Inspiration
Petra Tool is a Dutch artist, fascinated by talent. Her models are mostly dancers and musicians. She loves the expression on their faces, their concentration, joy and passion when they are creating. The same feelings she experiences when she creates.

She's also interested in the background of her models. She loves interviewing them about the way they developed their talent and passion, the problems they face, their insecurities and secrets of their success. For her first book "Jazz and Soul, talent in word and paint" (only available in Dutch) she interviewed and painted 15 Dutch jazz and soul musicians.  

After a training by American creativity coach Eric Maisel, she is also a creative talent coach, guiding creative talent in starting and finishing their own meaningful projects.

In her own studio and at schools she also teaches children and beginning artists the basic principles of creating art, and helps them to find their own unique painting style.

Education
She was educated at the Academy for Art Direction and Design in Amsterdam. She was a commercial illustrator for a couple of years, until she became a student of Beatus Nijs, a well known and respected artist and friar. His strict and loving guidance made her decide to follow her heart and become a full time artist and teacher. She exhibited with societies of artists and solo, at Flehite Museum, Castle 't Kerckebosch, Groeneveld Castle and gallery Arthouse Van Stijn & van Stijn. After contracting Guillain-Barré Syndrome (a paralyzing muscle disease, resembling polio), she had to learn to stand, walk and paint all over again. After 3 years of recovery she is now back, more passionate about talent than ever.

Paintings
You can watch her paintings in het online gallery. Of most paintings you can order prints. They will be shipped without frame. Prices depend on the size:
21x27 cm: 25 euros (22 GBP/31 dollar)
40x60 cm: 160 euros (135 GBP/ 199 dollar)
70x90 cm: 240 euros (201 GBP/298 dollar)

Inspirational greeting card sets
You can order inspirational greeting card sets of her work. The cards are printed on drawing paper. On the back of each greeting card you find an inspirational quotation of the model pictured. Price per set of 7 greeting cards (envelopes included) is 25 euros (22 GBP/31 dollars). To view pictures of the set, click on the images below.

Ordering and payment
Send an Dit e-mailadres is beschermd tegen spambots. U heeft Javascript nodig om het te kunnen zien.  with your name and adress, and the product you wish to order:
- inspirational card set (amount), or
- print of painting (title and size)
After a conformation email of the artist, you are asked to pay by Paypal. After payment, the order will be shipped. Shipping time of greeting card sets is about 1 week, shipping time of prints is about 4 weeks. Prices include shipment.

Additional reading (in Dutch)
In the press (newspapers and magazines)
Look inside book
Recent interviews

More articles in English coming soon.

Questions
For any question or comments you can email the artist Dit e-mailadres is beschermd tegen spambots. U heeft Javascript nodig om het te kunnen zien.