Artist Statement
My paintings are bold, colourful, and full of life. I paint realistic portraits of women and wildlife, combining them with expressive, abstract backgrounds. I love the contrast between the two and the unexpected magic that happens when they come together.
I work mainly in oils over mixed media, building up layers of acrylic paint, spray paint, collage, stencils, and marks before bringing my subjects to life in oils. The beginning of a new painting is probably my favourite part. It’s free, a little wild, and full of possibilities. I’m endlessly curious and love experimenting, trying new things, and embrace those happy accidents that often lead to something wonderful. I also love adding touches of metal leaf, creating magic, texture, and little surprises to discover when you look closer.
Freedom, individuality, and a sense of adventure are at the heart of what I create. I’m drawn to subjects that express character, strength, and personality, whether it’s the confident gaze of a woman or the quiet power of a wild animal.
Above all, I want my paintings to stir something in you. It might be joy, courage, determination, or a feeling that’s difficult to put into words. Whatever that connection may be, I hope my art becomes something you love living with, something that speaks to you personally and perhaps even reminds you to embrace life a little more boldly.
“For the beautifully unapologetic…”
Bio
Originally from The Hague in the Netherlands, Bianca Lever spent many years working in aviation before discovering her passion for painting at the age of 43. What began as an unexpected creative adventure soon developed into an entirely new direction in life. She went on to earn an art degree and eventually exchanged life in the Netherlands for the rolling hills of Le Marche, Italy, where she now lives and works.
Curiosity has always been a driving force in Bianca’s life. She loves exploring new places, learning new things and challenging herself to step beyond the familiar. That same adventurous spirit follows her into the studio, where she constantly experiments, discovers new possibilities and embraces the unexpected.
Her studio, overlooking the beautiful Italian countryside, is a place where she enjoys the freedom and solitude of creating. But she’s equally happy when her home is filled with family and friends from around the world, sharing good food, local wines, laughter and stories around the table.
Bianca’s work has been exhibited internationally and featured in seven consecutive editions of the Dutch Jaarboek Kunstenaars. In 2026, she also appeared as a contestant in Season 4 of The Outstanding Artist, an experience that challenged her creatively and reinforced her belief in continuing to grow, learn and embrace new opportunities.
For Bianca, life is an ongoing adventure, and she has no intention of running out of things to discover.
Publications
100 EMERGING ARTWORKS OF 2023
JAARBOEK KUNSTENAARS (Artists Yearbook)
Since 2020, every year Bianca’s work has been published in the prestigious Dutch Artists Yearbook, in which 160 Dutch visual artists are presented.
ART GUIDE 2022, 2023
Published by Fransastic
Exhibitions/Art Fairs
‘Animals and Icons’, solo exhibition of the Stay Wild Collection and the Inspiring Icons Collection at Ristoro Appennino, hotel/restaurant/wellness centre in Fabriano, Italy, January 2025 – ongoing
‘Astratto ed Espressivo’, solo exhibition at Villa Le Perelle in Sassoferrato, Italy, March 2025 – ongoing
‘No Apologies’, solo exhibition of the No Apologies Collection at Borgo Belfiore, B&B in Arcevia, Italy, June 2025 – ongoing
‘Manifesti Amo Sassoferrato’, a group exhibition of shop window art in Sassoferrato, Italy, June 2025 – ongoing
‘Manifesti Amo Sassoferrato’, a group exhibition of shop window art in Sassoferrato, Italy, ongoing
‘Milan Art Retreats’, group exhibition at B&B Aria di Rodi on Rhodes, Greece, June 20 2024
‘Wild & Sassy’, solo exhibition of my Stay Wild Collection and my Sassy Girls Collection at Ristoro Appennino, hotel/restaurant/wellness centre in Fabriano, Italy, June-October 2024
‘Icons & Animals’, solo exhibition of my Inspiring Icons Collection, Quirky Ravens Collection and Minis Stay Wild Collection’ at Borgo Belfiore, B&B in Arcevia, Italy, July-October 2024
‘Manifesti Amo Sassoferrato’, group exhibition shop window art in Sassoferrato, Italy, January 14th 2023-ongoing
‘Milan Art Exhibition’, group exhibition June 7th 2023 during a 2 weeks Milan Art Retreat, Aria di Rodi, Rhodes, Greece
‘Bianca Lever by Paul Meccanico’, 10 June 2023, Launch Art Bags ‘Sassy Girls’ and ‘Urban Wildlife’ in Sarnano with mini exhibition in Paul Meccanico Shop.
‘Stay Sassy’, solo exhibition of my Sassy Girls and Inspiring Icons collections at winery cantina Terracruda, Fratterosa, Italy, July 19th-August 31st 2023
TAIA International Art Fair Montefiore dell’Aso, Italy, 8-10 September 2023
‘Good Vibes’, solo-exhibition 10-16 August 2022, Chiesa di San Guiseppe, Sassoferrato, Italy
‘Fuori del Fango’, fund raising group-exhibition 26-11-2022/6-1-2023, Chiesa di San Giuseppe, Sassoferrato, Italy
Kromatic@rt group exhibition, MADS Milano, Italy, 22 January-5 February 2021 https://www.madsmilano.com
Hilton Leiden, Netherlands, group exhibition, Aug-Dec 2020
Hilton Stockholm, Sweden, group exhibition, Aug-Dec 2020
Hilton Dresden, Germany, group exhibition, Aug-Dec 2020
‘Brabant Art Fair’, Grote Kerk, Breda, August 2020 https://www.brabantartfair.nl
‘EuropArtFair’, Westergasfabriek Amsterdam, Netherlands, Dec 2019 https://www.europartfair.com
‘Landelijk Atelierweekend’, studio Westelbeers, Netherlands, Nov 2019 https://www.landelijkatelierweekend.nl
‘Nationale Kunstdagen’, Beursgebouw Nieuwegein, Netherlands, Nov 2019 https://www.kunstdagen.nl
Solo-exhibition, Cantina Terracruda, Fratterosa, Italy, June-Oct 2019, https://www.terracruda.it
‘Bianca&Boogie’, an evening of art, music, food and wine at Cantina Terracruda, Fratterosa, Italy, 26 July 2019
Solo exhibition ‘Intenso’, Chiesa di San Guiseppe, Sassoferrato, Italy, 11-27 August 2017
‘Art route Oirschot’, studio Westelbeers, Netherlands, 2014
‘Bianca Lever’, city Hall Eersel, 2013
‘Art from Westelbeers’ group exhibition, ‘t Oude Kerkje, Middelbeers, Netherlands, January 2013
‘Art route Oirschot’, studio Westelbeers, Netherlands, 2012
‘Group-exhibition Oirschot, Museum Kruysenhuis and Museum de Vier Quartieren, Oirschot, Netherlands, 2012
‘Artistic Nude’ solo-exhibition, Marrin Fashion & Art, Eersel, Netherlands, 2012
‘Nationale Kunstjaarbeurs Amsterdam art fair’, World Fashion Centre Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2011