I am Erika Vink, a visual storyteller.

I grew up in California, graduated from the US Air Force Academy, served as a pilot for twelve years around the world, and have settled down as an artist in Alkmaar in the Netherlands. My experiences with a variety of cultures and within the military influence the subjects I’m drawn to. I believe my technical background helps me approach the process of painting in a fresh way.

I love painting portraits in-person because of how personal it is. Capturing what I see, without a screen as an intermediary, is a surprisingly intimate process. The people I’ve drawn feel like they’ve really been seen, and I love being able to give that gift.