Lines that open doors
- Ralf is driven by a quest for artistic independence
- He worked in art direction before he built a carrier as an illustrator
- Each of his commissions is filled with passion, sensitivity and attention to detail
From an early age, Ralf Nietmann knew that drawing was his superpower, something that opened doors for him wherever he went. "People admired the little boy with nimble fingers. Yet, while they were charmed by my talent, I was already studying the great painters I encountered in museums. I wondered what separated their work from my own lines," he says. That question of artistic independence lit a spark that endures to this day. Ralf retreated into intensive drawing around 2010, cultivating a personal space for his unique voice. From his studio near Hamburg’s iconic Michel, just steps from major publishing houses and with its large display window, recognition soon followed. With passion, sensitivity and heartfelt attention, Ralf breathes life into each commission, in which he shapes his talent into creations that enchant and last.
Interview
- How do other artists inspire you?
- I follow the work of other artists very closely and examine their entire creative journeys. Picasso, Hockney and Beckmann's works never tire me. I am also captivated by contemporary painters, such as Kristina Schuldt, Salman Toor or Terry Ekasala. I engage with their works deeply because in each of their pieces and in their oeuvre as a whole, I can see how they navigate their own path.
- What fuels your work as an artisan?
- I am constantly driven by the need to evolve. I believe each line I draw can open the door to moments of transformation. I have actively sought these moments before, as they let me draw in fresh, freer, yet more decisive ways to show what I truly mean.
- How conscious are you of your creative decisions?
- Interestingly, while I talk much about drawing and painting, in the act itself I am in a zone beyond conscious control. I just need the right environment that is quiet and free from distractions. With work deadlines, trusting this process completely remains tricky, though it has always been a positive experience.
- Do you pass on your knowledge and enthusiasm for drawing?
- I host students in my studio and conduct workshops that anyone can join. In these sessions, I teach a focused approach to simplified drawing that produces quick and rewarding results. In addition to my studio, the workshops take place in inspiring locations that encourage participants to fully engage with what they observe and with the creative process itself.
Ralf Nietmann is a master artisan: he began his career in 2011 and he started teaching in 2024
Where
Ralf Nietmann
