Helene Knoop (b. 1979) is one of Norway’s leading figurative painters. Her work is strongly influenced by Italian Renaissance and Baroque art. She has held several major solo exhibitions and is represented in collections in Norway, Sweden, England, Italy, Nicaragua, and the U.S. Knoop has also created portraits of notable figures, including chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, Bishop Bernt Eidsvig, and Maria Montessori. In 2023, she participated in NRK’s “Portrait Masterpiece” competition.

Knoop’s paintings capture intimacy and explore the human body and soul in a vivid and profound way. When a model enters her studio, she immerses herself in their personality, seeking to translate it onto canvas. She always works with live models, which sets her apart in an art scene dominated by photography-based works.

Her dedication to craftsmanship is evident in her paintings. She values the richness of oil paint, the raw texture of canvas, and the sensual quality of brushstrokes in rendering human skin.

Many of her motifs are rooted in Nordic landscapes. She often places her figures in birch forests or by the coast, where the crisp northern light interacts with Baroque compositions—creating a signature aesthetic that defines her work.

HELENE KNOOP