The best comes from Groningen. So does Frans le Roux's puzzle. Born and bred in Groningen, he has been making the most impressive cartoon drawings of the city since the 1980s. His puzzle of the Broerstraat during KEI-week is a resounding success. Just pick it up at the Groningen Store. Today, we welcome you to his studio in Zuidwolde. Will you join the puzzle?
Life on paper
Drawing is in French's blood. Started as a child and never stopped. At least, while studying at the Academy of Fine Arts, he took up painting. More because he had to, less because he wanted to. After a short career as a graphic designer, he knew for sure: the fun in drawing has to come back. ''Bringing figures to life on paper, that makes me happy,'' Frans said. Back to the drawing board.
And not on the computer, but just by hand. Real drawing. Sketching with pencil, a new paper over it for the final drawing and then over it with India ink. A craft," he says proudly. Even colouring is not done digitally. His faithful assistant Carola van Veen takes on this task. Finally, the computer removes the mistakes. That is true.
" ''Bringing figures to life on paper, that makes me happy' ' "
Bound to native soil
As a born and bred native of Groningen, both the city and province are close to Frans' heart. And don't blame him. ''There is much more to see than anyone on the outside would think,'' he says. ''Of course you have the bustling city centre, but if you pedal on your bike for 15 minutes you are already in the countryside. Where you find peace and quiet and space. Whether you go north, south, west or east: you're there in no time.''
His highlight? ''The Martinitoren. I almost feel married to it,'' he laughs. Once, he drew the tower inside and out. There were no design drawings, so he made them himself. Drawing on another level, shall we say.
Groningen manufacture
His drawings mostly feature cities. Full of interesting characters, funny incidents and other oddities. Groningen is often his backdrop, so the first Groningen birthday calendar from 1986 was made by Frans. He approached the then director of the TOURIST INFORMATION with one drawing of the city and was commissioned to make five more. Frans was up for that.
Many comics, cartoons and puzzles followed in the years that followed. In fact, he never stopped. ''Drawing makes me feel like a kid again. And how nice is it when people appreciate what you make? A lucky guy, that's me,'' Frans laughs. Today, his Ravensburger puzzles are sold from the streets of Groningen to the neighbourhoods of Sydney.
" ''I FEEL MARRIED TO THE MARTINITOREN'' "
