Tributes have been paid to an “incredibly talented” Dundee artist who was allegedly murdered.
The body of Jeroen van Neijhof was recovered from a property on Brown Constable Street on Friday – with a murder investigation subsequently being launched.
Police later confirmed they had arrested and charged 21-year-old John Styles, of no fixed abode, with murder and robbery. Styles made no plea at Dundee Sheriff Court yesterday.
Mr van Neijhof, 38, was a professional artist and sculptor, producing paintings and paper sculptures from his studio at his home, selling them online for hundreds of pounds each.
Friends of the artist, originally from Apeldoorn in the Netherlands, have told of their shock at his death.
Stephen Walsworth, 49, said that Mr van Neijhof’s death had cut short an “amazing” career in the art industry.
He said: “He was a great guy, he was a really kind person. His artwork is truly brilliant – he was as good as any conceptual artist I have ever seen.
“He definitely would have had a big future with his art work.
“He was a visionary, he saw things people just don’t see – he felt things that people don’t feel. He was a spirited, salt of the earth person.”
Jenna North said he was the best artist she had ever seen.
Maria Sorbello, a fellow artist, said Mr van Neijhof was “a master” of the trade.
She said: “I am really very sad. Jeroen was a good person, he loved to draw and paint like me. His paintings were amazing, they were the best.
“We shared our art, now a special star will shine in the sky. I will carry his memory forever my heart.
“Goodbye my dear nice Dutch friend. You will always have a special place in my heart.”
Elise Walker, who met the artist online, said: “He had a very beautiful soul. He was very open minded and lived his life as such. He will be missed.”
Darren Gordon paid tribute to the “cat lover” – revealing he kept two pet cats.
He said: “This has come as a bit of a shock. He was a really genuine guy. He was unbelievably smart.
“I don’t think he has family in Dundee but he will be missed.”
Styles is alleged to have battered Mr van Neijhof with a piece of wood, repeatedly striking him and kicking him on the head and body.
Prosecutors say he then repeatedly struck him on the head and body with a knife or similar instrument and murdered him, as well as robbing him of £10 and a box containing unknown items.
It is alleged he was on two bail orders at the time.
Sheriff Tom Hughes continued the case and remanded Styles in custody meantime.
He is expected to appear in court next week.
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