Solitude and Quietness at Sea

 Eenzaamheid en Rust op Zee

oil on canvas - 70 x 50 cm

painted on location - Sat. 3 June 2017

SOLD

Imagine being on that sailboat and waking up to this situation. Everything is still, very gentle movement of the water, hardly noticeable, except for the distant cries of a few seagulls now and then, not a sound to be heard. In a country like Holland this situation is almost nowhere to be found., and lucky are the few that can experience it. Finding myself on the Island Vlieland, i was witness to this scene, and believe you me didn't waste any time in getting this situation on canvas. On the horizon barely visible is the island Texel. I was just in time to get these gentle nuances of colour recorded,  an hour later the sky broke open, creating a whole different scenario. Below a small work made as a study for this painting.

Studie voor Eenzaamhied en Rust op Zee

oil on canvas - 18 x 13 cm

painted on location - Sat 3 June 2017

€ 145

The Chase

de achtervolging,
oil on canvas - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Tues. 25 May 2017
€ 325

It's time to pack up and head home, but little Jaap is only interested in taking another dip in the fresh cool water of the North Sea, his mother doesn't agree and hastily chases him.  Finding myself on location, on South Beach, The Hague, at the beginning of the famous golden hour, (the time when the Sun is low enough to cast a warm light, ideal for painting),  I was witness to this situation. Luckily I was almost finished this painting, just it needed something extra, thus as quick as possible I painted the Mom chasing her boy, and am glad I did it quickly, as it seems to have captured the situation perfectly.  

Kids at the beach

Kindren op strand 1
oil on canvas - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Fri 2 June 2017
€275

Kindren op strand 2
oil on canvas - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Fri 2 June 2017
€275                      

Kindren op strand 3
oil on canvas - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Thurs. 1 June 2017
€275




First time for il pittore on the small island Vlieland,  really loved it their! I'm no stranger to small islands, have spent many warm days, working and painting on the tiny island Panarea, off the coast of Sicily,  a real jewel of the Mediterranean Sea. But Vlieland is on the North Sea, and to experience it with extreme warm weather is truly a blessing! I made a total of 5 paintings, next posting will show the other 2.  This theme of children at the beach is attractive to me at this time, hope you are not getting bored with these postings. Your feedback is always welcome!

Moms with children at the beach

  

Moeders met Kinderen op strand 1
oil on canvas - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Wed 17 May 2017
SOLD




Moeders en Kinderen op strand 11
oil on canvas - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Wed 17 May 2017
€ 275

Moeders en Kinderen op strand 111
oil on canvas - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Wed 17 May 2017
€ 275




Here you have a few other paintings I made at the Art Festival Ezels en Kwasten in  Wijk Aan Zee, NH. It was probably the 1st real hot summer like day we have had here in Holland. The beach's were full of Moms with their kids. I had just finished 2 large panoramic format canvases thus decided it was time for a few close ups of beach activity. With that thought in mind, that is how these works came to life. Didn't get on location tell about mid afternoon, however worked right up until dusk, as is evident on the third painting. Had fun composing this series as I had a surplus of models to work from, and the best part of that is, I didn't have to pay them!

The pink sky at dusk

De schemerige roze hemel
oil on canvas - 30 x 40 cm (12 x 16 inches)
painted on location - Thurs. 11 May 2017
SOLD

Finding myself in Wijk Aan Zee, NH, for the opening of the International Art Festival, Ezels en Kwasten, instead of listening to the opening speeches, after a lousy dinner, I decided to find a motif to paint, get the ball rolling, you know what I mean.  It was the evening of a rainy overcast day. Thus I didn't have much hope in finding a subject to paint. That is until the sky started to put on this spectacular display of light and color, as the dark clouds were overtaken by the intense light of the Sun, making its downward descent at dusk.  Whilst painting, those crepuscular rays suddenly appeared, causing the horizon to light up. What to do, leave them out or add them in?  Well the choice I made is obvious, and listening to the reactions of my posting on Facebook of this work, it was the right thing to do. The last accent, was the addition of the seagulls. shown as if they are dancing to the rhythms of the beat in our hearts.
 

Invitation to Fun and Adventure #1 - 2017

Strandanslag #5 Zuiderstrand, DH
oil on canvas - 50 x 70 cm
painted on location - Tuesday 18 April 2017
€ 585

I was inspired to make this painting, because for me this is an inviting scene for anyone who is longing to be at the beach here on the coast of Holland. I'm beginning to understand why so many German tourists are visiting Kijkduin.  I was inspired by the white color of the Beach Cafe with hints of color here and there, and the shadow being cast by the afternoon Sun. And of course the wave action was very picturesque that  day. Still rather cold, with much wind, however, if one dresses warmly, it is fine.

Baby the Wind Must Blow I & II

Gezicht op de Pier, vanaf  Zuiderstrand I
oil on mdf board -  11 x 28 cm
painted on location - May 2016
€ 125

Gezicht op de Pier, vanaf Zuiderstrand II
oil on canvas board - 10 x 29 cm
painted on location - May 2016
€ 125


The English title to these small studies in oils, is inspired from a 1965 film called, Baby the Rain Must Fall, starring Steve McQueen and Lee Remick (a great film btw). Even though these works were made sometime ago, it could very well be depicting the situation we have on hand at the beach in these days. I made these as fore studies for a larger commission painting from last year. They are ready to hang or even better,  you might want to display them on your desk or favorite shelf top.

Blind Faith and The North Sea

Blind vetrouw series #4
oil on canvas - 20 x 50 cm - (8 x 20 inches)
painted on location (Wassenaarseslag) - Tues. 4 April 2017

SOLD

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Blind vetrouw series  #5
oil on canvas - 30 x 40 cm - (12 x 16 inches)
painted on location (Wassenaarseslag) - Tues. 4 April 2017

€ 425

You can hear the whispering sounds of the gentle rolling waves, and feel the cool freshness of the soft sea breeze. You don't see it, but you trust that it is there, the mighty North Sea. It seems to be resting, after days of hard work. Moving all those tiny particles of sand, that the Dutch trust will reinforce their coastline, thus making the already high stalwart dunes even more higher.....Oh no ladies and gentlemen, the Dutch will not allow the unforgiving North Sea to invade and swallow up their flat and for a good part under sea level self made land. They learned their lesson back in the 16th Century, and will not allow that to take place, ever again!

Greetings from Scheveningen

Groeten uit Scheveningen
oil on canvas - 30 x 150 cm
painted on location in 5 sittings - March 2017
SOLD

Not the first time I've painted this scenery, but indeed the 1st time from so far out on the South pier, which is in fact the entrance to the harbor here in Scheveningen. Spring is in the air, the beach cafes are back, there is an exciting buzz on the beach, all three of them, the one north of this scene, the beach depicted, and the one south, (were I paint most of the time).  Very challenging to work this format on location, especially when the windforce starts reaching numbers from 5 onwards!

The Pier with morning light

ScheveningsePier met ochtend licht
oil on canvas - 30 x 50 cm
painted on location - Tuesday 14 March 2017

€ 485

I must admit this view has become much more interesting to paint since they have installed that ferris wheel (reuzenrad) on the Pier here in Scheveningen, Holland.  What I find particularly interesting about this view is the movement. You have the sea breeze brushing through the dry grass of the dunes and the slow rotation of the ferris wheel, making this view  lively.

Rolling waves #4 - At the beach with the Infamous SW wind.

Op strand met de wilde Z/W wind

oil on canvas - 40 x 30 cm

painted on location - Thurs. 09 March 2017

€ 485

After days of overcast and rain, finally the Sun broke through, thanks to that fantastic S/W wind. The Sea was changing colors as fast as the speed of light, that's what it felt like today! The Sun filtering through at times dense clouds,  but mostly shining strong and bright without cloud interference. 

  

Me and my shadow

Me and my shadow
oil on canvas - 13 x 18 cm
painted on location - Mon. 20 Feb 2017
SOLD

Pole 36 however stalwart, stands a little tilted to one side. The North Sea relentlessly splashing her with the frigged salty water. This situation was the precursor to what would come two days later when we were experiencing wind forces that caused waves that would completely engulf her. Making only visible the red capping, now and then.

Scheveningen Beach in a winters fairy tale

Scheveningen strand en boulevard als een Sprookje
oil on canvas - 30 x 150 cm
painted - Sun 12/Mon 13 Feb 2017

SOLD

What's there to say, but that I am so grateful that we finally had a downfall of that fluffy white stuff here on the coast of Holland! Everybody was excitingly happy, especially the little ones. And me I was really happy that i had the opportunity to get on location, and re work a painting that I made in December 2015 of this scenery! Thus the composition was already complete when I started on this painting.  You know it's funny, how some days one could paint better than on other days! I guess it is the same with anything one does. For me this was a day were the juice was flowing, fast and powerful, and what resulted is what you see. By the comments people were making as they stopped to have a look, and there were many people, as it was a soft winters sunshiny day, I felt I had accomplished a painting which will give much pleasure to the viewer. And that my dear friends, is a gift, from The Creator to me and from my hands to you. Here below a fine picture of me working on this painting taken by Maurice Haak, from This is The Hague, Tourist Information Centre. 

                                      (If you wish to have a better look at this painting,send me an email)

A path with a view

pad met een mooi uitzicht, Westduinpark, DH.
oil on canvas - 40 x 80 cm
painted on location -  Thurs. 2 Feb 2017

€ 525

Just a week ago, this was the situation at this location. Even though it was cold, the Sun was shinning a warm light and many people were out and about, getting a strong dosage of vitamin D.  Due to the intense light the dunes sparkled with colours that are normally not visible with dull overcast weather.
For your viewing pleasure, a picture taken on location, just after I completed the painting.

A magic winters moment at Scheveningen

Een winters magisch moment op Schevening

oil on canvas - 20 x 140 cm

painted on location and studio -  Jan 9-11 2017

SOLD

I have been waiting a long time to make this painting. To capture the unique Scheveningen Boulevard and Pier under the influence of mist. It didn't come easy as I started this work on location were i had to contend with wind and now and again light rainfall. As a matter of fact had to quickly pack up my gear and get out of the rain as, it was starting to cause havoc with the oil paint. Worked on the painting in two settings in the atelier, until this result was attained.

Misty path to the Sea

Pad naar Zee met Mist
oil on canvas - 30 x 50 cm
painted on location - Wed 28 Dec. 2016

€ 475

I was on my way to the beach to make another wave painting, when this scenario was just too difficult to resist painting. Even though I've painted this view many times, this is the first one with a mysterious atmosphere. Upon finishing the painting I felt it needed something to make it somewhat interesting..luckily there happened to pass by this man with his dog, thus that was the finishing touch. Here a picture of me just getting started on this painting.

Rolling Waves # 3, "the whispering waves"

Rolling Wave series # 3 - "de fluisterende golven",
oil on canvas - 30 x 50 cm
painted on location - Mon 19 Dec. 2016

SOLD

The seagull glides by, searching for a bite to eat, or maybe just admiring her own reflection, on the somewhat still water. There is hardly any wind to talk about, i find that comforting as the temperature has dropped considerably. Luckily the Sun was shinning thus making the experience for me on location,  pleasant. This series is developing, one can already see, that the subject is in a constant state of flux, making it always interesting for me, the painter of the South Beach.

Rolling Waves #2- alone with the waves

Alleen zijn met de golven
oil on canvas - 30 x 50 cm
painted on location - Tues 13 Dec 2016

SOLD

In a busy country like Holland, somewhat overcrowded for its size, many a people go to the coast. To be alone with lots of space and fresh air, in search of solitude.  In this scenario, ones senses become alive to the soft rumors of the gentle waves, the cool breeze from the North Sea, and the often breathtaking view the sky and sea have to offer.  In this series I have opted to bring to the viewer an intimate scene,  at what takes place at your immediate surrounding whilst walking on the beach, were the water meets the sand.    

The Rolling Waves

Rolling waves series #1
oil on canvas - 30 x 50 cm
painted on location -  Thurs 13 Oct. 2016

SOLD

Here in this series I will be focusing on making close-up paintings of the waves, for the most part as they are rolling/breaking at the shoreline.  Thus colour and composition are fundamental. The paint, as you can clearly see, was amply applied, and thus will be key in the development of this series.

Closed for the Season

Laaste uren van een mooie dag
oil on canvas - 30 x 80 cm
painted on location - 15 Aug 2016
SOLD

It was late in the afternoon, I found myself on Zuiderstrand, Den Haag. I was working on a much larger painting, but before heading back to the studio, I decided to make a smaller format painting of the scenery as it was really a beautiful moment to savour.  Below the same scenery only on a much larger scale. Also painted around the same time of the day. Obviously these paintings were made sometime ago, hence the title of this posting.

XXXL Gezicht op Scheveningen vanaf Zuiderstrand
oil on canvas - 40 x 200 cm
Painted on location - Sept 2016
€1250

This painting is really huge, thus don't let the postage stamp size of the image on this posting fool you.I suggest you click on the painting to see it properly.

Warmth of Indian Summer days II, South Beach, DH

A hot moment at HKZV, Zuiderstrand DH
oil on canvas - 60 x 90 cm
painted on location - 14 Sept 2016
€ 975

This is no doubt one of the best paintings I made in 2016.  Depicted is the recently renovated Catamaran club house of The Hague.  I think the position of the primary colored objects at the end of the row of catamarans, ads a certain attraction to this piece. The soft atmospheric condition caused by the extreme heat of the Indian summer temperature has helped in creating a feeling of tranquility to the scene. I'm glad I decided to get out on location, on this dayof September 2016.  Sometimes for a painter, it pays to get out there early and catch the shadows, which usually add in the composition of the work at hand.

Warmth of Indian Summer days I, South Beach, DH

Genieten van de Indian summers weer I
oil on canvas - 20 x 140 cm
painted on location - 13 Sept 2016
SOLD

The Indian summer has been with us for a long stay this year, and most Dutch people are very content with this decision of Mother Nature. I have been able to get on location on a few of these days, and bring to you a the warm moments, to enjoy any time of the year. This format seems to be custom made  for our beach here on the coast of The Lowlands. Below a detail of the above painting, showing a sunbather taking in all those nurturing Sun rays.

Indian Summer inviting you to Zuiderstrand, DH

Tijt om te genieten I, Zuiderstrand, DH
oil on canvas - 40 x 120 cm
painted on location - Wed 24 August 2016

€ 825

It doesn't get any better than this, on our sacred coastline here in The Lowlands. These mothers with their children are playing it smart and coming to the beach nice and early, as later on in the day the Sun beams are full strength and can actually get uncomfortable, for the sensitive fair skinned people. A real pleasure for me to be on location, and finally I got to use my 3m parasol to prtoctect me from the Sun and not the wind.

Tijt om te genieten II, Zuiderstrand, DH
oil on canvas - 50 x 100 cm
painted on location - Fri 26 August 2016

SOLD

A big painting for a big beach. The skies are actually very dramatic and luscious at this time of year, check out the painting below. However easy it looks, belief you me, it is not easy to paint a convincing sky. I manage to do it, because of all the practice I've had over the years, but still it remains a challenge. Please have a good look at this painting, check out those 3 young boys kicking the football, on the left. Years of model drawing and painting have given me the confidence to apply those strokes, which convey the message with as little description as possible.

The new look, Pier Scheveningen
oil on canvas - 30 x 150 cm
painted on location -  Thurs 18 August 2016
SOLD

The ferris wheel, has been added to liven up things at the Pier which dominates the beach here in Scheveningen. It is a big winner with the young crowd. For me it gives me the chance to paint yet another detail, which i must admit is fun to do. I like the fact that they painted the supporting cement pillars of the Pier in soft pastel colors......This is the view one gets after leaving Zwarte Pad and heads in the direction of Wassenaarseslag.

Summer scenes of South Beach

Gezicht op Scheveningense pier 
oil on canvas - 20 x 50 cm
painted on location -  6 July 2016
SOLD

I made this painting as a study for a larger commission. Often these smaller works have a more accurate rendition of the situation at hand, as it is more likely to be completed in one sitting. The evening light brings on soft warm tones casting a golden hue on the sand and in general warm tones overall.

S'ochtends op Zuiderstrand,
oil on canvas - 30 x 150 cm
painted on location - 13 July 2016
SOLD

It is the start of a nice summers day. We here in The Lowlands are really enjoying this time of the year, as summer has finally made its appearance.  Kids are out of school, families are packing up their gear, to get ready for a holiday. Most people are heading to a country on the Mediterranean. However for us that have stayed behind, a little trip to the coast is all it takes to have a relaxed and fun time. Plenty of space is guaranteed, and the usually ice cold water has warmed up a few notches, making it somewhat tolerable.  

The Cumulus shuffle above South Beach

De Stapelwolk shuffle boven Zuiderstrand. DH
oil on canvas - 40 x 80 cm - 15 x 31 inches
painted on location -  Thurs 9 June 2016
€ 685

Yes ladies and gentle, not the Harlem Shuffle by Bob & Earl 1963, (made popular by the Rolling Stones cover), but the Cumulus shuffle, as these warm fluffy clouds dance across the sky on a lovely sunny morning here at South Beach, The Hague. This view dominated by warm tones, buildings catching the suns warm rays, just a pleasure to be able to bring to you the viewer this special moment.

The last cloud meets the light

De opklaring, s' ochtends vroeg
oil on canvas - 50 x 100 cm (19 x 39 inches)
painted on location and in studio - May 2016
SOLD

A special moment in time. The morning light is painting on the sky a symphony of warm pastel colors.  Most people are still catching their last dreams of the night, while these sailors are about to meet the calm North Sea. Of course il pittore is also on location, making sketches and taking pictures of this magical fleeing moment. The painting was further advanced in the studio, as such a size canvas is almost impossible to finish on location.

The Lone Seagull

De Eenzame Zeemeeuw
oil on canvas - 13 x 18 cm
painted on location - Sunday 10 April 2016
€ 145

The seagull finds herself flying over de Stille strand (the Quiet beach) and she likes it. She is going to stay and make some friends. Nearby is the busy harbor Scheveningen where she can always get a good meal from the haring ships leftovers. A quaint little painting of this beach,  probably, when you are a local,  your favorite beach.

The Soft Light Series 3 & 4, 2016

Zuiderstrand, de nieuwe "look".
oil on canvas - 30 x 80 cm
painted on location - Sunday 10 April 2016
€ 575

Zuiderstrand s ochtend , 11/04/16
oil on canvas - 50 x 70 cm
painted on location - Monday 11 April 2016
SOLD

Fine to see things starting to pick up here at South Beach, for the 2016 season. The same view, but as I say, time after time, never once the identical situation, thus each painting is unique. Leo from De Fuut, always proudly hanging the Dutch flag. You might have noticed, the blue building (The Hague Sailing Club) as changed format, compared to what it looked like in my previous paintings of this view. Here below a detail of the above work.

Promises of Spring with the Rolling Waves

beloften van de lente met de rollende golven
oil on canvas - 20 x 140 cm
painted on location - Friday 1 April 2016
SOLD

Yes ladies and gentlemen, promises of spring. The water slowly warms up as the Sun now stays with us much longer. Activity begins to increase both on and off shore, as you can see on the horizon line of the above panoramic painting. Below a picture taken the very moment the work was completed.

Sailing the turbulent North Sea

varen op de woelig noordzee
oil on canvas - 40 x 30 cm
painted on location - Monday 21 March 2016
SOLD

Not every bodies cup of tea, but for the hard core sailors of this gutsy North Sea, it certainly will put some hairs on your chest! The wave action was so worthy of being painted that day I decided to set up right at the waterfront. Making order out of chaos, that was my task, on this surface of linen. After several repaints of the waves crashing, I finally was satisfied with the result you see.

The Soft Light Series

A SOFT LIGHT FINDS MY BEACH

Westduinpark vanaf strandslag 10
oil on canvas - 30 x 120 cm
painted on location - Thurs 17 March 2016
€ 675

On that sign nailed to the blue pole, is written, "verboden toegang", in English, forbidden entrance. Perched on the sign is a black bird. She does have permission to enter the dunes, we humans don't. Thank God not everybody is a Dutch Civil Servant working in The Hague, and in most Natural Reserves around the world, us humans are allowed access. Oh well, your eyes do have access, and so do mine. Thus I paint for you the beauty of these majestic dunes.

Zuiderstrand met Zacht licht
oil on canvas - 40 x 120 cm
painted on location - Thurs 10 March 2016
SOLD

The 1st large beach scene I have made thus far for this new season. Personally I love finding myself on location on these days with mist and fog influencing the scenery. Something mystical yet intriguingly inviting about this voluptuous atmosphere.

Homage to the Quiet Beach

Hommage aan het stille strand
oil on canvas - 70 x 210 cm - (27 x 83")
painted on many sessions in the studio - Dec 2015 t/m March 2016
SOLD

I am forever being asked to make a huge painting of this beach, so finally here it is. Painted on several sessions in my atelier, from paintings I had made previously, and of course from the way I see this beach, as I have been actively painting here for 9 years now! It is called "het stille strand",  the quiet beach. Most likely in reference to the very busy beach, just due North, and that being the popular Scheveningen  Beach. But also in reference, I think to the Nature Reserve (Westduinpark) one has to walk or bike across, to get at this beach.
I have chosen to show the viewer of this painting a moment in time when the fog lifts. Thus some light bouncing of the dunes to the far left. The seagulls in a playful flight pattern, coming towards the viewer, two persons walking on the beach and further right a barely visible yellow buoy, and finally on the horizon, an oil tanker.
To really appreciate this painting it must be seen in the real. However if you can't make it to one of my markets or a studio visit, I have added  some extra pictures.