Ro­bert-Jan Ut­recht’s paint doc­tor

A bit of mischief eventually turned into an art form. Robert-Jan started doing graffiti when he was just 11 and is now behind the enterprise De Verfdokter (The Paint Doctor). His artwork has become part of Utrecht’s cityscape. When still a child, Robert-Jan secretly experimented with spray paint in an alleyway behind his house in Overvecht, where he grew up. He explains: “I was crazy about graffiti, but back then there were no mobiles to search for pieces. It felt a bit like a treasure hunt.”

He cycled around the city with an analogue camera, hoping to spot some new graffiti. When he was a bit older, his elder brother let him tag along – the impulse to start creating his own murals. At first, Robert-Jan felt like he was being a bit rebellious and causing mischief in the neighbourhood. As he got older, however, he began to regard his art as a serious career option. The end result is De Verfdokter, something that’s now quite a phenomenon in Utrecht. These days, Robert-Jan travels the length and breadth of the country creating commissioned murals and other artworks. But how did he come up with the name? “Every parent wants their child to become a doctor. And funnily enough, that’s exactly what I’ve become!”

But it was not easy becoming a paint doctor. Robert-Jan worked part-time in a supermarket for 18 years and dedicated all his free time to his passion. His ultimate dream was to be able to make a living from his art. He says, “It’s a privilege and a dream come true – amazing!” Robert-Jan has been working as a full-time artist for four years and is now able to focus 100% on his profession.

Robert-Jan’s local highlights

“As street art is really booming in Utrecht, why not take the street art tour? It’s not only fun, but it also shows what an important difference these wall paintings can make to a city. The murals created for the project ‘De Strakke Hand’ are a must-see. They are all painted by hand – no spray paint in sight!”

Robert-Jan also likes visiting the old fort, Fort Blauw Kapel, in Overvecht and enjoying the local countryside. You can check out all his tips below.