Albert De Vree was born in 1942, the fourth of five children, in a family of masons in Lillo-Antwerp. 
From the age of 16, he took drawing and art history classes in higher secondary school at the Royal Academy for Fine Arts in Antwerp.   In spite of the bizarre schools in contemporary art, Albert De Vree always had a tenacious belief that sound expertise of "old fashioned techniques" was the basis of any work of art. 

As a graphic artist, he focused on etching and managed to use the technique in a very refined way for his landscape themes. In a relatively short amount of time, this unsophisticated and strong-willed artist grew into a remarkable figure in Belgian graphic arts.  His works have been purchased by various towns and cities in Belgium, national and international collectors and the Stedelijk Prentenkabinet (Print Collection) of Antwerp.

He also uses a cover method in his water colours which is closely related to a method used in etching. His works reflect a clear love for landscapes and breathe the atmosphere that initially struck the artist.

To escape the limitations of flat canvas, paper or copper, Albert De Vree has also successfully moved on to the three-dimensional field. Bronze and terra cotta are grateful mediums and provide him with a broader impulse to proceed in his classic route

This versatile craftsman's oeuvre does not require people to torment their minds. On the contrary, it makes people look for the simplicity of things until they are moved by the sheer beauty.  This is also the hidden force of the artist's work.
                                                 René Turkry (AICA)

Van Poldersloot tot Wereldhaven
(From Polder Ditch to International Seaport)

Years of patient research, an exceptional graphic talent but most of all an innate love for the Antwerp polder have resulted in the creation of Albert De Vree's "Van Poldersloot tot Wereldhaven", a great art book in large format measuring 24 x 31 cm. The instructive and animating text is interspersed with more than 400 illustrations (drawings, etches, water colours).
You can order this book by sending a message to : info@ericdevree.be
€ 67,00 incl. VAT / without postage