Han (Hans) Veneman Abstract portrait, oil painting on canvas. The painting is equipped with frame a simple wooden studio frame. 1970s Unrestored tear, canvas a bit thin in some places. In the early 1970s Veneman made small paintings in a half-narrative and dreamed style derived from Chagall. On a slightly larger size, heavy on Cobra, now especially Appel, paintings with heads and animal figures in an eventful, expressive brushstroke, according to an article at his death in 1991. This work is a striking example of the Cobra painting style of Hans Veneman during that period. Biography Han Veneman Johannes (''Hans'' of ''Han'') Veneman was born on 19 August 1939 in Vroomshoop. He attended the evening School of the Academy of Arts and Industry in Enschede, but was also an autodidact artist. He lived in Almelo, Groningen, Amsterdam, Antwerp, but from the mid-1960s he finally settled in Almelo. Han Veneman was active as an artist/sculptor/performer. He has completed several phases in his artistic existence: initially a colourful expressionism with rounded shapes and dark contours. In the seventies he made small paintings in a style reminiscent of Chagall. In addition, his work is expressionist, closely related to Cobra with heads and animal figures and eventually he paints on jute, panel, or linen; light interiors with one or two figures, inspired by The New Figuration of painters like Reinier Lucassen and Alphons Freijmuth. He also made murals. He himself described his painting style in 1970 as: New-realism. Han Veneman did not shy the publicity. In the early 1980s he made it to the national press through his performances and his plan to make a painting as big as a football field from a plane. Around that time he changed his name to Hanveneman. While at work in Enschede, he died unexpectedly on 6 February 1991. In 1991 a monograph appeared on the occasion of the exhibition-manifestation "Hanveneman...... A farewell'' that was held at various galleries in Almelo.