Nard Kwast
Classical master painter
Nard Kwast (1973) was born and raised in the North of the Netherlands.
He lives and works in the Netherlands and Belgium. His talent for drawing developed at a very early age and even as a teenager he discovered his love for the old 17th century masters. Nards decision to take private lessons and teach himself in the classical painting techniques arose from a great passion.
In the last few decades he has created his unmistakable style, which refers to the masters of the 17th century and which he continues to develop further. He is constantly learning and loves passing on his knowledge in teaching masterclasses.
Nard is a sought-after artist of our time who has a knowledge that is characterized by a great understanding of classical painting and crafts.
Nard is known for the Dutch TV programs “Project Rembrandt” where he became a finalist, “Het Geheim van de Meester” (The Secret of the Master) where he contributed to the life-size reconstruction of the Night Watch in the Rijksmuseum, winning the TV program “De Nieuwe Vermeer” where he brings a missing Vermeer painting to life and his 2023 interview with The New York Times.
Nard also won the “Outstanding Technique Award” in the 2024 exhibition at the Salmagundi club New York at the international figure painting competition.
His work is found in private collections worldwide.
Still life Les Temps perdu.
To copy others is necessary,
but to copy oneself is pathetic.
– Pablo Picasso
Guest Lecturer at Harvard University: Masterclasses on 17th-Century Painting Techniques and Collaboration with the Physics Department.
In 2024 and 2025, I taught masterclasses on 17th-century painting techniques at Harvard University. These sessions were held at the Harvard Art Museum, where I explored authentic materials and methods from the Golden Age of painting.
I also collaborated with Harvard’s Physics Department, inspired by the possible connection between Johannes Vermeer and Antonie van Leeuwenhoek. They likely discussed optical devices such as the camera obscura — a subject still widely debated among art historians and scientists.
This unique intersection of art and science made my lectures at Harvard especially meaningful, as I linked classical painting techniques with physical principles and optical technologies.
To the right and on kobile below you will find photos illustrating my masterclasses and workshops at Harvard University.
