I am Ralf Heynen alias Ranonus, a Dutch painter.

I was born in 1978 in the small town of Tegelen, close to the border with germany. After secondary education, where I had arts as a minor, I went to Nijmegen, a town with a hisory dating back to the roman ages. There I studied cultural anthropology at the university for a couple of years. Because of my bad eyes, I did not finish my study, but I learned a lot from this time.

Meanwhile I had begun to paint in my room. At first just copies of pictures I made on several holidays. Later I discovered the works of 17th century masters as a source of inspiration. It was an exciting time. Back in 2003 I put aside the acrylic paint and started experimenting with oils. This was an important step ahead in my learning process. I have also been inspired by visits to a famous Dutch still life painter (Cees le Mair).

Then, quite abruptly, I rediscovered my love for Oriental architecture. From that moment I taught myself to paint exquisit ornaments and worn structures. Sometimes with beautifully dressed women, but also without any figures, or with hidden spirits.