Daan van Doorn – World-Class Portrait Painter
Daan van Doorn (born March 16, 1958) is a renowned Dutch portrait painter whose work has received international acclaim. With his unique style and keen eye for detail, he specializes in capturing the essence of families, celebrities, and influential personalities. His portraits are not just artworks but timeless legacies that retain their value for generations.

Prestigious Commissions

Van Doorn has completed commissions for members of the Dutch parliament and the royal family, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most sought-after portrait painters in the Netherlands. His work is synonymous with quality, precision, and a deep understanding of the person behind the portrait.

International Recognition and Exhibitions

In 2011 and 2013, Daan van Doorn was selected for the prestigious BP Portrait Award at the National Portrait Galleryin London, one of the world’s most influential awards for portrait art. His works have been exhibited in renowned museums, including:

• Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam
• National Portrait Gallery, London
• Sharjah Art Museum, Dubai
• Museum De Fundatie, Zwolle
• Museu Europeu d’Art Modern (MEAM), Barcelona

Daan van Doorn: A Distinctive Voice in Portrait Art

Daan van Doorn has developed a recognizable, personal style within the world of portrait painting. His works are unmistakably contemporary and authentic. What makes his art special? He captures not just the face, but the person behind it—the depth, the soul. His portraits are characterized by a subtle psychological insight into the human condition, blending outer and inner beauty into a compelling whole.

Portraits as Timeless Artworks

In an era where digital images are fleeting, a painted portrait is a valuable addition. A good portrait is more than a likeness; it is a masterpiece that continues to captivate through composition and use of color. Within figurative painting, Daan van Doorn has developed his own unique expression. He works with natural pigments and earth tones, giving his paintings a distinctive radiance.

Visible Creative Process

Through the layers of his paintings, you can see how they came to life. The chalk sketch and underpainting remain visible, giving his work a lively and organic appearance. This transparency makes each portrait a unique artwork with its own story.

International Recognition and Commissions

Daan van Doorn’s distinctive style has led to commissions both in the Netherlands and abroad. His work is appreciated by collectors of both modern and classical art. Highlights of his career include painting portraits of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix and Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende.
Additionally, he was selected for the BP Portrait Award at the National Portrait Gallery in London in 2011 and 2013. He also exhibited at TEFAF Maastricht in 2012 and 2013, one of the world’s most prestigious art fairs.

2025
Unveiling of the portrait of Dr. Jane Goodall at SXSW London
2021
Slot Zeist
2020
Museu Europeu d'Art Modern , Barcelona
Bantierra Building-Palace , Zaragoza
Art Up , Lille
PAN Amsterdam
2018
Groninger Museum , Freek & Hella de Jonge " Het Volle Leven "
Marie Tak van Poortvliet Museum, Domburg
Chelsea Flower Show, UK
PAN Amsterdam
Portrait commission H.D. Melchers, Museum MORE
2017
PAN Amsterdam
AAF Battersea, London
Chelsea Flower Show
2016
AAF Battersea & AAF Hampstead, London
KunstRai, Amsterdam
2014
Amstel Hotel
Wolverhampton Art Gallery
National Portrait Gallery, London
2013
National Portrait Gallery, London
Aberdeen Art Gallery
TEFAF, Maastricht
Realisme, Amsterdam
2012
Portrait commission Prime Minister of the Netherlands Prof, Dr J.P. Balkenende by Ministry of General Affairs
TEFAF, Maastricht
2011
National Portrait Gallery, London
Aberdeen Art Gallery
Wolverhampton Art Gallery
Letterkundig Museum, Den Haag
2010
Museum De Fundatie, Zwolle
1993-2009
Portrait commission  H.R.H. Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands
Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi
The Sharjah Art Museum, Dubai
Royal Society of Portrait Painters, London
Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam

International Recognition and Commissions
Daan van Doorn’s distinctive style has led to commissions both in the Netherlands and abroad. His work is appreciated by collectors of both modern and classical art. One of the highlights of his career is painting portraits of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix and Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende.
Additionally, he was selected for the BP Portrait Award at the National Portrait Gallery in London in 2011 and 2013. He also exhibited at TEFAF Maastricht in 2012 and 2013, one of the world’s most prestigious art fairs.