and wax paint on canvas, 40.2 x 80.0 cm, signed l.l. and painted 1930-1933

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

Farmhouses in Orvelte

Johan Dijkstra | Corn sheaves near a farm, oil on board, 52.0 x 73.8 cm

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

Corn sheaves near a farm

Johan Dijkstra | Corn sheaves near a farm, oil on board, 52.0 x 73.8 cm

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

Corn sheaves near a farm

Johan Dijkstra | Farm 'De Groene Wierde' near Eekwerd, oil on canvas, 50.5 x 82.5 cm, signed l.r. and painted ca. 1960

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

Farm 'De Groene Wierde' near Eekwerd

Johan Dijkstra | Corn sheaves at the edge of the wood, oil on canvas, 50.3 x 70.0 cm, signed l.l. and painted ca. 1950

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

Corn sheaves at the edge of the wood

Johan Dijkstra | At the Paterswolde lake, oil on canvas, 82.4 x 100.4 cm, signed with studio stamp 'Atelier Johan Dijkstra' rev.

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

At the Paterswolde lake

Johan Dijkstra | A sunlit orchard; on the reverse: Trees along a meadow, wax paint on canvas, 68.5 x 100.5 cm, signed l.r. and painted ca. 1925

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

A sunlit orchard; on the reverse: Trees along a meadow

Johan Dijkstra | Hay-cocks, oil on canvas, 60.1 x 80.2 cm, signed l.r.

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

Hay-cocks

Johan Dijkstra | Moored rowing boat, oil on canvas, 65.3 x 50.0 cm, signed l.r. and painted '24

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

Moored rowing boat

Johan Dijkstra | A view of Huize Esserberg (now Sint Maartenscollege) in Haren (near Groningen), oil on canvas, 50.5 x 63.2 cm, signed l.l. and late twenties

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

A view of Huize Esserberg (now Sint Maartenscollege) in Haren (near Groningen)

Johan Dijkstra | Sailing boats on a lake, oil on canvas, 50.2 x 60.2 cm, signed l.r.

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

Sailing boats on a lake

Johan Dijkstra | Two children by a haystack, oil on canvas, 50.5 x 65.3 cm, signed l.r. and dated '25

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

Two children by a haystack

Johan Dijkstra | Orchard in bloom, oil on canvas, 62.2 x 80.5 cm, signed l.l. and painted ca. 1930-1940

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

Orchard in bloom

Johan Dijkstra | Purple willows, gouache and oil on paper, 48.8 x 58.1 cm

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

Purple willows

Johan Dijkstra | A farm on the waterfront, Giethoorn, oil on canvas, 46.5 x 46.3 cm, signed l.r. and painted ca. 1930

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

A farm on the waterfront, Giethoorn

Johan Dijkstra | The Blauwborgje on the Reitdiep, Groningen, oil on canvas, 60.2 x 80.0 cm, signed l.r.

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

The Blauwborgje on the Reitdiep, Groningen

Johan Dijkstra | A summer landscape, oil and with petrol diluted oilpaint on canvas, 40.2 x 69.8 cm, signed l.r. and painted ca. 1930

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

A summer landscape

Johan Dijkstra | Wierumerschouw, oil on canvas, 66.3 x 95.2 cm, signed l.r. and painted ca. 1940

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

Wierumerschouw

Johan Dijkstra | The church of Oostum, wax paint on canvas, 70.5 x 90.4 cm, painted circa 1938

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

The church of Oostum

Johan Dijkstra | Landscape of Groningen, oil on canvas, 50.7 x 70.6 cm, signed l.r.

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

Landscape of Groningen

Johan Dijkstra | The Paddepoel farm, oil on canvas, 50.4 x 64.4 cm, signed l.l. and dated '29

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

The Paddepoel farm

Johan Dijkstra | A country road by Beijum, oil on canvas, 28.0 x 37.5 cm, signed l.l. and painted between 1929-1931

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

A country road by Beijum

Johan Dijkstra | The main street in Thesinge, oil on canvas, 49.9 x 69.8 cm, signed l.l. and painted in 1954-1955

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

The main street in Thesinge

Johan Dijkstra | A farm, oil on canvas, 30.5 x 35.7 cm, signed l.r. and dated '17

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

A farm

Johan Dijkstra | Flowering trees 'Gardens in Helpman', oil on canvas, 50.1 x 70.3 cm, signed l.l. and painted circa 1938

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

Flowering trees 'Gardens in Helpman'

Johan Dijkstra | Orange Singel at the Noorderplantsoen, Groningen, oil on canvas, 50.4 x 65.7 cm, signed l.l.

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

Orange Singel at the Noorderplantsoen, Groningen

Johan Dijkstra | A view of Niehove, oil on canvas, 50.2 x 70.5 cm, signed l.r.

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

A view of Niehove

Johan Dijkstra | A sunlit street, oil on canvas, 60.6 x 80.5 cm, signed l.l.

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

A sunlit street

Johan Dijkstra | Field of seed, Hefswal, oil on canvas, 61.0 x 100.3 cm, signed l.r.

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

Field of seed, Hefswal

Johan Dijkstra | Back gardens 'Burg. Seinenstraat', Aduard, oil on canvas, 56.1 x 68.3 cm, signed l.r. and painted between 1928-1929

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

Back gardens 'Burg. Seinenstraat', Aduard

Johan Dijkstra | The moored 'Fenris', Reitdiep, oil on canvas, 50.0 x 75.9 cm, signed on the reverse

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

The moored 'Fenris', Reitdiep

Johan Dijkstra | A view of the 'Dellewal', Terschelling, wax paint on canvas, 81.0 x 101.0 cm, signed l.r. and painted circa 1933

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

A view of the 'Dellewal', Terschelling

Johan Dijkstra | The church of Oostum, oil on canvas, 60.2 x 80.8 cm, signed l.l.

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

The church of Oostum

Johan Dijkstra | A red road, wax paint on board, 62.9 x 75.7 cm, painted between 1925-1927

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

A red road

Johan Dijkstra | A view of Niehove, oil on canvas, 50.2 x 70.5 cm, signed l.r.

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

A view of Niehove

Johan Dijkstra | A view of the 'Zwaaikom', Groningen, oil on canvas, 102.0 x 80.0 cm, signed on the reverse with studiostamp

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

A view of the 'Zwaaikom', Groningen

Johan Dijkstra | Cornfield, Reitdiep, oil on canvas, 60.3 x 100.0 cm, signed c.l. and painted in 1946

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

Cornfield, Reitdiep

Johan Dijkstra | Limekilns, Ten Boer, oil and with petrol diluted oilpaint on canvas, 52.2 x 65.4 cm, signed l.r. and painted in 1926

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

Limekilns, Ten Boer

Johan Dijkstra | Oranjesingel aan het Noorderplantsoen, Groningen, oil on canvas, 50.4 x 65.7 cm, gesigneerd l.o.

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

Oranjesingel aan het Noorderplantsoen, Groningen

Johan Dijkstra | A landscape, Wierumerschouw, oil on canvas, 65.3 x 94.7 cm, signed l.l.

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

A landscape, Wierumerschouw

Johan Dijkstra | The church of Hornhuizen, oil on canvas, 70.4 x 50.3 cm

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

The church of Hornhuizen

Johan Dijkstra | A view of Oostum, oil on canvas, 60.5 x 80.0 cm, signed on the reserve and dated 1960

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

A view of Oostum

Johan Dijkstra | A view of Garnwerd, oil on canvas, 60.0 x 80.0 cm

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

A view of Garnwerd

Johan Dijkstra | Tree, oil on canvas, 64.4 x 49.9 cm

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

Tree

Johan Dijkstra | A view of Oterdum, oil on canvas, 47.7 x 68.3 cm, signed l.r.

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

A view of Oterdum

Johan Dijkstra | Landscape, oil on canvas, 68.8 x 72.3 cm

Johan Dijkstra

painting • previously for sale

Landscape

Johan Dijkstra | The harvester, woodcut on paper, 75.5 x 52.0 cm, signed l.r. (in pencil) and printed ca. 1924

Johan Dijkstra

prints & multiples • previously for sale

The harvester

Johan Dijkstra | View on Eenrum with the Lutje Meulen, watercolour on paper, 40.3 x 67.2 cm, signed l.l.

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • previously for sale

View on Eenrum with the Lutje Meulen

Johan Dijkstra | The river Reitdiep, Groningen, watercolour on paper, 50.0 x 63.0 cm

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • previously for sale

The river Reitdiep, Groningen

Johan Dijkstra | A country road, pencil and watercolour on paper, 40.0 x 53.0 cm

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • previously for sale

A country road

Johan Dijkstra | Fair near the Martini tower, Groningen, watercolour on paper, 48.5 x 65.8 cm, signed l.l. and painted ca. 1945-1955

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • previously for sale

Fair near the Martini tower, Groningen

Johan Dijkstra | Landscape near Ten Post, Groningen, watercolour on paper, 48.5 x 62.0 cm, signed l.l.

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • previously for sale

Landscape near Ten Post, Groningen

Johan Dijkstra | A view of Garnwerd from snowy Reitdiep, chalk and watercolour on paper, 27.3 x 40.7 cm, signed l.r.

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • previously for sale

A view of Garnwerd from snowy Reitdiep

Johan Dijkstra | Country road with trees, watercolour on paper, 30.7 x 22.3 cm, signed l.l. and 1930

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • previously for sale

Country road with trees

Johan Dijkstra | Figures in a cornfield, coloured chalk on paper, 25.5 x 39.5 cm, signed originally with signature stamp l.r. (faded)

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • previously for sale

Figures in a cornfield

Johan Dijkstra | Sailing vessels moored to the quay of Schiermonnikoog, watercolour on paper, 24.5 x 35.8 cm, signed l.r. with studiostamp; signed on the reverse and painted ca. 1932

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • previously for sale

Sailing vessels moored to the quay of Schiermonnikoog

Johan Dijkstra | Sailing vessel moored to a quay, watercolour on paper, 57.7 x 48.5 cm, signed l.r. with studio stamp

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • previously for sale

Sailing vessel moored to a quay

Johan Dijkstra | Landscape near Groningen, watercolour on paper, 55.5 x 76.0 cm

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • previously for sale

Landscape near Groningen

Johan Dijkstra | Cattle in an extensive landscape, pastel and watercolour on paper, 24.7 x 32.5 cm, signed l.l. with studiostamp

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • previously for sale

Cattle in an extensive landscape

Johan Dijkstra | Crossing, wax crayons on paper, 43.5 x 53.5 cm, signed l.r. with studiostamp and painted between 1925-1930

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • previously for sale

Crossing

Johan Dijkstra | A spring meadow, pastel and watercolour on paper, 25.5 x 37.0 cm, signed l.r. (double)

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • previously for sale

A spring meadow

Johan Dijkstra | Orvelte in winter, watercolour on paper, 31.5 x 49.5 cm, signed l.r.

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • previously for sale

Orvelte in winter

Johan Dijkstra | A view of Woudrichem, watercolour and gouache on paper, 38.6 x 60.7 cm, signed l.l. with studio stamp

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • previously for sale

A view of Woudrichem

Johan Dijkstra | A 'poffertjes' stall, chalk on paper, 20.0 x 31.0 cm, signed l.r. with studiostamp

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • previously for sale

A 'poffertjes' stall

Johan Dijkstra | A farm, watercolour on paper, 38.7 x 49.3 cm, signed l.r.

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • previously for sale

A farm

Johan Dijkstra | A country road, chalk and watercolour on paper, 49.0 x 67.5 cm, signed l.r. with studiostamp

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • previously for sale

A country road

Johan Dijkstra | A view of Ezinge, watercolour on paper, 38.5 x 64.5 cm, signed l.r. with studiostamp

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • previously for sale

A view of Ezinge

Johan Dijkstra | Kruispunt, wax crayons on paper, 43.5 x 53.5 cm, gesigneerd r.o. atelierstempel and te dateren 1925-1930

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • previously for sale

Kruispunt

Johan Dijkstra | Pasture, pastel and watercolour on paper, 25.5 x 37.0 cm, signed l.r. (twice)

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • previously for sale

Pasture

Johan Dijkstra | A village, Groningen, chalk on paper, 29.0 x 48.2 cm, signed l.r.

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • previously for sale

A village, Groningen

Johan Dijkstra | The 'Grote Markt', Groningen, pen and ink on paper, 20.0 x 29.7 cm, signed l.r. with studiostamo

Johan Dijkstra

watercolour • drawing • previously for sale

The 'Grote Markt', Groningen


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