The best things come from Groningen. This certainly applies to Frans le Roux’s jigsaw puzzle. Born and bred in Groningen, he has been creating the city’s most impressive comic strip illustrations since the 1980s. His jigsaw puzzle of the Broerstraat during KEI Week has therefore been a resounding success. You can pick one up at the Groningen Store. Today we’re welcome at his studio in Zuidwolde. Fancy joining in?
Life on paper
Drawing is in Frans’s blood. He started as a child and never stopped. Or at least, whilst studying at art college, he took up painting – more because he had to, than because he wanted to. After a brief career as a graphic designer, he knew for certain: he had to rediscover the joy of drawing. “Bringing figures to life on paper – that’s what makes me happy,” says Frans. Back to the drawing board.
And not on the computer, but simply by hand. Real drawing. “Sketching with a pencil, placing a fresh sheet of paper over it for the final drawing, and then tracing over it with Indian ink. A craft,” he says proudly. Even the colouring isn’t done digitally. His trusty assistant, Carola van Veen, takes on this task. Finally, any mistakes are ironed out on the computer. That much, at least.
“ ‘Bringing characters to life on paper – that’s what makes me happy’ ”
Roots in one’s homeland
As someone born and bred in Groningen, both the city and the province are close to Frans’s heart. And who can blame him? “There’s much more to see than someone from outside would think,” he says. “Of course, there’s the bustling city centre, but if you cycle for just fifteen minutes, you’re already out in the countryside. That’s where you’ll find peace and space. Whether you head north, south, west or east: you’ll be there in no time.”
Its highlight? “The Martinitoren. I almost feel married to it,” he laughs. He once drew the tower from the inside and the outside. Quite a job. There were no design drawings, so he simply drew them himself. Drawing on a whole new level, shall we say.
Made in Groningen
His drawings mainly depict towns. They are full of interesting characters, amusing incidents and other quirks. Comic-style drawings with a touch of humour. Groningen is often the setting. The first Groningen birthday calendar, from 1986, was therefore created by Frans. He approached the then director of the Tourist Office with a single drawing of the city and was commissioned to produce five more. Frans was more than happy to oblige.
Many comic strips, cartoons and jigsaw puzzles followed in the years that followed. He’s never really stopped doing them. “Drawing makes me feel like a child again. And how lovely is it when people appreciate what you create? I’m a lucky chap,” laughs Frans. His Ravensburger jigsaw puzzles are sold today everywhere from the streets of Groningen to the neighbourhoods of Sydney.
“ ''I FEEL A CLOSE BOND WITH THE MARTINITOREN' ”
