What my customers say ⭐ 30+ reviews from 8 countries

My pastel drawings have found homes in the USA, Canada, UK, Scotland, Germany and all over the Netherlands. Each portrait comes with its own story — and a photo of the drawing.

⭐ All reviews below are 100% real reviews from my verified Google Business Profile ⭐
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Monique
10 days ago

Mandala Workshops met de Personeelsvereniging van de Gemeente Schouwen-Duiveland, gegeven door Esther

Op 6 oktober hadden we met de PV de eerste Mandala Workshop. De workshop werd gegeven door Esther van Arty By Esther. Het was een gezellige en ontspannen avond. Er waren dertien dames en één heer. Wat een opkomst! πŸ₯° De mandala werd eerst opgezet met een zwarte fineliner en daarna kleurden we 'm in met gelpennen of aquamarkers. Veel gelachen, hard gewerkt en in het begin werd er hier en daar gemopperd dat er een lijntje niet lukte, een boogje te recht of een rondje juist te krom was... maar wat een kunstwerken zijn er uiteindelijk gemaakt! Stuk voor stuk prachtig!

Op 13 oktober, hadden we de tweede Mandala Workshop. Ook deze workshop werd uiteraard gegeven door Esther van Arty By Esther. En ook nu bewees Esther weer dat ze naast een zeer getalenteerde kunstenares ook een zeer bekwame lerares is! VΓ³Γ³r deze twee workshops had ze nog niet eerder les gegeven aan zo'n grote groep, maar ze deed het fantastisch ❀️ Esther had voor beide workshops een Mandala gemaakt (twee verschillende). Ze had ze van tevoren zelf getekend en tijdens het tekenen gefilmd. Daardoor kon ze de Mandala stap voor stap tonen op het grote scherm en konden de deelnemers het allemaal goed volgen en zelf een waar kunstwerk tevoorschijn toveren. Naast de video op het scherm, legde ze alles stap voor stap uit en hielp de deelnemers right on the spot als er even iets anders ging. Quick thinking! Super! Het was net als de eerste keer een gezellige en ontspannen avond. Er waren dertien dames en twee heren. Weer zo'n geweldige opkomst! πŸ₯° De Mandala werd ook nu eerst opgezet met een zwarte fineliner en daarna kleurden we 'm in met gelpennen of aquamarkers. Deze keer was er een speciaal verzoek voor kleurpotloden. Dus even snel een belletje naar Esther: "Heb je ook kleurpotloden? En wil je die meenemen?" "Ja hoor, geen probleem". Zo flexibel! Ik houd er van.
Veel gelachen, hard gewerkt en je hoorde wel eens "ah nee, fout" of "hè, ik heb een lijntje teveel" en "oh oh, ik ben doorgegaan tot de bovenste lijn" en dan riep de groep bemoedigend in koor "Daar zie je straks nix meer van", want als je eenmaal gaat kleuren, dan vallen alle happy accidents helemaal weg en eigenlijk is er nix fout als je kunst maakt!
En inderdaad, wat een kunstwerken zijn er weer gemaakt! Stuk voor stuk prachtig! Zo bijzonder om allemaal dezelfde mandala op te zetten en dan uiteindelijk met eigen inbreng een unieke tekening te maken 😍 Als bonus kregen we, net als na de eerste les, allemaal een boekje mee. In het boekje wordt stap voor stap uitgelegd hoe je een Mandalagrid opzet en hoe je 'm vult. En er zitten ook voorbeelden in. Ter inspiratie of om in te kleuren.

De PV gaat nu in de winterstand voor wat betreft het organiseren van Mandala workshops, maar ik heb wel al van verschillende deelnemers vernomen dat ze thuis aan de slag zijn gegaan. Een groter compliment kan je niet krijgen 😊

Volgend jaar gaan we zeker weer Mandala workshops organiseren! Met Esther als onze juf!! 😊

Kudos voor Esther, heel erg bedankt voor het geven van de workshops en het boekje! ❀️

Het volgen van een workshop van Esther is zéér aan te raden! 🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨

Shanti de Vrieze - van Neck

"Superleuke mandala workshop gehad gisteravond. Goed uitgelegd en gegeven door Esther en fijne sfeer! Echt een aanrader πŸ˜‡"

🌍 International Customers - USA, Canada, UK & more

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Very friendly and helpful, wonderful artwork and very fast delivery. Would definitely recommend!

Billy Dean, Newark, Nottingham (United Kingdom)

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Esther is a brilliantly talented artist. She has produced a quite simply stunning portrait of our dog, Megan, which we will always cherish. I would have no hesitation in recommending Esther for any and all artwork.

Andrew, Suffolk (United Kingdom)

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Ordered a portrait of my friends Staffordshire bull terrier dog after seeing some of Esther's work online, as a present for his 40th. I knew from seeing her other work that the quality and attention to detail would be there however the finished article is even more life like and completely captures the dogs nature. Amazing resemblence and the detail is unreal. Will definately highly recommend this telented artist. I got to see the artwork as it progressed from initial outline sketch through to first colouring, to start of the detailed work. With little updates each day, to see it grow into the final sketch was superb. Staffords are generally misconceived and have the most loving nature ever, evident in the final portrait. I am 100% sure my friend will likely cry when he receives this as its so life like and well sketched. I am already now looking for another photo to send so I can get one done for myself also! Communication with Esther was great and pricing was fair for the work hours involved in finishing the piece, well worth it!! If I am ever looking for anything else like this to be done I now know who to contact 😁 If you get a chance to view some of her other work please do, you will be amazed.

 

Russel Marshall, Aberdeenshire (Scotland)

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The experience was great, the artwork is incredible. Esther is very passionate about her craft and has made me and my folks extremely happy!

 

Justin, Oshawa (Canada)

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“From the very first moment I had a really good feeling about Esther. She works in such a friendly, enthusiastic and incredibly professional way. During the intake, the process and the finishing touches, you feel truly personally taken care of as a customer. I am amazed by the final result — it is unbelievably beautiful. Thank you.”

Valerie, Zeebrugge (België)

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I just wanted to express thanks for the beautiful piece. My wife is over the moon with it and it looks wonderful framed too. Just really exceptional.....

 

Tyler, Toronto (Canada)

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I'm following your work on reddit for quiet a while and it's fabulous how your work improves and impresses, every time. You are a great inspiration and your tutorial about drawing hair on coco (with twisting/turning pencil) helped me a lot with my hobby.
Keep up the great work and stay healthy :)

Alexander, Dinslaken (Germany)

 

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I had such a great experience working with Esther for a commissioned pastel drawing of our dog. She communicated well during the process and delivered an amazing work of art at a very reasonable price. I would recommend her without hesitation and I hope to work with her again in the future on other drawings.

 

Peter, Williston (United States)

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“A wonderful experience and a wonderful drawing. We were involved in the whole process, and our excitement grew every week. Absolutely 100 percent πŸ’― recommended — thank you, Esther.”πŸ™πŸ’

Heike, Ratingen (Duitsland)

❀️ Emotional Memories - When a drawing means more than a photo

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“Esther drew my two cats, Billy and Saartje. The result is so lifelike. Even more beautiful than the photo. She also drew my sister’s cat, Cas. That drawing was so realistic that it brought tears to our eyes. Cas passed away a year ago. A beautiful drawing carries so much more emotion than a photo. Hats off to Esther… it’s unbelievable what she can do.”

Wendy, s'- Gravendeel (Nederland)

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Hestia has always been a very special horse. A sweet affectionate mare with a mind of her own. She was almost 27 years old. Of course a nice age, but I still miss her every day. I met Esther through friends. When I came to her home in early February and saw her beautiful drawings, I immediately knew. I also want this from my sweet horse. At home I looked up the most beautiful photos and emailed them to Esther. We chose the best photo together. Esther takes you all the way through the process through photos and videos. I am very happy with the end result. So beautiful and pure. You can see that this was made with love. This drawing shows who Hestia was and what she meant to me. I can recommend everyone to have Esther make a beautiful drawing of a beloved animal. My 4th drawing has just been completed.

 

Corina, Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht (Netherlands)

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"Esther captured our Labradoodle so beautifully on paper, you recognize her instantly! Besides the stunning drawing, the whole process was so pleasant. We were kept well informed about the progress along the way. The drawing of our dog was a birthday gift for my daughter — she is so happy with it!"

Jolanda, Zierikzee (Netherlands)

 

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“Esther drew my Labrador Dirk and our Boxer Boris so beautifully. Every single hair is exactly in the right place, and their expressions are captured perfectly. WOW. What an amazing gift for such a good price. And so fast. Truly recommended. Thank you so much, Esther. Our word‑of‑mouth promotion for your talent starts right now. Sharpen your pencils — you’re going to be busy.”

Cora, Almere (Netherlands)

 

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“Esther made a beautiful drawing of Lara. We gave it as a gift to our daughter‑in‑law, and she thought it was beautifully drawn.”

 

Ina en Nico, Nieuwerkerk (Netherlands)

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“I bought a beautifully detailed pastel drawing of Sammie.
I was the first customer on her website and even received a lovely video of ‘the making of Sammie’.
Ordered on Saturday, delivered on Wednesday, with clear information and a certificate of authenticity.
We are very happy with it. Now we just need to find a nice frame.

 

Jeroen, De Haag (Netherlands)

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Esther is a great artist who has taught herself for years to draw realistically.
I experience this process as her husband up close and is great to see it emerge and sometimes I don't understand how she gets it done.
She is so precise in every detail of her work as well as in communicating with her customers, appointmens and shipping her work.
She is always committed 120%.

I cried when see draw our doggie Angel.

Hennie, Nieuwerkerk(Netherlands)

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“It turned out so beautifully, and so quickly too. We are very happy to give my father this wonderful gift. Thank you, Esther — the drawing will get a special place.”❀️

Patty, Amsterdam (Netherlands)

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“After 12 and a half years we had to say goodbye to our dearest dog. As a keepsake I had a portrait made by Esther, and what she created is incredible. It is so beautiful!!! Thank you — I am truly very happy with it.”

Joke, Oosterhout (Netherlands)

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“As a surprise for my mother’s birthday, I asked Esther to draw my mother’s dog.
Because I was a bit late in choosing and sending a good photo, she still did everything she could to finish the drawing on time. That was really nice, and Esther didn’t mind at all.
What makes the whole process so special is that Esther involves you from start to finish. From choosing the colour of the paper, to the composition, and then every time a part of the drawing was finished she sent an update via WhatsApp. She always asked whether I liked the result so far and whether the drawing resembled my mother’s dog.
The final result was stunning and very realistic. My mother is incredibly happy with it. Her dog passed away four months ago, which makes this memory on paper even more beautiful.
Thank you, Esther — please keep doing what you do.”

Koen, Cappele aan den IJssel (Netherlands)

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“Last year I received a voucher from my employer as part of my retirement. I used it to have a drawing made of my cat, Miss Lucy. The result is fantastic. A beautiful memory of my former employer.
Beautifully done by Esther. I am very happy with it.”

Dries, Hulst (Netherlands)

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Esther made a very beautiful drawing of our cat. Every detail is there, and the cat looks so real! The best gift to someone who has pets or likes nature. Esther also sent progress of her work, which helped me to see the drawing in the making. Easy and prompt communication. Five stars ❀️

Margarita, Ossendrecht (Netherlands)

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“Our sweet Cato is drawn so beautifully. Even more beautiful than the photo. It looks so real. We are super happy with it.”πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–

Chantal, Zierikzee (Nederland)

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“We had two beautiful drawings made by Esther. One of Nicky (our dog) and one of Gizmo (our cat). Wow, they are truly stunning. I loved how well she kept us updated throughout the process. Everything is so detailed. Truly recommended. Both animals have passed away, and I actually got emotional when I received the drawings at home. Thank you so much.”

Corina, Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht (Nederland)

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“I got in touch with Esther at my hair salon, where she asked if I could place some of her cards. I immediately checked her website and was so impressed that I had a drawing made of Luna, a flat‑coated retriever, as a gift for our best friends. I received WhatsApp updates throughout the whole process. It looked just like a photo, down to the tiniest hairs. We gave it to them last night, and they were so happy and amazed that they first thought it was an actual photo. We ended up leaving the box of tissues there. There is no better gift.”❀❀❀❀

 

Christel, Oosterhout (Netherlands)

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As I had said.
Incredible how you did captured her glans in these eyes,
With that so familiar way of looking, satisfied and trustful,
She was a great gift , and I due see that immediately again.. thank you so much putting al these affords to this.
Thanks again, but above all our two dear friends !!! C&N who arranged all this😍😍😍T&S

Sander, den Bosch (Netherlands)

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“I met Esther at the campsite, where I saw her drawing. I immediately became enthusiastic about her work, and after a few lovely conversations I asked her to draw our sweet dachshund Dolf.
And so it happened — with several updates along the way, I was touched by how perfectly she captured his likeness.
Now that the drawing is finished, it will be given to Dolf’s owner for his birthday (he has no idea). I am sure he will be deeply moved.”

Ineke, Capelle aan den IJssel (Netherlands)

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“The drawing is beautiful. Very precise work. My dogs look truly real.”πŸ’“πŸ’“πŸ’“πŸ’“

Milena, Oosterland (Netherlands)

Workshop Reviews

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“I had a really fun pastel drawing workshop with Esther. She explained everything clearly and we drew step by step together. It was also great that it was one on one. I truly recommend giving it a try. I knew nothing about pastel drawing and had never done it before, only mandalas. Esther is such a lovely, kind and patient woman. I was really unsure if I could do it, but yes, with her help I managed. Esther, thank you so much for your explanation and your trust.” πŸ’–

Hellen, Katwijk aan Zee

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“I had a very educational workshop with Esther. Anyone who thinks they cannot draw will learn it in this pastel pencil workshop. Fantastic result, thank you.”

Walter, Schiedam

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I had a fantastic pastel drawing workshop with Esther this afternoon and I learned so many great tips and tricks. Esther is so enthusiastic and explains  everything in a calm and clear way, She helps out whenever you need it and has so much patience. 

 The  welcome was very warm and drawing in that beautiful bright space was a joy. I have definitely found a new hobby!

Ilse , Goes  (Netherlands)

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“Esther makes beautiful drawings, and I had the privilege of spending a morning working on my own drawing with her. I am still very new to this, and she explained everything in her own clear way — how the process works and how she prefers to work with pastel drawings. I learned so much from her, and I hope that with her tips I will one day be able to create a beautiful drawing myself. Esther, thank you so much for the lovely and educational time.”

Bianca, Alblasserdam (Netherlands)

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Today I joined a super fun Mindful Art workshop with Esther 🌸

At first I was a bit like I cannot do this and I was laughing it off πŸ˜…

But after holding the pen for a moment and listening to Esther calm instructions you really get into that ZEN mode ✨

The 3 hour workshop flew by so fast πŸ•’

And I am so happy with the final result 🎨

 

Wendy, Zierikzee  (Netherlands)

🐴 Wildlife

"Ontroerend cadeau: een uniek pastelportret van de IJslander StrΓ‘kur, met oog voor detail en de karaktervolle blik van het paard. Een kunstwerk voor het leven, gegeven door vriendinnen als verjaardagscadeau."

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“Dear Esther, I want to let you know how wonderfully surprised I am by the beautiful portrait you made of my horse, Strákur. I received it as a birthday gift from my friends. What an amazing painting — you captured the exact expression of my Icelandic horse 🀎
It now hangs in a place of honour in my home. A gift for life 🫢

Pien, Burgh-Haamsteede (Netherlands)

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“Last Saturday, 18 September, I visited the garden exhibition of pastel drawings by Arty By Esther. It was absolutely worth it, and I recommend everyone to go and have a look themselves. I love wildlife and pets, and the drawings were so beautifully done — they looked real. Esther has an eye for detail, takes her time until she is satisfied, and works with so much love. For those who want to learn, Esther also teaches pastel drawing.
I had a great day, and I didn’t go home empty‑handed. She will definitely see me again in the future, because there was plenty of interesting work. Thank you, Esther.”

 

Fermin, Rotterdam (Netherlands)

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“Ordered a beautifully drawn giraffe and received it by post. It was packed very carefully, and the drawing is even more beautiful in real life than in the photo. I am very happy with it. The drawing really moves me.”

 

Linda, Aalsmeer (Nederland)

  1. 🎨 Mandala Art

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Esther started drawing mandalas, with an astonishing result. This aroused my curiosity and I started following her developments. I soon got the idea to ask her for a mandala painting for my birthday. She responded enthusiastically and, as I know her, went straight to work.

It was a challenge, especially because it was a large object. I wanted to see the color purple woven into it, the color of spirituality. Together we selected a number of purple colors, and a gold color (because I like that very much) and black as a finishing touch. She made me a masterpiece!

I was very surprised that she had interwoven personal texts for me, such as ‘good heart’, ‘for ever friends’, ‘love you’ and ‘bestie.’ The painting was even in a beautiful gold-colored frame. She had the glass cut to size especially by the painter.

Now the mandala painting with frame is displayed on the wall in our living room. πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–

Maja, Nieuw-Vossemeer  (Nederland)

 

 

🎈 Balloon Dog & Other Art

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“Super happy with my balloon dog 😍
You create such beautiful things.
You have an eye for detail and draw everything so realistically.
Truly impressive! 😘
Thank you ❀”

 

Sabine, Hellevoetsluis (Netherlands)

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