Visual artist & technical advisor

Francine Oonk

What started as endlessly drawing as a child grew into a life where art took an increasingly central place. After beginning my career as a graphic designer, I spent many years artistically fueled within the museum world—as a curator, educator, and project manager. But my heart quickly shifted toward creating myself. There’s nothing more beautiful than holding a brush in your hand and a palette full of paint in front of you.

Read her story

Learning the Rules to Break Them

I strongly believe in first learning how things are done, so you can later find your own path. As Pablo Picasso said: *“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”* With that conviction, I began studying at the Wackers Academy in Amsterdam.

A Style in Motion

My style is still evolving, and to be honest, I hope it stays that way. Curiosity for techniques, materials, and movements keeps the work alive. Still, my artistic handwriting is recognizable: expressive strokes, lots of color, and always a translation of what I see. I started out as a pure line drawer. That love for line is still there, and I often return to it.

Color, Composition, and Movement

My way of working is expressive. When things flow, it feels like I’m dancing in front of the canvas, brush in hand. I’m a swisher, not a polisher. I love color but also consciously seek areas of saturation. That contrast creates tension and gives the work depth.

The Power of Composition

I see composition as a powerful tool, just like stroke, direction, and form. By playing with these elements, you can support, guide, and strengthen a piece. They may not always stand out immediately, but they determine everything.

A Wall as an Infinite Canvas

When I look at a wall, I do so with wide, expectant eyes. It’s simply a much larger canvas. A bigger playground, bigger movement, bigger gesture. Where paper or canvas imposes limits, a wall invites bold thinking.

The Creation of the Creative Wall Paint Design Kit

The Creative Wall Paint Design Kit was created through real team effort. The marketing research guided us in color and design. Brilliant Blue Deep, Coral, and Reseda Green were clear must‑haves. Together, we built a versatile color palette that fits a wide range of interior styles.

From Idea to Design

The designs had to be accessible, yet still give a sense of accomplishment—an arty eye‑catcher for your wall. Approachable, but impactful. The process was intensive and creative. We studied trends, explored murals, scrolled endlessly through Pinterest, brainstormed with colleagues, and worked closely with my direct colleague, Technical Advisor Justyna Pennards. Inspiration often arises as you work. Watching closely helps—daily life is full of hidden, sketch‑like motifs.

The Creative Process

Sometimes you adjust, start over, or even say goodbye to an idea. Kill your darlings is part of the process. Each design had its own path. This ultimately resulted in four completely different designs—something for everyone. In *Bloom Flow*, for example, the lines created with the Amsterdam Acrylic Marker add just that bit of punch and extra depth.

Accessible for Beginners

For me, it was essential that the designs are doable. You need to feel like *you can do this*. And that afterward, you look at your wall and think: *I did that myself.*

Space for Personalization

Personalization plays an important role. You can make the design truly your own. You can fully explore with Amsterdam Creative Wall Paint or choose from one of the four designs, based on your style and preferred difficulty level. You can go big or start small with a big result. That freedom makes the concept strong.

Working With the Paint

Amsterdam Creative Wall Paint is a wonderful product to work with. The paint flows nicely, dries matte, and dries fairly quickly. At the same time, it’s very suitable for creating soft transitions between colors.

Coverage and Creative Freedom

With the exception of reds and purples—which traditionally offer less coverage in nearly every type of paint—the paint has impressive opacity. It invites play, discovery, and courage. The blending qualities are pleasant, and the colors are well aligned with one another, removing any doubt about combinations.

Perfect for Interior Murals

What makes this paint ideal for indoor murals is the balance between trend and craftsmanship. You don’t need to buy large buckets if you don’t want to. A single color kit already gives you plenty of creative possibilities. The paint has also been extensively tested on different surfaces. If you follow the preparation guidelines, you’ll enjoy your artwork for years to come.

What I Hope People Feel

What I hope most is that people feel the artwork is *theirs*. Pride. Joy. That little moment of happiness when you walk past your own mural.

A Personal Example

I created a mural at home using Amsterdam Creative Wall Paint. Every time I walk past it, I feel joy. If these designs can evoke that same feeling in others, then the mission is accomplished.

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