Over the years, Marsman also developed a growing interest in realistic painting and in the craftsmanship of the Old Masters. The calmness, light, refinement and use of colour in the work of Johannes Vermeer have been a lasting source of inspiration. In 2018, Marsman decided to focus entirely on this realistic direction.In his current work, Marsman combines a precise approach to painting with a free and sometimes unexpected choice of subjects. Birds, flowers, fruit, stones and other familiar elements are rendered with great attention to detail, light, colour and material, but are often placed in unexpected combinations or situations. The result is an image that feels convincingly real while also having something unusual or slightly surreal about it. This combination is central to Marsman’s work. The subjects are familiar, but the way they are brought together creates a sense of curiosity and leaves room for the imagination. An everyday object or a natural element can take on an entirely different meaning and presence when placed in a new context.