The Night Owl Artist: Dwaalhaas

An artist stands in his vibrant studio, sharing how painting became his lifeline after the heartbreaking loss of his girlfriend to anorexia.

(Pre) Watch the whole video on my Patreon, "click here"

It’s half past three in the morning, but behind one window in Woensel, a bright light still blazes, illuminating the night with a warm glow that contrasts sharply with the quiet darkness outside. A man opens the door, revealing himself to be covered from head to toe in splashes of vibrant paint, a testament to his artistic endeavors. This is artist Hans de Waal, who is also known by his artistic moniker, Dwaalhaas. “My girlfriend passed away in my arms from anorexia. Painting pulled me back up,” he shares, his voice a mixture of sorrow and resilience, reflecting the profound impact that loss has had on his life and work.

Hans is one of the 'Night Owls' that program maker Merlijn Passier seeks out during the dead of night for his compelling new show, Merlijn and the Night Owls on Omroep Brabant TV. The show delves into the hidden lives of individuals in the province who thrive when the rest of the world is fast asleep, uncovering the unique stories and experiences that unfold under the cover of darkness.

A Different Rhythm

Hans regularly works through the entire night, embracing a lifestyle that defies conventional hours. “I don't need the rhythm of the rest of the world. The most important thing is that I can live the way I want. Sometimes I’ll have a beer at 6 AM, but to me, after a night of work, that feels like the middle of the afternoon,” he explains, a hint of pride in his voice. His unconventional schedule allows him to explore his creativity without the constraints of societal expectations, fostering an environment where his artistic spirit can flourish.

When Merlijn steps into Hans’ house, he has to watch his footing carefully. The living room is a chaotic yet beautiful mess, filled with hundreds of paintings that stand, lie, and hang in various states of completion. There’s barely any space left to simply live, as the walls are adorned with colorful canvases that tell stories of joy, pain, and everything in between. Hans guides Merlijn to a small corner at the front of the house, a hidden gem amidst the artistic clutter. Anyone who manages to squeeze through the narrow opening finds themselves in a makeshift nook with an old sofa, a chair, and a few lights that create a cozy atmosphere. “I use as much space as possible for my studio, and I sleep here, behind this partition, on the sofa,” Hans explains, gesturing to the cramped but inviting area. The couch is so small he certainly can’t stretch out, but Hans is perfectly fine with it, finding comfort in the space that has become his sanctuary.

Finding Strength in Art

“I’ve been through a lot of shit and misery in my life. I’m almost 60 now, but about 25 years ago, I was homeless. That was when my girlfriend died in my arms from anorexia. I couldn’t process it, so I threw myself into drinking and drugs. I hit rock bottom terribly, but painting helped me get back on my feet,” Hans recalls, his eyes reflecting the weight of his past. Each brushstroke he lays down on canvas is infused with his experiences, transforming pain into beauty and providing a therapeutic outlet for his grief.

“I’ve been drawing and painting my whole life, and I can’t do anything else,” Hans says with conviction. “Back in school, as a small ‘red-haired boy’ (rooi menneke), I was bullied a lot. I had no friends, only my sketchbook.” His childhood experiences of isolation and bullying shaped not only his character but also his artistic voice, driving him to express emotions that were often too difficult to articulate. The sketchbook became his refuge, a place where he could escape the harsh realities of life and create a world of his own.

Embracing the Chemical Mix

Hans doesn't adhere to the conventions of day and night, nor those of traditional painting techniques. Everything is allowed to mix on his canvas, creating a tapestry of colors and textures that defy categorization. “Oil-based paint, water-based, chlorine, lamp oil… I’m always happy when people bring me chemicals, because then I can experiment further,” he explains, his excitement palpable as he discusses his creative process. This willingness to embrace the unconventional not only reflects his artistic philosophy but also his approach to life itself.

Slaloming between wet paintings, Merlijn follows Hans to another space he wants to show: his shed, which he has transformed into a kind of thrift store filled with vintage items and eclectic art pieces. “I converted this into a kind of thrift store with vintage items and art. I’m a collector myself, but I ran out of space inside,” Hans recounts, gesturing to the treasures that surround them. Each item holds a story, a memory, and a piece of Hans’ journey as an artist and a collector.

All this collecting prompts Merlijn to wonder if Hans might be clinging too much to the past. But according to Hans, that’s not the case at all. “I’m actually grateful for everything I’ve been through. It taught me to think differently, and that has made me much stronger. Because of that, I can now better help other people here in Woensel-West myself. And most importantly: I finally feel like a free man,” he asserts, his voice filled with a sense of purpose and clarity. Hans’ journey is not just about personal recovery; it is also about using his experiences to uplift and inspire others, creating a ripple effect of healing within his community.