During the summer of 2020, Verkaeren stayed for one month in Le Gers, France. In carefully selected rich colour gradations, he paints the variety of vegetation typical for the area. Cacti, cypresses, and palms made their entrance in his work. Following the artist’s often vigorous painting style, the plants are portrayed as merely well-positioned brushstrokes. Paintings in which the brushwork and the material take a central place. This period in France resulted in seven grand canvases. Verkaeren’ s broad and energetic painting style drives the artist to finish his paintings in one go before the paint even has a chance to dry.

‘For Nils Verkaeren his studio is not the ideal work environment. As a contemporary ‘open-air’ artist he has this urge to be in direct contact with nature. Continuously drifting between canvas and reality he attempts to get into dialogue with nature so as to become one. However always with a critical attitude staying faithful to his own vision.’ -Eva Wuytjens