Roland Henrion: Artist Who Paints the Pulse of Water and Light

One of my favorite artists, Belgian-born Roland Henrion is more than a painter—he’s a storyteller who crafts narratives through light, shadow, and water. Trained in graphic design, arts, and photography at Saint‑Lucas in Antwerp, His early career melded traditional techniques with the dawn of digital tools. Today, his practice remains rooted in that classic discipline: keen observation with meticulous craftsmanship!

From Fly Rod to Paintbrush

Roland's passion for fly fishing, sparked at age 17, runs alongside his artistic journey. His time guiding in the Seychelles for five years, nurtured an intimate connection with the ocean—its textures, moods, and motion echo in his canvases and watercolor studies.

Types of work...

Acrylic on Linen Canvas

Roland opts for premium materials—pure linen and Winsor & Newton pigment—applying multiple UV‑resistant varnish layers to ensure both brilliance and longevity. His favorite subjects—landscapes, seascapes, and dynamic marine life—leap from canvas with dramatic depth and energy and I am a huge fan of his Tarpon work!

Watercolor on Paper

Thanks to a broken foot in 2020, Henrion rediscovered the spontaneity of watercolor. What began as quick sketches soon evolved into full-fledged original works, blending fluidity and precision in vivid fishing scenes.

Themes & Inspirations

Light and drama are at Roland's core. Whether capturing a tarpon's flash or a fisherman’s stance, he weaves emotion through his composed scenes—realism with some poetic nuance. He often cites Edward Hopper and Joaquín Sorolla among his inspirations, masters of mood and atmosphere.

Photography & Design

Like myself with the love of Photography. Before painting became his mainstay, Roland worked as a freelance graphic artist and photographer, serving tourism clients and capturing moments with his Sony Alpha. Today, his portfolio of outdoor photography—people, marine life, architecture—adds another creative dimension and can be commissioned as fine art prints.

Commissions, Exhibitions & Reach

• Personal Commissions: Portraits from photos, acrylic or watercolor, sized and styled to suit personal your personal space.

• International Shows: Featured in events like Echternach (Luxembourg), Mons and Namur (Belgium), and exhibitions beyond.

• Online Presence: Where we meet and started chatting, his artworks, originals and prints, are available through his site and platforms like Artmajeur, where he holds recognition as a contemporary Belgian painter with great collections and press exposure.

Why Roland's Art Still Matters!

In an age of rapid digital production, his work (like some older Black and White photography work of Clyde Butcher) is a nod to tradition: brush to canvas, pigment in hand, scenes observed with intent—the old-school values he cherishes. Yet, his art breathes modern aspects through his compositions. Whether you’re drawn to a sweeping seascape, a vibrant watercolor of fish and fishermen, or a portrait, Roland delivers stories, captured with both heart and heritage.

Curious to peek more—or commission a scene that speaks to you? His galleries offer large-format canvases, delicate watercolors, and bespoke photography prints—each piece a testament to his craft and narrative. You can check out and enjoy more of Brother Roland's work by clicking here: And hopefully soon, we will have him on a show where we can pull a deeper dive into his photography and art work concepts!

Speaking of photography, make sure you check out our tips on how to take better shots even with your iPhone to just share or inspire you to help grow in the hobby by clicking here:

Or check out our quick sound bite on the subject below:

Just click on the picture above to pick up some free Flats Nation Wallpaper for your PC and other devices!

In the meantime,

• We invite you to take in a few Flats Nation Podcast Episodes to help "Scratch that Fishing Itch" when working or traveling and you cannot hitch up the Skiff and go by clicking Here: and do share with your family and friends!

• Or our new Media section that we created with our latest website release, where you can hear all of our Podcasts, Sound Bites, and Flats Nation Updates all in one listing found by clicking Here: We have some great guests in the works on a wide range of topics and product coverage soon.

Also, check out the "Flats Nation" Merch and Swag collection! if you enjoy our content help support the effort and Rep "The Nation" at the same time. We have some newer works, from T-shirts to our newer Technical wear, all which can be found by clicking Here.

Flats Nation Performance wear in the blend-in colors we now have. Click on the picture to view our entire collection!

Many Blessings!

Dave and the Team