Ariëlle Strijker
- Pencil drawing artist -
Original Drawings
All of my original drawings featured on my website are available for purchase. Each artwork is individually priced, typically ranging between €1300,- and €2000,-. Please check below near each drawing for full details and its final prize.
No NFT's, all artworks are physical originals only.
Prints are not available yet, but they may be offered in the future in limited edition - keep an eye on this website for updates. If you're interested in an artwork, would like to collaborate, or simply want to know more about my work, I would love to hear from you.
"Everything is Fine"
Two fingers press into the corners of the mouth, forcing a slight smile. A self-portrait — a gesture that is both subtle and intrusive, exploring the expression it creates.
This work reflects the quiet pressure to appear okay, even when our inner world tells a different story. To reassure others before being honest with oneself. It examines the social conditioning of emotional presentation: the persistent expectation to appear composed, approachable, and unaffected. Within this, Authenticity becomes unstable, adjusted to meet external norms. There is an unwritten rule in how we present ourselves — in conversation, in public, and increasingly online — where discomfort is hidden and reality is softened. We learn to hold the mask in place.
This piece holds that tension: between what is shown, and what is held back.
- 2026
- 56 cm length x 76 cm height
- Graphite pencil & Charcoal
- Arches 300 grams satine paper (hot pressed)
Price: € 1500,-
"Jack of Gloves"
Life can sometimes resemble a card game: we think in moves, adopt roles, and develop strategies. We observe others while being observed ourselves. In that process, sincerity can fade, and interactions risk becoming rehearsed — reduced to familiar patterns and clichés.
This tension became the starting point for this drawing. Subtle elements of symbolism run through the work, referring to life as a game that is not equally played by everyone. The farmer woman hints at persistent clichés surrounding gender. The clover (clubs) points toward labour and the working class — those who do not play the game, but live it. The tear and fold in the card reflect the fractures and pressures that come with that reality.
With this piece, I wanted to push against those fixed roles, strategies, and expectations — and reveal something more raw underneath.
- 2026
- 56 cm length x 76 cm height
- Graphite pencil & Charcoal
- Arches 300 grams satine paper (hot pressed)
Price: € 1500,-
"On a Pedestal"
A drawing about the feeling of sinking — swimming, but never hard enough. Trapped in a deep hole, climbing, yet never reaching the top. The sensation of drowning, running out of breath, while still fighting.
“On a Pedestal” is about that one person that lifted me above the surface. Who gave me air when I couldn’t breathe, and a ladder when there was no way out. An invisible pedestal of support that held me up— and kept me afloat.
Sometimes that pedestal is a person. Sometimes it's art. sometimes it's something else entirely.
- 2026
- 56 cm length x 76 cm height
- Graphite pencil & Charcoal
- Arches 300 grams satine paper (hot pressed)
Price: € 1800,-
"The Faces Within"
This drawing portrays the inner emotions layered in our minds, each revealing a different expressive face. One face carries a sense of despair, while the other holds its own complex emotion. It is a drawing that explores the complexity of emotions and human vulnerability.
The circles and geometric patterns represent an abstract structure which exist like different emotional departments inside the mind. It is a reflection of human fragility; emotions that are always present, often hidden and always shifting beneth the surface.
- 2025
- 56 cm length x 76 cm height
- Graphite pencil & Charcoal
- Arches 300 grams satine paper (hot pressed)
Price: € 1500,-
"Resisting the Pull"
With this drawing I tried to show the subtle presence of negativity in the mind. Something that feels like an invisible, yet ever present force, that under the right circumstances can grab hold of your thoughts and drag them into darkness. This drawing focusses on how easy it is for the mind to lose its sense of positivity and let the gloom seep in.
- 2025
- 56 cm length x 76 cm height
- Graphite pencil & Charcoal
- Arches 300 grams satine paper (hot pressed)
Price: €1800,-
"Metaphor"
Through metaphorical meaning, this drawing explores the importance of giving and/or needing to receive light or energy. Sometimes one needs someone's light to go through difficult times in life, and in some cases you can be that light for someone else or even to yourself.
- 2025
- 76 cm Length x 56 cm Height
- Graphite pencil, Charcoal & Pastel pencil
- Arches 300 grams satine paper (hot pressed)
Price: € 1500,-
"Signs of Affection"
This drawing invites us to reflect on the importance of human contact and the power of simple affection. The meaning of holding someone's hand is often underestimated and undervalued. For lovers it could define as affection, love and support - while in platonic relationships the gesture can also provide comfort and support.
- 2025
- 76 cm Length x 56 cm Height
- Graphite pencil & Charcoal
- Arches 300 grams satine paper (hot pressed)
Price: € 1500,-
"A lovers handkiss"
The handkiss, an old-fashioned, yet tender form of affection. Perhaps forgotten in current times, or labeled as an old way of greeting, the handkiss can also be a tender expression of love. This drawing explores the deeper meaning behind the handkiss, without using words it says: I love you, I am committed to you and I respect you.
- 2025
- 76 cm Length x 56 cm Height
- Graphite pencil & Charcoal
- Arches 300 grams satine paper (hot pressed)
Price: €1500,-
"Aquatic fun"
This drawing was inspired by my nostalgic memories from my childhood, where my siblings and I would play together for hours with cheap water toys. We were the happiest kids with so little. This drawing of playing with water toys is about that nostalgia.
- 2024
- 76 cm Length x 56 cm Height
- Graphite pencil & Charcoal
- Arches 300 grams satine paper (hot pressed)
Price: €1500-
"Nurture Nature"
This drawing explores the beauty of nature and the importance of caring and nurturing it. The Dutch also love to gift flowers for several occasions. Flowers and nature bring so much joy and beauty.
- 2024
- 76 cm Length x 56 cm Height
- Graphite pencil & Charcoal
- Arches 300 grams satine paper (hot pressed)
Price: €1300,-
