Zacharias Heinesen turns 90, still paints daily

The Faroese painter Zacharias Heinesen marked his 90th birthday on Thursday and remains active in his studio in Tórshavn every morning, according to a report by public broadcaster KVF. “My life is to paint,” Heinesen said with brush in hand.

The National Gallery of the Faroe Islands is preparing to celebrate the milestone. Curator Dagmar Winther said the event is being held because Heinesen is a major figure in Faroese art history. She described him as an artist who never stands still, having developed a distinctive style while continuously evolving his work.

Heinesen’s artistic path began early. As the only one of three brothers, he followed the route his father paved for him. He recalled a family visit to Copenhagen shortly after the Second World War, when they saw the art academy where painters Mikines, Ingálvur av Reyni, and Ruth Smith had studied. His father said: “Zacharias will go here one day.” And that came true, Heinesen said with a smile.

Heinesen is best known for his paintings, but he also worked with driftwood as a trained carpenter and designed the artwork on Faroese banknotes. He has no plans to retire. “I heard about a painter in France. They say he died with his easel. That is how I want it too,” he said.