Calm after the storm, Zuiderstrand, DH

Kalmte na de storm, Zuiderstrand, DH
oil on canvas - 70 x 90 cm,
painted on location - Wed 26 Feb 2014
€ 825  ( €875 met lijst)

What a difference a day makes! Same view as the painting made on 18 Feb,  however completely different. A clear blue sky, at the start of the day, still early, not too many people out as yet, just a few dog owners. Eventually clouds did move in, you can see them making their entrance just above the horizon line to the left. I like the fact that the heavy winds caused the water to mess up the beach. You can clearly make out the elevation line that was formed. It won't take long before the bulldozers get out there and flatten things out, making the beach look neat and tidy, too orderly for my liking!

No admittance

Verboden toegang,
oil on canvas - 60 x 90 cm
painted on location - Wed 26 Feb 2014
SOLD

You might be intrigued about the title? Will you see those 4 blue poles with white signs on the top, they read Verboden Toegang (No Admittance).  The municipal government here in The Hague is ready to give you a stiff fine if you are caught walking about on the other side of that nasty barb wire fence (probably left behind by the Nazi's during WWII). Anyway enough of this petty politics business.  I'm using it as an aphorism. The path leading up away from the beach seems to merge with the somewhat euphorically depicted sky, thus one can imagine a sort of path to heaven.   Taken in that context, the signs might suggest something else. Who among us hasn't been totally brainwashed since day one, that admittance to heaven is almost impossible.....not that I believe that for a moment, but the church makes it a point to repeat that, like a mantra, until one just gives in and accepts it as a truth!  When in fact it in my belief,  it is the furthest thing away from the Truth. Amen

The Yellow Buoy and You

De Gele Buoi en Je,
oil on canvas - 70 x 50 cm
painted on location - Fri 21 Feb 2014
€ 495  ( available in handsome wooden frame  € 575)

Picture yourself walking on this quite strip of beach.  You alone, far away from the noisy crowds in the bustling city centre. Very far away from those busy roadways, were traffic jams are guaranteed during  rush hour.  Maybe you have a pet dog, that needs it's daily exercise, or maybe you just doing it for yourself, as these quality 'alone' times are definitely almost obligatory in life as we know it today!  Whatever your situation, I make it my vocation to capture and record these special moments, on a piece of linen with oil colours, that not only you may enjoy and meditate upon, but whom ever takes the time to gaze and reflect upon it, also will.    

Just as it is, Winter at South Beach

Net zoals 't is, Zuiderstrand DH
oil on canvas - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location -  Tues 18 Feb 2014
SOLD

This is after all, the North Sea ladies and gentlemen! Rough, windy, coarse wave action, the water, totally non-hospitable. At times like this, that's just the way it is. For us living in this tiny over-crowded country, it is really a gift to be able to walk your dog with no leash, and get some serious distance covered, without having to ask someone, "please get out of my way!"  It takes a little preparation in the clothing department, and one is ready to tackle the elements. Take advantage of this situation while it still exists, because as usual, corrupt swifty politicians, in the hope of getting the pockets full of dirty money,  have a vision of turning this vast Natural beach into a busy commercial area!

North Beach, Scheveningen

Gezicht van Noorderstrand, Scheveningen,
oil on canvas - 18 x 24 cm  (7 x 9.5 inches)
painted on location - Tues 11 Feb 2014
€185

Morning scenery as seen at the North Beach, The Hague, looking up coast towards Wassenaarseslag, and then the buildings from Noordwijk Aan Zee.  Was just on time as within an hour from the finishing of this work, the sky clouded over and we had yet another downpour! There are always people walking on the beaches when the weather is favorable here in The Lowlands, A good way to stay in shape and keep healthy.

Free the mind, with a Seascape

Bevrijd de geest met een zeegezicht
oil on canvas - 25 x 35 cm (10 x 14 inches)
painted on location -  Scheveningen
€ 245

Don't have the time or possibility to get to the Sea.  Allow me to bring it to you.   Breath in that fresh salty air, allow it to rejuvenate your Spirit, loosen up those murky cobwebs hangin' about!.....  Hard to believe that this was painted just two days ago on the beach here in Holland! Seems we have been spared the winter thus far.  Early in the morning, when the light is just right,  highlighting those waves rolling in. Creating a scene that would inspire goodness and well being, even to the most defiant ones. A gift from Mother Nature to you, and it is there for the taking.

Winter beach scene #3 -2014

Zuiderstrand, DH met gezicht op Scheveningen en Kustwacht schip,
oil on mdf board - 12 x 40 cm
painted on location - Tues 4 Feb 2014
€265

When the Sun breaks through the views afforded on this beach are sometimes breathtaking! I always have my painting gear ready on such days and do my best to get out there and seize the moment for eternity! A feature on this small panoramic work is the Netherlands Coast watch ship sailing into the harbour. You only see the top sections, as the rest is blocked from view by the stalwart pier that leads to the inner harbour

De Gazelle, Amsterdam

De Gazelle van Don te Amsterdam,
oil on canvas - 35 x 75 cm  (14 x 30 inches)
painted on location and in studio - Dec 2013/Jan 2014
(private collection - Amsterdam)

Was indeed a pleasure for me to work on this characteristic old vessel that was originally designed as a cargo ship for the North Sea. Now used for living/dwelling by its owner Don, who can be seen on the deck.
The play of light was most important, thus on location in the morning! Left out all the modern buildings on the other side of canal, as desired by the present owner of this work.

XXL Seascape, 'the feeding'

XXL zeegezicht, 'het voederen', Zuiderstrand, DH
oil on canvas, 40 x 200 cm
painted started on location - Oct 2013, finshed in studio Jan. 2014
€ 1200,

Back by popular demand, a homage to the vast North Sea, and to bring that sensation in your living or office space, a format that properly represents that vastness! After a storm, the coast line is scattered with living shell life that provides optimal feeding for seagulls. For those of you who live in Holland,  and would like to see this in the real, just drop me an email, I'll receive you in my spacious studio/gallery space.  

View of Scheveningen on a Sunny winters day.

Gezicht op Scheveningen vanaf Westduinpark, DH
(winter beach scene #2-2014)
oil on canvas - 30 x 150 cm
painted on location - Sun 12 Jan 2014
€ 675

As is difficult to give a proper photo representation of these panoramic views, below two close ups for your viewing pleasure. This view might be totally blocked off within a couple of years! Disturbing the Natural beauty that still abounds in this park area. We are very lucky here in The Hague to have this! As Joni Mitchell said back in the 1960's, "You take Paradise, to put up a parking lot".....

The clear up, after storm, South Beach, DH

't opklaren na storm, Zuiderstrand, DH
(winter beach scene #1-2014)
oil on canvas - 50 x 100 cm  (20 x 39 inches) 
painted - Fri 10 Jan 2014
€ 675

First plein - air painting of the new year, and am glad I had the chance to begin it with a bang, (loud, busy painting). I choose to stay close to the dunes, and not near the sea, somewhat protected from the wind and besides the composition was just what I needed. With these conditions, rather difficult to work this size, outdoors on location.  Was lucky could  position my canvas in the direction of the wind, and had to anchor my gear down with a bag full of sand,  thus got the job done!

Autumn Sunset on the North Sea

Herfste Zonondergand NoordZee
oil on wood panel - 10 x 15 cm  (each),
painted in Westduinpark, DH - Wed 11 Dec 2013
€ 75 -  (€200 for set)

We had some fantastic sunsets last week. As the days are short, had to race back from Amsterdam, were I am working on a commission,  in order to be on time to capture this situation. Of course it goes so fast, thus worked on this small format, and even then, had to rely on my memory of this magnificent display of Nature, to finish these off, still on location.

Lovers on the beach

Verleifed op het strand,
oil on mdf - 16 x 23.5 cm
painted on location - Monday 9 Dec 2013
SOLD 

Well, what the hell, my favourite painting location, and  why shouldn't it be? Everything a plein air painter needs is at my disposition. The only thing I ask for is a little sunshine now and then. Plenty of people strolling by, thus I can pick and choose, in order to compose a story. Just wish the local municipal government (gemeente den haag) would leave things as they are. This entrance for example, if I were to paint it as is, would bore you to death!  

Autumns Gold Suite, Hemmen, Holland

Herfsten Goud Suite, Hemmen, Nederland
oil on canvas - 30 x 120 cm
painted - Sat 16 Nov 2013
€575

It's the time of the season to make these kind of paintings. With the tree ablaze with warm hues, it is certainly a feast for the eyes. Your heart and soul will certainly be warmed up on these cold damp autumn days! I love painting in Nature were it impossible to see one straight line! Every form curves, twists and bends, sometimes in the oddest shapes.

Autumn Gold melody in our dunes

Herfst gouden melodie in Westduinpark,
oil on linnen - 60 x 90 cm  (23 x 35 in)
painted on location - Wed 13 Nov 2013
SOLD 

I've been searching and searching in nearby forests to make a autumn gold painting. It seems that because of the late summer heat, Nature around here has gone a little out of wank, thus coloration of leafs is taken its sweet time.  Meanwhile right at my doorstep practically, there it was, right before my eyes.  On the path I use, to go paint all those beach scenes I make!  Now I know why Van Gogh loved yellow. It just makes you happy.  But to a painter, it does more than that.  It makes the canvas burst with vitality. Combined with the intense light of a low Sun, casting long shadows,  and an almost cloudless blue sky, you might need sunglasses to view this scene. When you have this painting hanging in your living room, you won't even have to turn the light on!

SPECIAL OFFERS/KOOPJES HOEK (1st posting)

KOOPJESHOEK - FROM THE TOP, (then left to right)

1. Breelaan, Bergen NH, met herfst sfeer,  50 X 40cm -  €250 (was €675)SOLD

2. Herfst gezicht en 't bos   Bergen, NH, -   24 x 30 cm -   €75 (was €275)SOLD 

3. Herftse  S' feer in Bergen,  NH  # 2, -  50 x 70 cm  -    €250 (was €685)

   4.  Mooie zomers herinnering.......... -     60 x 80 cm    -   €150  (was €375) SOLD

  5.  KunstMarkt,  Bergen   NH            70 x 50 cm   -       € 150 ( was  €475 )

6. Koningenedag 2013, Bergen Centruum - 40 x 30 cm -  €125 (was €475)SOLD

Bringing art into the working class hero's home, that's my motto!

Here is a fine selection of recent and not so recent works made in and around Bergren NH. When I was on the Art market there it came to me to offer these and other works at a special studio clear out sale. I will be making more postings like this so start putting away some pocket money and low and behold, you may have the prestige of starting your own art collection! Have already sold 5 paintings from the koopjeshoekje concept, so don't hesitate, take action now.

Delightful Dutch Sky, No.1 & 2

Twee zeilers in rode en de gele boei, DDS #1
oil on canvas - 18 x 24 cm
painted on location - Wed  30 Oct 2013
SOLD 

Thank God we were granted some blue sky this week, with strong yet manageable windy conditions. Also I am grateful for having this window of time in order to get these two paintings done. Positioning myself as close to the shoreline as possible, and with the use of my trustworthy 3m parasol which I lay on its side and use as a wind breaker, I got on my knees and prayed that I might make something of the spectacular display of clouds and waves before me. Well as you can witness on your monitor, I believe my prayers were answered!

Zeilen op de winderige noordzee, DDS #2
oil on linen - 20 x 140 cm
painted on location - Wed 30 Oct 2013
€625

I already had this composition on the surface of this linen cloth, only the clouds and relentless wave action was missing. Waiting patiently for just over 3 weeks I finally got the chance to complete the painting to my liking. To appreciate this work you want to double click on it, then you will see it larger.

High Winds at Bergen Aan Zee

hoge wind, op strand bij Bergen Aan Zee
oil on mdf - 15 x 80 cm  (2 panels)
painted on location - Sat 26 Oct 2013
SOLD 

I only had about 90 minutes to get this work created, thus didn't waste any time! Set up next to a beach cafe terras, thus out of the wind. Fortunately the sky cleared up long enough to afford me this spectacular view. All the elements became full with lively colours, the moving shadow on the lower left of the painting added drama to the composition. I realised there was nothing left for me to do besides add a few people here and there, and get the light and shadow effect right on that turquoise beach cafe  I guess the couple watching me create this work from their table on the patio agreed with me as they bought it right off the easel!
 

View of Egmond and Ijmuiden from Bergen Aan Zee

Gezicht op Ijmuiden vanaf Bergen Aan Zee
oil on canvas - 60 x 90 cm
painted on location - 5 May 2013 - reworked in studio  17 Oct 2013

€ 625  

Some of you may remember that back in May I participated in a painters festival at this location. As I am now showcasing my work in Bergen NH, during the Kunst10daagse Art festival, have decided to post this work. Funny how it looks almost the same as the beach here in The Hague! What characterizes this piece is the reflection of the warm hues on the fluffy clouds, as the Sun has begun its decent approaching a much appreciated sunset. Something visitors to the beaches in Holland are afforded!  

After Summer view at South Beach, DH

Na Zomers gezicht, Zuidersrand, DH,
oil on canvas - 50 x 120 cm
painted on location - 25 Sept 2013
SOLD 

Private collection Nijmegen, Holland

We are well into the fall now , temperatures are much cooler, the scenery here is transforming rapidly. One- by-one the cafes and buildings on the beach are disappearing,  into their winter storage containers,  to a location somewhere safe. Far away from the tormenting winds of the tempestuous highly masculine North Sea. While on location working on this painting I was gifted with a multitude of those fluffy thick cotton-like clouds to choose from, in order to build up the composition.  One has to work quickly as those pretty masses of condensed  water don't hang around for too long!  The wind effortlessly carry them about,  tell they meet up with inhospitable air torrents that take pleasure in watching the water they hold being dumped on all those unfortunate Dutch citizens going about their daily business!
  

Early spring view of South Beach, The Hague

Voorjaars gezicht van Zuiderstrand, Den Haag
oil on mdf - 13 x 120 cm
painted on location - 5 May 2013 - repainted  4 Sept 2013
SOLD

By now you know this to be a favorite theme for il pittore.  I like to paint subjects and scenery which there is a demand for. In other words, I do my best to produce work which I know there is an audience for such works.I believe Association is the key word to my success, (friendly pricing also helps as well, for sure)......People like to own paintings which they can relate to, and why shouldn't it be like that. Of course there are many other reasons why paintings are bought, but in the case for the Italian/Canadian living and working in Holland, association plays a big factor.

Autumn at the beach

Herfst op het strand
oil on mdf - 15 x 40 x 2 cm
painted - Sun 22 Sept 2013
SOLD

Maybe I'm to cheap (goedkop) with my pricing, I don't know! Colleagues of mine are selling such size paintings for more than 999 euro. Should I be more expensive?  Could ask anything I want, I suppose.  But then my patronage would be limited to only the rich, that's no fun is it? I believe that we should all live with real art. That children especially should be exposed to real art.  That they may see something from the hands of a person, same as themselves. Something like looking through a window at reality, at the truth. And I mean Reality, with a capital R and Truth with a capital T!  No bullshit, no negative subliminal messages, to affect the goodness of your Soul.  Just the honest truth, as God inteneted it to be. And were is the Truth, were is Reality? Open your eyes and heart,  listen with your ears and soul. You'll find it, as it abounds everywhere. For me it is on this stretch of beach, and I filter it for you to experience. That in a nutshell is what I'm doing, and thank God I'm making a living from it.

Waal Bridge, Nijmegen, Holland

Waal Brug, vanaf Ooipolder Nijmegen 
oil on canvas - 30 x 120 cm
painted on location in 3 sessions -  29/6, 14/7,15/7 - 2013

€595

This monumental bridge also known as the Jan van Hoof Brug, in honour of the courageous young student, Jan van Hoof (1922-1944), a member of the Dutch Resistance (Geheime Dienst Nederland). He secretly gathered information related to the bombing of this bridge and the railway bridge (Spoorbrug) in WWII from the retreating enemy forces, shared it with the Allied Forces, who in turn managed to save the destruction  of these 2 bridges. Today they stand stalwartly proud, which serve an enormously important function,  linking this river delta region together!  In hommage of this natural reserve area, the bridge,  the Waal river and the skyline of Nijmegen, I opted for a panoramic format canvas. Here below a close up for your viewing pleasure.

  

Late summer views from South Beach, The Hague

Na zomers gezicht op Kijkduin, Zuiderstrand, DH 
oil on canvas, 50 x 120 cm
painted - 5 Sept 2013
SOLD

vroege ochtend plezier op het strand,
oil on canvas - 50 x 100 cm
painted -  5 Sept 2013
SOLD


Seems now, today Wed 11 September, that summer is definitely passed us by.  Last week a burst of heat, sent thousands of  Sun worshippers to this wide clean sandy beach. With sea water temperature still mild and no wind to speak of, it was really a delight to be on location this day! In fact I hung on long enough to make a second painting!  Benelux grey clouds full with moisture are gathering for to water the dry earth and bring in the colorful autumn here in The Lowlands, scenes like the ones painted here will remind  you that indeed it can be really beautiful here, het kan hier zo mooi zijn!
 

View of the 'ZandMotor'- Kijkduin, Holland

Gezicht op de ZandMotor, Kijkduin
oil on canvas - 30 x 80 cm
painted - august 2013
SOLD

It's a lovely warm summers day, what better thing to do than go cool off by the water edge. Just what the people featured in this scene are doing! Here you have a repaint of a work I made in Nov 2011, when the Zandmotor was still in fabrication! Yes in fabrication, as this is a man made phenomenon! More precisely, a Dutch man made phenomenon. The intention is that the waves will bring sand to the beach, in a natural way, thus insuring that the beach will remain wide enough to protect the coast against from eventual rising sea levels, and also from tidal storm waves which can cause untold damage to the dunes. Featured below the original painting, which I have painted over.

"Mommy my duckie is gone" (AtBS # 16-2013)

"Mama mijn eendje is verdwenen"
oil on canvas - 18 x 24 cm
painted - July 2013
SOLD

Usually when I am on location working I always have some extra canvas's with me. In this case I was working on one of the recent XXL paintings,  had to stop as the tide rushed in, thus  decided to make this intimate little painting of a child playing at the waters edge. The beach was packed with people, unbelievably busy, however in my mind I had this vision to make something simple, yet with emotional impact. Not overly painted, suggestion of the wind as seen in the waves, but also more importantly in the child's hair.  Btw...the duck was recovered by a nearby adult bathing in the refreshing water!

At the Beach Series #15 - 2013 (Panoramic Seascape)

Panoramisch Zeegezicht #5 -2013
oil on canvas - 20 x 140 cm
painted - Thurs 8 Aug 2013
SOLD

Here you have the latest version of this format painting. It seems to be a favorite, its popularity,.... most likely because it gives a true representation of the beach/sea situation. Note that this was made some weeks ago, thus was still a very hot summers day, early in the morning, if I am correct, this painting was made just prior to the one posted below of 'de staat'. I placed attention on the few persons shown, thus making this part of the recent, at the beach series.

  

Beach Cafe/Restaurant "De Staat", South Beach.

Strandpaviljoen "DE STAAT", Zuiderstrand, DH
oil on canvas - 50 x 120 cm
painted - Thurs 8 Aug 2013
SOLD

The sky was so beautiful with those thick fluffy clouds whizzing by. The lighting was just perfect on the object being painted, couldn't resist getting this on a large size canvas. Must admit the contrast of the dark beach cafe against the sunlit sand and dry dune grass together with the mass of clouds and sharp blue sky, make this composition an eye catcher.

Summer at the beach, South Beach, The Hague.

Zomer op strand, Zuiderstrand, DH
oil on canvas - 30 x 75 cm
painted on location - Fri 2 August 2013
SOLD

With beautiful scenery like this, is it any wonder why the Germans come here to the beach, and most of the people living in The Hague, for that matter! Most beach goers had the comfort of a parasol, if they were wise!..... Finally I got to use my 3M parasol, for the purpose it is made, and not as a wind breaker, but a shade maker!  I must admit, at times I feel me very lucky to work on location, can you not blame me.

XXL View of South Beach, The Hague #2

XXL Gezicht op Zuiderstrand, DH

oil on MDF - 35 x 185 cm

painted on location - Tues  23 July 2013

SOLD

The heat wave is back!  This could have been made this morning, it would have looked like this at about 09.45hrs, just before the mass crowds arrive. Today I was on location, but not here, rather at Kijkduin boulevard, making a painting of the Zandmotor. Was on location at 9am, packed it up with a finished canvas at 12.30pm.  We here in The Hague are lucky to have such a beautiful beach at our doorstep! And yes I do agree that maybe the beach by you is nicer, because it is so, but nothing wrong with this scene. What a little sunshine can do to make us Dutchies in The Lowlands happy, is very much appreciated. Below 2 close ups for your viewing pleasure.

XXL View of Scheveningen pier from South Beach.

 XXL Gezicht op Scheveningen vanaf Zuiderstrand, DH
oil on linen - 40 x 210 cm
painted on location on 3 occasions-  finished 6 July 2013
SOLD

Not the easiest thing to paint this size on location! However I managed it, with the help of my trustworthy 3 meter diameter parasol, used as a wind breaker. You could tell by the waves that the wind is still blowing quite strong, but the summer temperatures are with us now, so a pleasure to be at this location. It is well after dinner hour, thus crowds have thinned out. Just the way I like to paint these beach scenes. When you look at this painting carefully, you will see a lot going on, thus the 3 close ups below.  Take care and enjoy the summer.