Autumn in Westduinpark, The Hague

Kwartelpad, Westduinpark, DH
oil on canvas - 50 x 150 cm
painted on location - Tues 16 Oct 2018

€ 1450


We have been having warm soft weather lately, ideal for working on location with such an enormous size canvas.  I have been at this location in the past and well, it never seizes to amaze me. I guess it has something to do with the view that opens up to the eyes, when one is coming out of the tree covered path from the Vogelwijk, to this wide open space leading to the Quiet beach. The locals here cherish this location, and God forbid should any Municipal agent grant a building permit to a developing company that would just love to build a hotel resort at this spot....all hell would break loose, and the citizens would take to the streets to prevent such an action, and I would be one of them!


                                                                               Here you have a picture of the work in progress at the location

The Hofvijer # 6, The Hague

De Hofvijer, DH  # 6
oil on canvas - 30 x 50 cm
painted on location - Sat 13 Oct 2018

€ 375  (met lijst 450)

Here I present to you the latest work made on location in this series. Autumn colours have definitely sit in, making this rendition gaily colourful. The tolerance flags were lined up on the other side of the pond, which just so happen to fit in nicely with the colour scheme. This painting is available with a handsome gold leaf frame from Italy, if you so choose.

The Hofvijer #4 and #5, The Hague

De Hofvijver, DH #4
oil on canvas - 55 x 45 cm
painted on location - 29 Sept. 2018

€ 580

Further developing this series, I decided to walk down the street towards the Mauritshuis. In order to get in the lamp pole and fence I painted from the other side of the street.

De Hofvijver, DH. # 5
oil on canvas - 60 x 90 cm
painted on location - 3/5/9 Oct. 2018

€ 945

This time a rather large format for plien-air painting, I decided to capture these lovely warm tones as the leaves of the trees are entering their autumn phase. Also the Sun being lower than it usually is, this also helps to intensifies the warm colors of the buildings. Is it any wonder that this is the most photographed corner of The Hague, I mean it's bloody breathtaking, wouldn't you agree?

                                                                                      here you see me working on #4 in this series

The Hofvijver #3, The Hague

De Hofvijver, DH #3
oil on canvas - 30 x 120 cm
painted on location - 13/20/26/27 Sept 2018

€ 925

Here I have decided to use a format that I commonly use when I paint a seascape or beach scene. I believe it works with this subject as well, as it captures the vast open space quite appropriately. Below a picture of me taken while I was working in the 3rd session. In this manner you get an idea of the actual size of this painting, which as you see is not the least a small work!

The Hofvijer, The Hague

De Hofvijver, Den Haag #1
oil on canvas - 45 x 60 cm
painted on location - Monday 10 Sept 2018

€ 745 (without frame/zonderlijst)

De Hofvijer, Den Haag #2
oil on canvas - 40 x 60 cm
painted on location - Thurs 13 Sept 2018

€ 745 (zonderlijst/without frame)


Yes my Dear friends, I have decided to embark on a new theme.  Following in the footsteps of  The Haagse School (an art movement  in The Hague - 19th century)  I Have decided to depict the most famous scenery of this lovely city, the capitol of Holland.  And what better location to start, but at the very spot were this city actually started building from. The building on the left, shows a section of our Nations Government Office called the Binnenhof.  As I am making minimal references to things of the 21 century, a scene like this could actually transport you back in time. My approach is however definitely modern, laying the paint on quite thick, not at all like the masters of the Golden Age. There will be more paintings from this corner of the city coming, already the third is complete and ready for the next posting!

The (not so) Quiet Beach, in action

Het stillestrand, leeft
oil on canvas - 50 x 150 (wow that is big! / 20" x 59")
painted on location -  Thursday 30 August 2018

SOLD

Yes ladies and gentlemen, with the wind rustling about, tossing and turning over just about any small object that is not properly secured, the so called Quiet beach is fully alive and well. Luxurious typical Dutch clouds racing about in the direction that the wind will have them go, cast enormous shadows on the otherwise luminous sandy beach! The Sunlight always commanding the atmospheric condition, and at the same time, filling the surface of the sea water with the colours of her choice.....just another great day to be on location. Taking this all in visually, and working my ass off to get it on a large piece of stretched linen, that becomes the challenge of the moment. something I'm willing to take on, give it my best shoot.  And for better or for worse, I expose the results to the public at large, opening myself to ridicule or praise, depends on who's doing the looking I suppose.

The Sea of Emearld Green

The Swimmers
oil on canvas - 20 x 50 cm
painted on location - Fri 17 August 2018
€ 425

A perfect day for sailing,
oil on canvas - 18 x 115 cm
painted on location -  Fri 17 August 2018

€ 725


 Fluffy clouds, racing by were actively casting dark blue shadows on the green sea as I found myself on location at my usual spot on Zuiderstrand, The Hague. Both painted on the same day. Was really fine to be on location that morning and afternoon. 

The Setting Sun # 1 and # 2

Zonsondergang #1  or The last swim
oil on canvas - 50 x 40 cm
painted on location - Thurs 19 July 2018

€ 825


Looks like I found a new subject matter! In the past made a few sunset paintings, but this time I decided to use a portrait format size canvas, thus vertical instead of horizontal orientation. The color display at these sunsets can be very explosive, and a feast for the eyes. Indeed a challenge as the downward movement of the Sun goes rather quickly, at this time of day.  Keeping the Haagse School tradition alive, il pittore at your service!

Zonsondergang # 2 or A warm summers night at the beach
oil on canvas - 50 x 40 cm
painted on location - Sat 21 July 2018

€ 825

View of Scheveningen from Southern harbor pier

Gezicht op Scheveningen vanaf zuidelijk havenhoofd
oil on linen - 30 x 170 cm
painted on location in several sittings - June/July 2018

€ 975

Man oh man Scheveningen is the place to be this summer, especially if you are a sailing enthusiast. The Volvo Ocean Race just came to a close in this harbour, just 2 weeks ago. Shown on this painting you see the 7 racing yachts, anchored on a specially built port for the occasion. Featured on the left side of this scene, is a look at a World Class sailing competition which just took place a few days ago. I know this because the Mother of a sailor in one of those sailboats approached me whilst I was making this painting, told me all about the competition!  And of course a regular common feature at this location, a fisherman's boat coming in with the daily catch.

Because this format painting looks deceivingly small on this social media platform, I must share with you a couple of close ups, so you get an idea of the details. When you look closely, you'll see two bicycle in motion on the Northen Havenhoofd.

Life at the quiet beach, The Hague, Holland

Het Licht  vangen tijdens het Gouden uur

oil on linen - 50 x 70 cm

painted on location - Thurs 12 July 2018

€ 875

How does one catch the wind or the light? Physically that is impossible, but as an image in this case an oil painting on linen, it is possible. With practice and experience I do it in this way. Not everybody's cup of tea, some like it more abstract, some like it more messy. I could only do it my way, and thank goodness, there are enough people who appreciate what I do, thus I could put bread on the table and wood in the fire, come winter!

     __________________   

De Supper of ingang bij DeKwartel

oil on linen - 50 x 70 cm

painted on location - Wed 04 July 2018

NTK

A friendly and inviting summer scene, here at the Quiet beach in The Hague. Keeping busy by beach paviljion De Kwartel, were almost two decades ago I started painting on location. Then it had much more of a bohemian atmosphere, and Ed would kindly offer me an espresso, now and then. 

Summer impressions at the beach 2

Family fun at the beach
oil on canvas - 50 x 100 cm
painted on location - Wed 6 June 2018
€ 825

First light 
oil on canvas - 70 x 60 cm
painted on location - Friday 25 May 2018
€ 625

Here you have two recent paintings, were I'm putting most of the focus on what's happening at the waters edge. Of course you have the waves rolling in, and the water in either a forward or a backward motion. Depending on the wind, the waves are either gentle or a little wild, as in the above painting. I like to get on location early, avoiding the crowds, and taking advantage of the sun still rising thus casting a softer warm light.

Summer impressions at the beach 1

                                    

Children playing Wassenaarseslag

oil on canvas - 40 x 80 cm

painting on location - Wed 24 May 2018

€ 475

It's late in the afternoon, the Sun begins to make its decent. This causes the water to shimmer with light, and when looking at figures in the direction of the Sun one is only able to see the silhouettes of the figures.   

Zuiderstrand s avonds vanaf De Kwartel

oil on canvas - 40 x 120 cm

painted on location -  Wed 30 May 2018

SOLD

              

I can never get tired of this view, especially around this time of the day. Thank God Leo the owner of the beach cafe De Fuut, keeps refreshing every year that warm cadmium yellow paint characteristic of his cafe.  I always get a kick from painting those Strandbeesten from Theo Janssen!                                             

Light, air and space

Licht, lucht en ruimte
oil on canvas - 50 x 100 cm
painted on location - Tues 15 May 2018

€ 725

Take in that sea breeze, run, jump, stretch and roll over, do it again, ...and again if you can. Sing that song that brings joy to your heart, shout it out,...express your happiness because feeling the warmth of the Sun together with the cool salty air breeze on your bear skin is nothing less than ecstatic....There is an abundance of fresh air to breath, space enough to do your thing, and on days like this your loud voice is no match to the waves breaking on the shoreline....so is life on this our quiet beach of  The Hague.

The Tall Ship Minerva, Second Harbor, Scheveningen

Het driemaster gaffelschoener "de Minerva,  Tweede Haven, Scheveningen
oil on linen - 50 x 70 cm  (20 x 28 inches)
painted on location - April 26 - May 2/3  2018

€ 725  (met hout baklijst 775)

Originally built in 1935 in Brake, Germany, over the years she has been fully restored and made seaworthy. This is the second time I paint this charming three master Tall ship, a true classic.  As a plein air painter she is a lovely subject to work from. Painting her with the Volvo Ocean Race billboard in the background, was a bit of a challenge, i had to tone down those vivid colours of the advertisement, thus the Minerva gets the attention she deserves. The light was perfect, casting shadows here and there, allowing me to observe all those juicy details, like the reflections on the calm water.   

Morning light on South Beach

Zuiderstrand met achtend lucht
oil on canvas - 40 x 80 cm
painted on location - Sunday 22 April 2018
€ 675

Here you have the first summer like image of the beach I usually paint at for the new 2018 season. The catamarans are just arriving in a week it will look much busier with all them in place.  A nice day to be on location, as we are enjoying unusual warm temperatures for this time of the year. Here below you see me working on the painting.

The Red Lighthouse series # 5

De Roode Vuurtoren # 15
oil on wood panel - 15 x 21 cm
painted on location - Thurs 5 April 2018
€ 150

A view from the seaside of the street, looking back to the city. Painted late in the afternoon, thus a different play of light as compared to most of the previous works in this series. Going to eventually make a larger version of this composition, with the hope that I will keep it fresh looking, just like this little study.

De Roode Vuurtoren # 16
oil on canvas - 40 x 50 cm
painted on location - Mon 16 April 2018
€ 375

This is the last of this series for now, will probably pick it up again on location, in the near future. I think I'm going to go back to a few of the paintings I've made thus far and paint in these kinds of typical Scheveningen characters and situations.

The Second Harbor, Port of The Hague.

Tweede Haven, Scheveningen met mist
oil on linen - 50 x 60 cm
painted on location - Thurs/Fri 12/13 April 2018
SOLD

Painted life from the south side of the harbor, I decided it was time to make this painting with all its compositional complexities, thus setting myself up for a real challenge. What the heck, I've been painting en plien air now for many years, figuring if anyone is ready to meet such a challenge it must be someone like me. Well, even with all my experience this scene drove me bunkers. The idea of starting and finishing it in one setting was certainly out of the question..... The mist did make it a little easier, as I found out on the second painting made, near the same location.

Tweede Haven, Scheveningen met Zon
oil on linen - 60 x 90 cm
painted on location - Tues/Wed Thurs/Fri -17/18/19/20 April 2018
€ 1175

Yes as you see, when the lights are turned on, forms take on their true shapes, and all kinds of details get unveiled. This to a painter, can be both fun and at the same time presenting much more of a challenge. Certainly the colours sparkle more vividly, the shapes of the buildings show themselves more, in general the whole scenery becomes much more alive. This translates to getting down a hell of a lot more detail, which means more work on my part, thus it shows on the price tag.

The Red Lighthouse series #4

De Roode Vuurtoren # 11
oil on canvas - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Friday 16 March 2018
€ 225

The mist so characteristic of the Sea. Envelops everything and ushers in feelings of calm also melancholy maybe. Gives a chance for us to take rest, decrease activity, stay indoors, as one can feel the moist about to drop from the sky, in the form of rain. As quickly as possible I got this painting made and yes, the fluid drops did show up. Had to use an umbrella to protect the painting, myself I was clothed properly, and stayed dry. BTW that is the Eendracht manoeuvring on the water.

De Roode Vuurtoren # 12
oil on canvas board - 13 x 18 cm
painted on location - Tues. 20 March 2018
€ 125

This little guy was made, as a study for the painting below (#13). Obviously the weather had changed when I worked on the larger piece.

De Roode Vuurtoren # 13
oil on canvas - 50 x 60 cm
painted on location - Wed. 21 March 2018
€ 475

The colour of the water is so surreal in this atmospheric condition,  almost hard to believe, unless you see it for yourself. Started with heavy clouds, by the time I finished the painting, it was a crystal clear blue sky. Not nearly as dramatic as the sky I opted for to represent in this work.

De Roode Vuurtoren # 14
oil on canvas - 30 x 40 cm
painted on location - Monday 26 March 2018
SOLD

Painted at the beginning of this week, here is thus far the latest work made in this series. Inspired by that fishing boat heading out, I painted in a fisherman's wife, (clothed in the traditional Schevenings'  attire), with child. I have seen this woman walking on that path 2 weeks ago, thus with that memory was this scene composed.

For the love of the Sea

The beginning of the end of the day
oil on canvas - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Wed 14 March 2018
SOLD

Back at my regular location on the South Beach, The Hague, for the second time this year,  I was fortunate to witness this colorful Sunset.  As this was the only thing worthy of painting I quickly set up my easel and made this small format painting, before it got to dark.

In God we trust

oil on canvas - 30 x 80 cm

painting re worked in atelier - Thurs 15 March 2018

SOLD

 If you are wondering about the title, will I'm sure many a seafarer has had that thought cross his mind whilst leaving the calm waters of a safe harbour. Here is an example of when I go back to a painting I believe was not quite completed when it was originally made. In this case we are talking about December 2014. If you compare the two, which I have made possible for you in this posting, you will clearly see the changes. I also changed the title, it was called "The tempestuous winds of the North Sea".   One of the only thing that hasn't changed is the price, still the same modest amount. 

The Red Lighthouse Series 3

De Roode Vuurtoren #8
oil on canvas - 30 x 40 cm
painted on location -  Fri 9 March 2018
SOLD


Slowly but surely more details start to appear on the this corner of  Scheveningen. A bench to take rest, a woman have a word with her dog, a sailboat in the distance, but to name a few.  Actually  you would be surprised just how much I leave out.  If I painted every traffic post and the street lights, you would hardly get a chance to see the water and sky! Of course I refuse to paint any cars that are parked on the street, which always happens to be the case.


                                                     

De Roode Vuurtoren # 9
oil on canvas - 40 x 30 cm
painted on location - Fri  9 March 2018
€ 275

The second work made from the boulevard side. I like the perspective this few offers. However I do miss having the Sea in vista. Had fun painting the effect of the wind on the dry grass of the dune.


                                                             

De Roode Vuurtoren # 10
oil on canvas - 50 x 70 cm
painted on location -  Wed 14 March 2018
€ 475

I love getting on location early! Meeting the new day with a loaded brush in hand, just like heaven. I have strived to represent here a quite moment in time, better yet, a peaceful moment. I imagine the persons living in those pretty white houses, still either in bed or getting ready to meet the day. Of course at Sea, already the fishermen have cast their nets, securing the days catch. Seagulls cleaning up the scraps that fall from the boat. It's good to be alive, in this moment at this place!

The en plein air painter and Nieuwe Kerk, Delft

De en plein air schilder
oil on canvas - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Thurs 22 Feb 2018
€245

I was invited to go out painting by my good friend and colleague, Dimitris. He took me to one of his favorite places in Rijswijk, Landgoed Te Werve. It was cold but the Sun was in our favour, casting a brilliant light, illuminating all the warm colors found in this park. Not a usual subject matter for me, but I couldn't help but to think of how the impressionists worked together, en plein air, thus this work was created.

Nieuwe Kerk, Delft 
oil on panel - 20 x 30 cm
painted on location - Oct 2017

€ 195

Painted one fine afternoon from the end of the Trompetstraat. An old picturesque city visited by many tourists, and a great place to paint en plein air.  This and other works made in Delft can be seen in Galerie Delft, on Vrouwjuttenland.

The Red Lighthouse - 2

De Rode Vuurtoren # 5
oil on canvas - 20 x 20 cm
painted on location - Fri 16 Feb 2018
SOLD

The smallest in this series so far.  Got on location a little earlier than the previous versions.

De Rode Vuurtoren #6
oil on canvas - 40 x 30 cm
painted on location - Tues 20 Feb 2018
€245

From the boulevard side, looking up. This was made in the afternoon, obviously on a cloudy day.

De Roode Vuurtoren #7
oil on canvas - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Wed 21 Feb 2018
€225

Here you have the last work made in this series thus far. I strongly believe this to be the most picturesque corner of Scheveningen, as we know it today. If you look closely you will see a noticeable deference in the light/shadow play in each of the paintings.

The Red Lighthouse

De Rode Vuurtoren - no. 1
oil on canvas - 60 x 30 cm
painted on location - 28 Jan - 12 Feb 2018  (4 settings)
€ 345

De Rode Vuurtoren - no. 2
oil on canvas - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Monday 12 Feb 2018
SOLD

De Rode Vuurtoren - no. 3
oil on canvas board - 30 x 40 cm
painted on location - Tues 13 Feb 2018
€ 245 (met baklijst van hout 275)

 De Rode Vuurtoren - no. 4
oil on canvas - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Wed. 14 Feb 2018
SOLD

I have painted this lighthouse on many occasions already, the only thing was, from a great distance! Inspired by a picture I saw on Facebook,  I decided to get up close and have a good look at this enormous structure.  It is new subject matter for me, and it feels fine to get on location and meet the challenges she presents to me. A pleasure to be working on one of the very few authentic corners left in Scheveningen.