I'm Tim Hupkes, an independent Dutch artist.

I make two kinds of art: animals with an attitude, and abstract paintings full of colour.

The animals started at school, where I drew odd birds whenever I was bored. They still turn up with opinions of their own: a cow without any fear of heights, a piglet who claims he's innocent. Being able to laugh makes a difference.

My abstract work starts with colour. Every so often there's a colour I simply have to use, usually in a combination that's a bit of a challenge. The shapes follow from there. They have to be different enough, and in the end they have to come together.

With the animals, I hope you smile. With the abstracts, I hope you feel something: a sea of colour,overwhe lming in the best possible way.