Peter Engels is the internationally recognized portrait painter, known for his unique and characteristic style, in which he mainly uses black and white tones and sepia colors. His paintings are characterized by the use of the palette knife instead of traditional brushes, which gives his work a distinctive texture and depth. This contributes to the lively and dynamic quality of his portraits, which go beyond simply capturing physical features.
What drives Engels in his work is a deep desire to capture not only the outward appearance of his subjects, but especially their inner being, their soul. He searches for the essence of his subject and transfers it to the canvas in a vivid way. This is probably why his work is often described as painting the soul, as noted by fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld, who praised Peter Engels as “the painter of the soul.”
Engels’ choice of a sober color palette enhances this effect, as it forces the viewer to look beyond the superficial details and focus on the emotional and psychological depth of the portrait. His paintings have a nostalgic and timeless quality, which is enhanced by the sepia tones that are reminiscent of old photographs and vintage film footage. This not only gives his work a visual appeal, but also evokes feelings of melancholy and introspection that resonate with the audience.
The choice to paint with a palette knife rather than brushes is a deliberate artistic decision that gives Engels’ work a raw, almost sculptural quality. Using this tool allows him to apply the paint in thick, expressive layers, giving his portraits a tangible texture and a sense of movement and energy. This adds to the contrast, intensity and vibrancy of his work, communicating the emotions of his subjects in a powerful way.
Engels’ portraits are also a reflection of his own view of life and the human experience. By painting both unknown and well-known iconic figures such as Nelson Mandela, Grace Kelly and Karl Lagerfeld, he explores the complexity of human identity. His work is a profound dialogue between the individual and history, inviting the viewer to look beyond the physical and discover the personal stories and deeper soul of his subjects.
Peter Engels has built up an impressive international reputation over the years, with his art exhibited in galleries and at prestigious art events worldwide. His artworks are sought after by collectors, not only for their aesthetic value and timelessness, but also for their ability to evoke emotion and tell stories. This rare combination of technical skill, emotional depth and international recognition makes Peter Engels one of the most compelling portrait painters of our time.