Memories of a warmer times, (2 comissions)

Couple with pet in front of Strandpavelijon De Kwartel
oil on canvas - 30 x 120 cm
Painted on location and in studio - Sept 2014

private collection Den Haag


The man of this couple was given this painting as a birthday present from his beloved wife. It was important that I place them on the waterfront walking towards the beach cafe called De Kwartel. The scene is draped with a soft glow of late afternoon light, the temperature is warm and comfortable. A fine moment to reflect on, especially on these cold winter days, with shortened hours of daylight.

Family outing on the beach, Zwartepad, Scheveningen
oil on canvas - 30 x 150 cm 
Painted on location and in the studio Oct/Nov 2014

private collection Den Haag

This work was commissioned to me by the daughter of that man you see playing with his two grand children at the waters edge. The background is made up of the dominant pier,  the hotels and other buildings making up the boulevard of Schevenigen. It is difficult to see all the details with accuracy as this format is not suitable for web logging, but believe you me, when standing in front of the  original painting the details are as sharp and clear as the blue of the sky.

Peace rests, on a winters day

Vrederust op een wintersdag
oil on canvas - 30 x 80 cm
painted on location -  Tues 6 Jan 2015 - (finished in studio Mon 12 Jan 2015)

 € 485

First plein-air painting of 2015. Bringing you an image were your eye can transmit to your brain, tranquillity and peace. It doesn't attract world attention, no smeary politicians going to gather and pretend they care. Just a crazy artist out in the open, freezing his fingers and toes in order to bring you this moment of purity. Hey, I'm not complaining, but really, what a disgusting world we live in. That artists who make cartoons as a living have to be killed, just so the rulers of the world can again take away Our civil rights!   Why don't they just have enough courage to admit what they are doing, once and for all. At least this way, we the people of this marvellous planet can organise and take action. No they have to kill innocent people, children and families on aeroplanes, defenceless women and elderly people. Put the blame on terrorists. Make laws to control terrorism, only thing is I am not a terrorist, most likely you are not a terrorist, but you and I have to be subject to those laws, that control, and control, and control even more our Rights, more and more...makes me sick. ...Oh well, I only hope I can in my little way, bring some beauty into your life, please forgive me for dumping some emotion, and if you want to sign off my mailing list, I understand. Here below you see me creating this painting.

A young girl and her beloved pet

Een jong meije en haar geliefde hond

                                                                        oil on mdf - 14.5 x 25 cm
                                                                   painted on location - 31 Dec. 2014
                                                                                         € 225

Luckily it was a beautiful, sunny and dry morning on the last day of the year.  I had time on my hand, thus decided to assemble my gear, put on some warm clothing and head out of the studio to the very spot on the beach were I made several dozens of seascapes in 2014. As the weather was favourable, the beach was busy with people and their canine friends.  After developing the composition, and colour scheme, I paid attention to the wave action. The painting needed more details, so I added a few seagulls in flight. They did little to make this a complete art work. Something else was needed. Stepping back and observing what was actually happening before my eyes, I finally decided to compose this situation, a young girl and her beloved pet. Content with what developed, I quickly scratched in my signature and packed up, as by then the cold wind had found its way to my bones!    

I'm dreaming of A White Christmas

Kerstsfeer in Den Haag,

oil on canvas - 50 x 40 cm

painted on location -  Dec 2010, re worked in studio 22 Dec 2014

€ 625 (elegant white baklijst included)

It was on a postcard perfect winters afternoon, characterised by sounds of  children' s laughter and screams of joy. The crackling of  pure white snow, was to be heard,... yeah, as the young and old  alike moved slowly along, replacing the usual disturbing noise of automobile traffic.  Mothers pulling on sleighs, adults carefully manoeuvring their bicycles on this square, which has been dedicated to one of Hollands most beloved Queens.  Konigin Emma. That my dear readers was what inspired and moved me to find myself on location at the Regentesseplein in The Hague. I have since re-worked the scene on three occasions, finally choosing to remove  the tree featured to the left of the odalisque (as shown below) and replaced it with a not so dominate slanted street sign. It is amazing how this alone has opened up the view.  Also more figures have been added, and the details have been emphasised somewhat. I took the freedom of using my imagination to render this delightful moment in the tradition of  the much loved 19th century Dutch classical painter, Anton Pieck.

original work dec 2010

The tempestuous winds of the north sea, a cometh

de stormachtige winden van de noordzee, komt
oil on canvas - 30 x 80 cm
painted on location - Tuesday 9 Dec 2014
€ 475

This was the beginning of what we are presently experiencing here on the coast of The Lowlands. Wind gusts are well over Force 8. Even when one is prepared for these hard gales,  in a ship weighting tons of steel, stretching the length of 2 or 3 city blocks, be ready for the wrath of God! The Sea is both creative and destructive.  Just as it ushers Life in to this world, depending on it's mood,  it can usher Life out of this world. This scene depicts the arrival of the storm. Today it would be utterly impossible for me to sit up at the same location, with a canvas this size.  

A Symphony of Color finds Scheveningen # 1

Een symfonie van kleur vindt Scheveningen # 1
oil on canvas - 40 x 120 cm
painted on location - 25 - 11 - 2014 t/m  02 - 12 - 2014
SOLD

When the Dutch landscape is seen through Italian eyes, this is a probable outcome. Seen through my eyes, this is the outcome!  I was reluctant to undertake this project, as that harbour is just a blazing with detail. However once into it, allowing for the brush to do what it does, and for the palette, a generous amount of freedom of expression, I rather enjoyed what was developing. For some i might have gone too far with the details, but ultimately it is my signature that goes on the painting. Thus a balance of what is actually visible, combined with fantasy, makes this view, in my opinion, visually digestible,

Autumn Colors in the dunes # 5

Herftklueren in de duinen #5
oil on canvas - 27 x 35 cm
painted on location - Tues. 25 Nov 2014
SOLD

I was on my way back to the studio from a painstaking painting session in the overcrowded Scheveningen Inner Harbor. It was mid-afternoon,  only about one and a half hours left of daylight. Enough time for me to knock off this small canvas. As to not waste time, I went to a familiar spot, The path I usually take to make all those seascapes. With winter being just around the corner, vegetation is drying up now, however still nice autumn gold colors to be found, especially when the Sunlight bursts through the clouds.

A warm summers moment, at the beach

Een warme zomers moment op het strand,
oil on canvas - 18 x 24 cm
reworked in my studio - Nov 2014
€195  

 A cosy little story being told in this quaint scene of beach life. It is late in the afternoon, on a perfect summers day.  Warm hues reflecting on the water, the tide is coming in and  Jaap's castle is about to be washed away.  He looks on with discontent, the pet Jackie also feeling sympathy for what is about to take place.  Meanwhile happy Koosje with her new pink bathing suit runs gaily into the cool salty waters, all excited to get  Mommies attention.  This is just one of thousands of happy events taking place on Hollands coastline, during a cordial lazy summers afternoon. Brought to you especially on time for that unique gift on paakjes avond.  Here in Holland, on the evening of  Dec 5th,  it is a tradition for Saint Nicholaas to pass by every homestead with his black Piets (assistants) with potato sacks full of gifts and rhymes, for children, big and small, assuring for a  merry family get together. Here below you see the original painting I made, on location, back in July 2014. It would be interesting for me to know what you think of the changes made.

Sailing the windy North Sea

Zeilen op de winderige noordzee,

oil on canvas - 70 x 50 cm

repainted in studio - Tues 11 Nov 2014

SOLD

The intent I had was to re work a painting that I was not quite satisfied with, and the fact that it didn't sell was most likely due to the fact that most on lookers were also not satisfied with. Anyway felt it needed something, started off by increasing the wave action, at the shore line, as you can see in the original version, (shown below). Soon I began to notice that the more water I painted, the further I was departing from the shoreline. I liked what was building up and I decided to go with it. Thus this scene was created. It gives one the perspective of viewing the sailboats and that yellow buoy from way out on the Sea. I feel this painting works a lot better, thus have decided to make it available for the art connoisseur, or just you the average art lover.

   

Small Seascape & Autumn Colors in the dunes 3 & 4

Paal 36, Zuiderstrand, het Stillestrand

oil on canvas - 20 x 20 cm

painted on location - Tues 28 Oct 2014

€195

Back on the beach for the first time in weeks, as I was very sick with a severe cold. Thus I decided to tackle only a small format painting and was inspired by this simple yet atmospherical subject. Of course I gave myself some freedom with the colour scheme, but really it was not far from the truth. 

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Herfstkleuren in de duinen #4

oil on canvas - 40 x 50 cm

painted on location - Sun 2 Nov 2014

€345

This canvas was made in the same afternoon as the one below! You can see how dramatically the whole scenery changes when the atmosphere shifts from sunny to overcast, in just a matter of minutes. I kind of like the idea of sitting up on the same location and painting what lies before me. A pleasure one experiences from plein-air painting

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Herfstkleuren in de duinen #3

oil on canvas - 30 x 80 cm

painted on location - Fri 31 Oct & Sun 2 Nov 2014

SOLD

This work was made in two sessions, due to the fact that I started it rather late in the afternoon, thus  the bright lighting was vanishing at a rate that was impossible to keep up with. Not a problem, a couple days later the sun was shining in all its glory. Sit up early enough in the afternoon, and the work was finished.  

Autumn Colors in the dunes, # 1 & 2

Herfstkleuren in de duinen #1
oil on canvas board - 30 x 40 cm
painted on location - Tuesday 28 Oct 2014
€ 345

It is my self imposed duty or responsibility, as it were, to get out in this area, and seize the moment of beauty.  Mostly I'm on the beach, painting the sky and water and the life on the beach.  But at this time of year the colours of the flora in the dunes are shouting out to be noticed and admired. I couldn't help but here Natures cry of joy as the Sun shined its warmth and life energy on all those leaves, surrounding this path to the Quiet beach, here in The Hague.


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Herfstkleuren in de duinen #2
oil on canvas - 20 x 50 cm
painted on location - Tuesday 28 Oct 2014
€ 345

As we have to take it as it comes, the Sun is what I am referring to.  I rushed over to this location, not far from were I was sit up on the above painting, and payed homage to this array of these juicy colours. I like to add about these two works a quote from a great painter.  "Art is not what you see, but what you make others see."  (Edgar Degas)

Paintings Refreshed

Naar 't huis bij strandpaviljoen DeStaat (repainted),

oil on mdf - 26 x 122 cm

Repainted in studio - 14 Oct 2014

€ 625

As you can clearly see, when you look at the original painting made on location back in early June 2014 (shown below), the fresh version is much more alive, with a play of light which reflects the atmospheric conditions. I don't usually re work paintings, but I am certain that in this case it was required. Interesting are the persons featured on the beach, especially the two boys on the left, kicking the soccer ball

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Sailing the North Sea (repainted),

oil on canvas - 40 x 50 cm

painted in studio - 15 Oct 2014

€ 525

To  be entirely honest I was never content with the detail of the two sailboats featured in the painting shown below. Thus I finally had enough and refreshed that painting. The flags have been added, the sails are now ruffling with the wind, in fact the vessel on the right has even changed direction, it is now shown as going out to sea. The sky has a bit more life to it, with the clouds making a reluctant appearance

The Quiet Beach is Alive #2 - Repainted

Het Stille strand Leeft #2 - Overgeschildert
oil on MDF - 40 x 122 cm
painted on location - Thurs 4 Sept 2014
SOLD

On the horizon to the left a glimpse of De Eendtracht, most likely out on a business outing. It's getting late Mothers busy rounding up their children, in order to head on home for supper. A man walking his Labrador at the waters edge. Yes folks, the Quiet beach is alive and well. And what makes it so?  No doubt, the people,.... The Hagenaars, especially the Vogelwijk dwellers, the kite surfers, the Beach cafe owners and staff,  all the children's laughter.....the occasional German tourist, the Expats, who have discovered the real treasure this city has to offer! And all those who love to feel the cool breeze the North Sea offers on a hot muggy summers day.

I felt that the original version of this painting (shown below) needed a little bit of Life, so I took it to the beach with me and added all those people I just mentioned. Funny, just the other day I got an email from a customer who wanted to buy the original version! Lol. Life is full of surprises!

Summer Fun On The Beach - # 5,6,7

Moeder en kind naar strand bij "Zuid"
oil on canvas - 40 x 80 cm
painted on location - Tues 9 Sept 2014
€ 625


The start of a warm Indian Summers day. This Mom is treating her daughter to a day of fun at the cool waters edge, were indeed most Haagenaar folk like to go when it gets up in the mid 20's celsius.
One of the hot spots for young crowd, this beach house is simply called Zuid, which means South.

Moeder en kindern op strand
oil on canvas - 30 x 24 cm
painted on location - Thur 9 Sept 2014
€ 245

The sailboat featured got unusually close to the shore, making it a must for me to paint into the composition. In fact made a little story from the characters featured in the foreground and the vessel.

Strand gezicht van Zuiderstrand, 's ochtends
oil on canvas - 30 x 80 cm
painted on location -  Fri 12 Sept 2014
SOLD

Sure am glad that there are enough local folk that are as much in love with this beach scenery as I am, as every time I make one of these paintings, it usually sells before the paint is dry! If you compare this with the same scene of previous postings you will see that in fact, one can never experience the same situation twice, there is always a different play of light happening, which in turn effects the whole scene. Featured in this work is the world renowned artist/inventor Theo Janssen, You can see him and an assistant working on one of his StrandBeest, (beach monster).

Summer Fun on the beach - # 3,4,5

 Zuiderstrand leeft - gezicht op Kijkduin #1
 oil on canvas - 50 x 120 cm
 painted on location - 26 Aug 2014
SOLD

Zuiderstrand leeft -  gezicht op Kijkduin #2
oil on canvas - 30 x 150 cm
painted on location -  3 Sept 2014
SOLD

Zuiderstrand leeft -  gezicht op Scheveningen met kindern spelen
oil on canvas - 30 x 150 cm
painted on location - 29 Aug 2014
SOLD

It has been quite a while since my last posting.....A short vacation to Italy and the breaking down of my PC, hence am now working with a new Asus,  thus the delay! Oh well, have been keeping up with the painting production to the best of my ability. Here I present 3 fresh works off the easel. Upon request, these scenes  were made and purchased by the now happy owners! A pleasure, as always working on location, Thank God for the lovely Dutch light and skies. However as far as I'm concerned, the Dutch wind could go back to which ever corner of Siberia it is coming from! (Don't think the kite surfers would agree with me on that point, right Eric P.)

Summer fun, On the beach 1 & 2

Dancing clouds, happy people
oil on canvas - 50 x 70 cm
painted on location - Tuesday  5 Aug 2014
SOLD

The wind had picked up somewhat, last time I got out to paint. Had to put the 3 meter parasol to use as a windbreaker, as I was set up just meters away from the shoreline. As obvious, in this work the clouds are playing a dominant role in the composition. Myself am quite happy with the results of this particular painting, something about the saturated colours and just a freshness about it.

Lazy clouds, happy sun bathing people
oil on canvas - 40 x 120 cm
painted on location - Thurs 31 July 2014
SOLD

Same beach as the above painting, different view point, was set up more or less on the middle of the beach. Glad I was on location fairly early, as the temperatures went to high for my comfort zone, however the people featured on this work have a different opinion! Characterised by brilliant colours this work has a happy feel about it, like I keep saying to persons viewing my painting, "het kan hier zo mooie zijn"!

Three summer views of beach life....

Last swim
oil on mdf - 15 x 40 cm
painted on location - Wed. 23 July 2014
€199

It is the evening of the day. The Sun is making its descent, thus the warm hues in the sky and on the water reflecting.

Zuiderstrand vanaf Aanslag 10,
oil on canvas - 50 x 120 cm  (fair size)
painted on location - Fri. 25 July 2014
SOLD

Given the right conditions, this is has got to be one of the most beautiful beach ever! A delight to be able to paint it, and even a greater delight to be sharing the experience with my daughter and girlfriend.  If you want to experience this view you'll have to get out of bed a little earlier than usual, as this is painted in the morning, before the masses of people arrive.

                         "Greetings from the 4 of us, here seen in the white room,..... busy these days unpacking and sitting up shop 
                                                              in the new studio space, THE PENTHOUSE SUITE."  (picture taken by Selena)

Summer time, and the living is easy on South Beach

Het begin van een mooie zomers dag, Zuiderstrand, DH

oil on canvas - 30 x 200 cm 

painted on location  - Wed 16 July 2014

€1050,

It has been and still remains a pleasure to have the possibility to be able to paint on location on this stretch of beach, which I certainly believe is one of the finest beaches here in The Lowlands. Never too crowded, easily accessible, dog friendly all year round. Here below a close up of this painting.  

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Zeilen op het NordZee,
oil on canvas - 30 x 200 cm
painted on location - Thurs 3 July 2014
SOLD

The sky clears up after 2 days of windy rainy conditions, the waves still not settled down yet, a perfect day to sail these waters. For me a perfect day to sit up and paint the situation at hand. Not the easiest thing to do, working on location in this format. But I'm in the business of pleasing the art connoisseur, and I do what it takes.

Studio relocation time...

 Wow what a space!!

 Found this Roman coloum back in Sicily, Ryan Air was happy to see me, when I insisted I wanted to take this as carry on..... think I ended up paying for all the fuel they used on that flight, ha ha ha!!!

Easels anyone?









Clearing out of this huge lovely space! Had a good long run here, lasted almost 6 years! Now gonna down size, since most of my painting is done on the beach anyway!

Almost Summer x 2 /The Quiet Beach

Grote gezicht Zuiderstrand rechting Zuid,
oil on canvas - 80 x 120 cm  (31.5 x 47 inches)
painted on location - June 9/11 2014
SOLD

A major piece started and completed on location in 2 settings. Still early in the morning, with perfect lighting conditions. One could even clearly see the industrial terrain of the oil refinery in Hoek van Holland, and the Maas Vlaagje and more closer the Zandmotor. Have you spotted the Srtandbeest, hint on the left side of the canvas, the work of the world renowned artist/inventor Theo Janssen. Again for your viewing pleasure 2 close ups included here below.

Here ends info, under this line a different painting.

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Genieten van de stille strand,
oil on canvas - 30 x 150 cm
painted on location  -   June  9/10/14  2014
SOLD

A late afternoon view with the warm sun rays giving great pleasure to anyone taking the time to be at this beautiful beach, and yes we Hagenaars are very very lucky, don't we know it! On the horizon sail ships are heading back to the harbour after a days of competition during the North Sea Regatta.

The Quiet beach, not so silent these days!

Afternoon view of strandpaviljoen, De Staat.
oil on canvas - 40 x 120 cm
painted on location on 3 occasions - May/June 2014
SOLD

Was asked to paint this scene from a Hagenaar that is moving to Bonn, Germany! This is pretty much the area were I set up my gear and make most of my views of this fantastic stretch of beach we are so fortunate to have, right here in The Hague! A little windy, perfect for getting those clouds to pass by and yet another challenge for me to paint them in. I feel they add a lot to this scene. De Staat, a great place to chill out with the kids, with friends and family, and you can even bring your dog along!

At the beach series #6 -2014
oil on canvas - 40 x 80 cm
painted on location - Mon  9 June 2014
€ 500

As you can see it is not always sunny here in The Lowlands! However when the heat is on, the beach is a great place to stay cool. A view which I never get tired of telling a story about. Only I don't use verse and rhyme, substituting color and form to get my story told! Here a child and her mother (in this case step mother) are having some fun keeping that rubber ball in the air as long as possible...i believe they went up to 88 swings before the ball touched ground! Had fun with all those greys in the sky, was a pleasure to paint.

At the beach #5 -2014,
oil on canvas - 35 x 75 cm
painted on location - Sat 7 June 2014
€ 500

Fun, fun, fun,...kids small and big just wanna have fun! The big kids are out to Sea with their big toys, the small kids are at the water with their small toys and imagination. Here you have a glimpse of the North Sea Regatta which was taking place, on the horizon, and a group of kids with the father of one boy splashing about in the cool waters. A close up of this scene deserves some attention, as the detail should not be missed.

A path with a view

Een pad met uitzicht
oil on mdf - 14 x 39 cm
painted on location - Fri 30 May 2014
SOLD

Yes ladies and gentlemen, right here in our dunes, are some of the finest views a painter can ask for! Fortunately for me, I don't have to take a flight or a train.  Just a matter of loading up my gear, parking my car for FREE, and a meditative walk through the dunes.  I was visiting the owner of Pier 32, talking about painting possibilities. On the way back was struck by this view, I couldn't resist! A small panoramic study, works well, for sure will make a large painting of this same view.