A summer's day with nice clouds

Mooie volken op een zomers dag,
oil on canvas - 50 x 150 cm
painted on location - Thurs 18 July 2019

Commision work - NFS

An early morning view of what will turn out to be a busy day here at the beach in The Hague. Made to order, exactly what the customer wanted.
1. Not too many people.
2. the big picture of Zuiderstrand, thus the birds eye view. (it amazes me, how i manage to do this, I swear my feet are on the ground, when I painted this, yet it looks like it was made from higher up, a mystery!)
3.a lot of  typical Dutch clouds in a clear blue sky,  (this giving the impression of movement to the painting, which ultimately makes it interesting.)

A Day at the beach

Dagje uit op strand
oil on canvas - 50 x 100 cm
painted on location - Tuesday 25 June 2019
SOLD

The heat is on! Summer temperatures are with us for good now. Probably the best way to deal with this situation is to pass a few hours of the day as close as possible to the fresh, cool and most importantly clean North Sea. And yeah folks, this is The Hague's greatest kept secret, we have our own stretch of beach which is not Scheveningen. Much quieter and not so crowded, which the average Hagenaar likes very much. Just like the people shown in this painting.

The windsurfer

De windsurfer,
oil on canvas - 15 x 30 cm
painted on location - Sat 22 June 2019
€295

Sail Schevening is in full swing, on this little painting you see the Minerva sailing out of the harbor entrance and one of the galleons out at Sea. However have a good look and you will notice a faint white strip just in front of the wave breaker , that is the surfboard and sail of the windsurfer! Nice formations of cumulus clouds castings huge shadows on the beach and water, makes for a dramatic composition. 

A terras with a view

Een terras met uitzicht
oil on canvas - 50 x 70 cm
painted on location - Tues. 18 June 2019

€ 675

Really, one of the most colourful stretches of beach here in Holland. With that yellow juxtaposing to the blue. the green dunes and red trim on the beach club de Fuute, man those are the primary colours! Then add the elements like wind and light, and you have this delightful scenery. Now one might ask, "How does one catch the wind or the light?".... Physically that would be impossible, but as an image in this case an oil painting on linen, it is possible. With practise, patience and experience, I do it in this way. Not every ones cup of tea, as some like it more abstract, or some like it more messy. I could only do it my way, and thank goodness, there are enough people who appreciate the way I do do it.  Thus, as the Dutch saying goes, I could put bread on the table and wood in the fire.

A fantastic day for sailing.

zeilwedstrijden zijn aan de gang,  
oil on canvas - 30 x 120 cm
painted on location - Sun 09 June 2019

SOLD

A fantastic day for sailing! Just enough wind, not too much, thus the beach goers also had a wonderful day. There was really nice wave action going on, so I decided to start the foreground of the canvas with just that. Of course what you see is just a glimpse of a much larger picture of all the competitions taking place

Fun and adventure at the Beach

Plezier en avontuur op het strand
oil on canvas - 40 x 100 cm
painted on location - Sat 01 June 2019

€ 675

Hey hey, finally that summer feeling is in the air. Temperatures have climbed up to a comfortable warmth,  thus allowing parents to let their kids play and have a splash by the waters edge. Finding myself at the beach, looking for subject matter to paint, well, it didn't take long to make a decision.

Two recent commissions

Vrouw met haar hond bij Zuid

oil on canvas - 40 x 80 cm

painted on location - 29 May 2019

SOLD

Here I was asked to include the beach cafe/restaurant Zuid, in the painting. They ordered a blue sky, thus they got it! Am glad there was some nice clouds floating around, which created some shadows, always makes a painting more interesting.

Gezicht op Zuiderstrand de Stillestrand
oil on canvas - 40 x 120 cm
painted on location - 28 May 2019
SOLD

On this commission, the order was to paint a windy beach scene, with the Sea at high tide, and those fluffy cumulus clouds a must. In this case was asked not to include the beach cafes, just an emphases on the Nature. Customer was happy with my effort, and that's what counts, on a commission piece.

Freedom

Vrijheid
oil on linen - 20 x 115 cm
painted on location - Wednesday 15 May 2019

€ 625


Got to the beach this morning, and nothing dramatic going on. Situation was very peaceful, the warmth of the Sun was good to feel, on what little exposed skin I had meeting the Sun's rays. It is still rather cold, thus the winter jacket is still in use. Thus I thought, why not just paint an image that brings across this feeling of tranquility and freedom, which I felt in that moment, thus this work was created.... Below a shot of the work in progress taken by a passer by, glad she shared it with me.

South Beach, DH with high wind

Zuiderstrand met hoge wind
oil on canvas - 40 x 80 cm
painted on location - Tues. 7 May 2019

€ 725

What weather we have been having lately! Sky full with these huge cumulus clouds, moving swiftly in the direction the wind will have the go. Five minutes of hard rain, then sunlight breaking through for several minutes, then again a dark sky, luckily with no rain, oh but watch out here it comes, again a downpour of water.  For me in this situation the wind was in my favor as it blew those threatening clouds away, allowing me to work on this painting.

Path to the beach, The Hague

Strandaanslag # 10 - Westduinpark, DH
oil on canvas - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Thurs 18 April 2019

SOLD

Here I decided to make a quaint scene of the beach entrance, were I usually go painting. I have taken the liberty to not paint in all the signs and posts, that one encounters at this location. However decided to add the typical so called "Oma fiets" that are very popular in Holland.

The Sea, the sky, and the wind of South Beach, DH

The Gentle rolling wave
oil on canvas - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Thurs 4 April 2019
SOLD

Here I set up my easel right up close to the shore line. The colors of the Sea where the main source of inspiration. However just catching the movement of the waters surface turned out to be a rewarding challenge.

View of Scheveningen from Zuiderstrand
oil on canvas - 15 x 30 cm
painted on location - Tues 9 April 2019
SOLD


Still very cold, especially with high wind factor, thus working small. Here the view from in front of the beach paviljoen, De Staat. You can see that the sand of the beach is very messy, after weeks of stormy weather. 

Path in the Dunes, WestduinPark, DH
oil on canvas - 30 x 40 cm
painted on location - Thurs 11 April 2019
SOLD


Love these typical Dutch skies, with drifting cumulus clouds. Everything is lit up, except for the  shadows caused by the mass of clouds. I think I will have to revisit this location with a much larger panoramic format canvass. 

The Quiet Beach awakens

Het Stillestrand wordt wakker 
oil on linen - 90 x 150 cm
painted on location - Fri. 22 March 2019

€ 1750.

The cold Winter season has ended, slowly the Spring begins to usher in a lusher palette of colour, as Nature takes delight in the warmth and extra sunlight. It is not too uncommon to come across such a view of this beach, especially in the early morning hours. The fog slowly lifting, during the time whilst I was creating this painting.  I worked with a hasty pace, getting on the linen as much information as possible, by the time I had decided to put my signature on this piece, the sky was entirely blue!   Below a close ups for your viewing pleasure.

                                                 

The Duin pond # 6 & Bicycling near Kijkduin

De duinplas nabij De Savorin Lohmanpad # 6
oil on canvas - 30 x 30 cm
painted on location  -  Wed 20 March 2019

€ 325

Up to now have been painting this scene with the morning Sunlight. Here I was on location late in the afternoon, and on an overcast day, thus no direct Sunlight. I have attempted to evoke moods of peace and tranquillity with this composition. Certainly the mist that was hovering over the trees in the background helped.

Fietsen bij Kijkduin
oil on canvas - 20 x 115 cm
painted on location - Sat 16 Feb. 2019

SOLD


A nice sunny winters day, to be on location. Too windy to be on the beach so I was inspired to capture this scene as the light was just perfect for it. In the distance one can barely see the Pier of Scheveningen, however a little closer and you can see the Harbour entrance with a couple of sailboats heading out.

The Duin pond 4 & 5

De duinplas nabij De Savorin Lohmanpad #4
oil on canvas - 80 x 120 cm - (31 x 47 inches)
painted on location in 3 sittings -  23/24/25 Feb 2019

€ 1450


Continuing on this series, for a change, worked on a rather large format, esspecially for on location painting. This of course presented  me with a host of problems to work out! Creating depth for example. Details are much more pronounced. Hence had to return to the same location 3 times to get it looking decent. Luckily the atmospheric condition was constant, allowing me to paint it in a short time frame.

De duinplas nabij De Savorin Lohmanpad #5
oil on canvas - 40 x 40 cm
painted on location - Fri 8 March 2019

€ 450

I find this format works well for this subject. Keeping the emphasis on the elegance of the tall trees. Funny how it is that every time i make a painting of this scene, it never is the same twice!

The duin pond 1,2 & 3

De duinplas, nabij De Savorin Lohmanpad #1
oil on canvas - 50 x 70 cm
painted on location - Fri. 15 Feb. 2019

€ 545

Inspired by the composition, yes, but with the sunlight, this view becomes for me, magical! It then transforms into an array of warm tones, it's all about the colours. As subtle as they are they're still there, which for making a painting of this scenery help tremendously.

De duinplas, nabij De Savorin Lohmanpad #2
oil on canvas - 60 x 70 cm
painted on location - Sun. 17 Feb. 2019

€ 595


Here the second result of painting this romantic natural location. Of course as a painter one has the freedom to do what one fancies. Thus an exaggeration on the colour scheme, and then you get something like what I have recorded, with a much vibrant palette. Transforming this scenery in an Expressionist mode, rather than an Impressionist type painting.

De duinplas, nabij De Savorin Lohmanpad #3
oil on canvas - 40 x 40 cm
painted on location - Mon. 18 Feb. 2019

SOLD

Again having fun with the colours here.  Which actually are there to be seen in the bright sunlight, only I amplify them to a much higher level. And why not? I mean this work is meant to be hanging in someones living quarters, not some scientific laboratory where precision is the order of things, so yes I could and take pleasure at making it more pleasing to look at. 

The Entrance is free

de toegang is gratis,
oil on canvas - 50 x 70 cm
painted on location - Thurs. 31 Jan 2019

SOLD

Here I have decided to revisit a theme that has inspired me for several years now, 'paths to the Sea'. A misty damp winters day, very little wind, thus ideal circumstances to be on location. Sometimes we need a break, time to reflect, to think things over. Well where better place to go than on such a natural solitary beach, were all you are confronted is the Sea, calm and respective of your mood.  You won't be disturbed by crowds of people, only the odd dog with her owner might pass you by.  Plenty of room to move about, both physically and psychologically. All this and more, and the entrance is for free!

The Hofvijver, The Hague Series - # 8, 9, 10 and 11

The Hofvijver Series # 8
sprookjes achtig gezicht - winter 2019
oil on linen - 20 x 115 cm
painted on location - Sun/Mon 20/21 Jan 2019

SOLD

Developing this series further, I decided to make this panoramic view, which was inspired by a picture I saw by a local photographer, Bosz De Kler. What I found interesting is the triangular shape of the composition. Kandinsky referred to this as the "spiritual triangle", which has a subliminal effect on the viewer. The onlooker has simultaneously an entrance (far left) and an exit (far right), to and from the painting. But if one chooses you could stick around for a while, by make a left turn at the end of the street on the right, and head toward the church tower of the Krote Kerk.  The pond was almost completely covered with a thin layer of ice, as the temperature dropped to below freezing. Below a picture of me working taken by a passer by. While the sun was out it felt good, however still extremely cold!

1st day on location

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The Hofvijver Series # 9
Eindelijk de magie van de winter (1st schilderij)
oil on canvas - 20 x 40 cm
painted on location - Tues. 22 Jan 2019

€ 395

As was predicted by the weather man we finally got hit by that fluffy white stuff, which is so characteristic of winter in most in the Northern Hemisphere, yes it finally snowed! And of course yours truly was on hand, first thing in the morning. Represented here are the two paintings I managed to create in the 5 hour period that I could withstand the cold. After which my toes started to feel a little numb, thus time to pack up and call it a day.

The Hofvijver Series # 10
De magie van de winter (2de schilderij)
oil on canvas - 20 x 60 cm
painted on location - Tues. 22 Jan 2019

SOLD

A painters dream come true, to work in the snow. Think it has something to do with the tonal range of all the subdued colours, due to the atmospheric hazy quality. Gives the landscape a mysterious mood.

Below a shot of me working on the 2nd painting,  #10 in the series.

on location

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The Hofvijver Series # 11
De magie van de winter (3de schilderij)
oil on canvas - 30 x 60 cm
painted on location - Thurs. 24 Jan 2019
SOLD

Will almost all the snow has melted, but the pond is still very much covered with a thin layer of ice, as the temperatures are still quite low. This painting was started in the mid afternoon, and finished just before the darkness set in. The warm tones in the sky are caused by the setting Sun, which was taking place behind me. That's why you have orange/yellow being reflected in the windows of the buildings.

What lies beyond.

wat ligt erachter
oil on linnen - 80 x 160 cm
painted in studio - Nov/Dec. 2018
SOLD


Beyond those two breakwater lighthouses at the furthermost tip of the harbour entrance at Scheveningen one really has the feeling to be at the threshold of a mysterious place, especially under these atmospheric conditions.

This almost has the feeling of being a 'dreamscape' and not a seascape.

This is a large version of a painting I made on location, December 2017.

here under a couple of close ups, as it has proven to be almost impossible for me to get a decent picture for digital purposes.

View of Scheveningen from Harbour entrance

Gezicht op Scheveningen vanaf Zuidelijk Havenhoofd
oil on linen - 18 x 120 cm
painted on location - June/July 2018 / reworked in studio Dec 2018

€ 825.

Another work which I decided to make major alterations on. Repainted in areas especially the water and sky. However this time cropping off several centimetres of canvas, was the major change. Which results in bringing you the viewer much closer to the subject at hand. Originally this was a canvas of 30 x 170 cm.   I felt it worked better without the water on the foreground and cropped off the edges considerably. It is of great importance that I have to be content with my creations, otherwise that vibe will not be transferred to the eventual viewer and there is no way that I would be able to convince someone into purchasing it.

As this format is difficult to see on this platform, have attached these two close ups......

Ode aan Scheveningen

2de binnen haven met mist
oil on linnen - 60 x 90 cm
painted on location and re-worked in studio - Dec 2018

€1175.

Here you have an example of artist's free interpretation of a painted scenery, altered to his/her fancy and delight. Below you have the painting in its original form, that is to say with sunlight and much harsher distinct details. Upon hours of  reflection I decided to make the scene quieter and much calmer. Fortunately for me, I didn't have to go back on location, to do this. As the composition remains true to the original, only the surface has changed. I feel it is an improvement, but of course that's only my opinion. Do you have an opinion, feel free to share it with me, thanks.

The Hofvijer # 7, The Hague

De Hofvijver #7, DH - Met Herfste Sfeer
oil on canvas - 40 x 120 cm
painted on location -  Wed 31 Oct, Thurs 15 Nov and Sat 17 Nov 2018   (3 sittings)

SOLD

Am glad I had the opportunity to get this painting finished before all those warm colours on the autumn leafs blew away! Again a rather large format for outdoor painting, however quite manageable and thank God the sidewalk is wide at this spot, thus was not in the way of all the tourists walking by. It is an honor for me to make this painting, especially so with the fact that that Sun lite Palladio looking building on the right, nestled in between the buildings covered with shade happens to be The Mauritshuis, home of the Royal Families Art Collection.

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

SOLD

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

SOLD

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

SOLD

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!