In the Brussels Studio of Isabelle de Borchgrave
On a quiet small street away from Brussels' many busy thoroughfares is the remarkable studio of Isabelle de Borchgrave. For over twenty years the renowned Belgian artist has worked in these of rooms which are brimming with her artistic imprint. Wide expanses of paper-covered tables allow space for Isabelle's many creative urges. On this chilly day in January she is creating a new series of dresses constructed entirely of painted paper. New paintings are also in the works for upcoming exhibitions in Switzerland and Brussels. Flowers, animals, mountains and maids in costume seem to look down from every wall.
The scent of paint and espresso hang in the air, and music from a new Chinese film lends its exotic touch to the mood.
Isabelle's studio walls show a history of her long career: examples of her lovely botanicals on Italian farm journals; landscapes of Greece and Tuscany; and collages of favorite objets and sketches are among the ever-changing exhibits. Shelves line the walls and extend above doorways full of the painter's tools and small studies of birds, roosters, and landscapes. A handpainted paper cottage sits among vases of feathers and various architectural ornaments.
And in the midst, Isabelle moves gracefully from place to place adding final touches to some holiday paintings, swirling iridescent white patterns onto a white paper skirt, and starting a new study of a bouquet of fresh flowers, all the while chatting amiably with her studio guests. Her sheer energy is an inspiration to any artist, and it is obvious that she is happiest with a brush in hand.
View Isabelle de Borchgrave's Fine Art Prints
Isabelle de Borchgrave's Biography