Onno Heesbeen ( ONNOZONE )

Maritime artist, photographer & model builder. I draw Illustrations of ships and also build models of ships.

[Onno Heesbeen ( ONNOZONE ) @OnnoHeesbeen]

The Queen Elizabeth 2 (1969 version). I’m really pleased with how this one turned out, it captures the ship’s full space-age glory exactly as James Gardner envisioned. True to Cunard tradition, she showcases the very best and most forward-looking British design of her era.

[Onno Heesbeen ( ONNOZONE ) @OnnoHeesbeen]

Happy to share that I've finished my QE2 illustration! The most detailed illustrations I made so far, portraying her in all original Space Age glory!
The first test print came from the printer and it already looks stunning.

[Onno Heesbeen ( ONNOZONE ) @OnnoHeesbeen]

This photoshoot captures it all perfectly! Thanks for following along on this journey. If you’d like to see more of my work, feel free to visit and join my Patreon page at https://t.co/osYCt6p7cb.
Stay tuned for the next project!

[Onno Heesbeen ( ONNOZONE ) @OnnoHeesbeen]

I’m thrilled to share the final update on my 1:400 scale SS Rotterdam model. I’m really proud of how this custom-ordered piece turned out. Although it has been part of my workshop for the past couple of months, I’m happy to see it heading to its new owner in the USA.

[Onno Heesbeen ( ONNOZONE ) @OnnoHeesbeen]

Crafting this iconic ship — a subject very close to my heart — has been a rewarding project. While I’ve built several models of her before, each one has its own unique character. For this build, I added a couple of extra details such as the emergency life rafts and the air ducts behind the mast.

[Onno Heesbeen ( ONNOZONE ) @OnnoHeesbeen]

QE2 slide from my collection, it's part from an old PHILIPS promotional slide presentation. The Dutch company installed all the light systems onboard the brand new new QE2 back in 1969, hence the nice evening shot with all the lights on. #QE2 #Cunard @cunardline #OceanLiner

[Onno Heesbeen ( ONNOZONE ) @OnnoHeesbeen]

What a great find on QE2 👀

[Ship History @SSHSA]

Comic fanatics and shipsters unite! Check out the QE2 in pop culture as Super-Skrull punches his way through the hull of the QE2!

"All This and the QE2," Marvel Issue # 62 Oct 1977.

[Onno Heesbeen ( ONNOZONE ) @OnnoHeesbeen]

ss ROTTERDAM model update... It's time to make the model look like a proper ship. Although I made and painted the tiny details like the propellers, stabilizer wings, funnel and cranes a while back, only now at this end stage of the model I can start installing them.

[Onno Heesbeen ( ONNOZONE ) @OnnoHeesbeen]

@retroscifiart

[Onno Heesbeen ( ONNOZONE ) @OnnoHeesbeen]

Hello friends and fans,

I don't mention it too often, but I also create original hand-painted and sketched artwork on a commission basis. Lately I've had more people reaching out with inquiries, although not every subject lends itself for my more technical based illustrations and miniature model work, an expressive piece of art does!

It's a wonderful medium for ship-related topics —very flexible with sizes, and can be personalized to your ideas, and completely one-of-a-kind. The result is something meaningful and unique that you won't find anywhere else.

If you'd like to see more examples, please check my website (link in bio). And if you have an idea or question about a commission, feel free to send me an email or private message—I'd be glad to hear from you and talk it over.

Have a wonderful day.

[Onno Heesbeen ( ONNOZONE ) @OnnoHeesbeen]

@the_gpc_ @ninapapiorek

[Onno Heesbeen ( ONNOZONE ) @OnnoHeesbeen]

@the_gpc_ @ninapapiorek

[Massimo @Rainmaker1973]

Amazing zoetrope vinyl album.

[📹zoetropevinyl]

[Onno Heesbeen ( ONNOZONE ) @OnnoHeesbeen]

I have been cleaning-up and reorganizing the studio. Had a couple of photo frames tucked in a corner for a while now and decided to frame a couple of my vintage ship photos.

Did you know I offer all the photos I post as high quality prints? Feel free to send me a message for extra info.

Also check out my webshop for some of the photo shoots I offer there: https://t.co/viTJD4yfBm

have a great weekend all!

[Onno Heesbeen ( ONNOZONE ) @OnnoHeesbeen]

Today I have a photo of a happy coincidence, I was photographing a partial lunar eclipse several years ago when this helicopter photobomb the scene. With the moon in the background you can nicely see the heat distortion the helicopters exhaust makes.

[Onno Heesbeen ( ONNOZONE ) @OnnoHeesbeen]

https://t.co/kHS26ymI6O

[Onno Heesbeen ( ONNOZONE ) @OnnoHeesbeen]

Super proud of my new Ambience artwork!

Although I had already illustrated Renzo Piano’s dolphin ship, I didn't have her yet as a large art print.

When my good friend Peter Knego needed some illustrations for his Ambience video, I revisited the original illustration and upgraded it with more and sharper details.

I finished the illustration a couple of weeks ago—it was fun to dive into my photo archives and do all the necessary visual research! I'm preparing the first art prints (all made individually in my own studio) and signing the certificates they come with.

If you're interested in one, check out my bio for the link to my shop or in the comment section.

[Onno Heesbeen ( ONNOZONE ) @OnnoHeesbeen]

Highlights from 2025 in one collage!
What a year—so many wonderful illustration, model, and photography projects. A huge thank you to all my amazing customers and a big shout-out to my Patreon subscribers. Thanks to your support, I was able to create these maritime projects and offer them in my webshop. Wishing you all a creative and inspiring 2026—I can’t wait to share the new projects the year will bring! ✨🥂

[Onno Heesbeen ( ONNOZONE ) @OnnoHeesbeen]

Eugenio C. in the spotlight! I love it when the low winter sun lights up my studio, the natural light makes the ship models pop-up! I got more pictures and a video up on my Patreon page (link is in my bio)

[Onno Heesbeen ( ONNOZONE ) @OnnoHeesbeen]

https://t.co/hAyTRXNJdL

[Onno Heesbeen ( ONNOZONE ) @OnnoHeesbeen]

Hi friends!
Wishing you all a Merry “Retro” Christmas and a creative 2026! 🎄

As the year ends, it's the perfect time for reflection—and this year, I'm looking way back to 2001, when I launched my very first maritime website: “Cruising the 21st Century.”⚓️

Back then, the internet wasn't dominated by a handful of tech giants, and social media hadn't even been invented yet. I taught myself how to build and host a site, earning the proud title of “webmaster.” 😃

Recently, I stumbled upon an old backup. With a few tweaks and Vadim's help, I brought it back to life! 💾

Click the link below in the comments to relive a piece of internet history… enjoy the nostalgia!