Van Huysum started early, painting in the style of his farther Justus van Huysum. In his very early work you can see a few still-lifes depicted in the traditional dutch dark background. His paintings while learning, took on many features of de Heem and van Aelst. In 1714 the young Jan van Huysum, who was still learning, changed his direction as an artist, away from the typical Grisaille techniques of his teachers, and towards a new process that would change the course of decorative painting. By 1720 his technique was developing away from dark grounds to more radiant effects. He did not follow the traditional path of contemporary Dutch floral painters, choosing instead to create a new direction which would require new and difficult techniques requiring precise tonal control.

Van Huysum’s paintings excel in their detailed technique. This brought him much criticism from his contemporaries. His rendering of textures and illusionary light effects established a new direction and skill levels in the floral still lifes. Breaking away from the traditional dark background used by most Dutch Floral Still-life painters, he established large floral bouquets on light background, sky, and garden landscapes. These new techniques required new grounds and different painting processes.

Join David Jansen MDA as he takes a 3 volume, 1 year study of the Dutch Master Jan Van Huysum.  You will paint 3 paintings in this study, following along the same course as David's very popular Mignon series.  Study of flower and floral design, fruit and finally a large painting featuring Van Huysum's gardenscape. 

12 disks total.