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.

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Naar 't huis van 'De Staat'
oil on mdf - 25 x 122 cm
painted on location - 12 June 2014
€ 475

It has taken me a while to publish this painting. As some of you may know, I have had to re locate my studio space, so that is taking up most of my time in the last 3 weeks! Also had the painters festival in Noordwijk, immediately after this painting was made, but anyways, finally got around to it. I think the WK officially began that  evening, thus I painted in those two boys kicking a soccer ball about!

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.

detail of above painting

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.

Panoramic views of North and South Beach, DH

please click on image to see it properly

Gezicht vanaf Noorderstrand met Scheveningen Pier
oil on canvas - 30 x 150 cm
painted on location 4x - April/May 2014
SOLD

This was a bit out of my usual outdoor painting location, but still very challenging and exciting to do. The young family featured on the for ground are the happy owners of this work. So you see I was asked to make this painting, a commission, if you will. At the right time of the day, and with such atmospheric conditions as
shown on this painting, this sceen can bring a smile to your face, when faced with a dark benelux grey winters day. Like I say to my potential buyers, affordable paintings for unaffordable space!  

please click on image to see it properly

Gezicht vanaf Zuiderstrand met catamarans
oil on canvas - 30 x 150 cm
painted on location - Sat 17 en Sun 18 May 2014
SOLD

This is my usual or should I  say favored painting location. Easy to get to, don't have to pay for parking. It is never really busy, because on this stretch of beach you are allowed to bring your pet dog for a walk! If you have been following me these last couple of years, you should be quite familiar with this view. However I'll bet you all the money which I have, the paintings are never exactly the same! That's precisely why I have fallen in love with making these seascapes.

AtBS #2,3,4-2014

Pad naar Zee, Westduinpark, DH, (AtBS #2 -2014)
oil on canvas - 30 x 80 cm
painted on location - Tues  20 May 2014
SOLD

The most recent painting of my last creative outburst. Here you see the sea from  high op in the dunes. These people are on their way to enjoy the beach with the warm sunny weather we have been experiencing lately.

Dagje op strand, (AtBS #3- 2014)
oil on canvas - 40 x 120 cm
painted on location - Sat. 17 May 2014
€ 575

Here you have a scene showing kids and families having fun or just chilling out on the beach. I was positioned near the beach cafe De Staat, and the view is looking North. Was lucky the Eendracht was sailing by in all its majesty. In fact I was so inspired I decided to knock off the little study you see below.

                                                                      De Eendracht
                                                               oil on canvas - 13 x 18 cm
                                               painted on location - Sat. 17 May 2014  -   € 115

Moeder en kind op strand -(AtBS#4-2014)
oil on canvas - 60 x 90 cm
painted on location - Fri 16 May 2014
SOLD

With the warm temperatures rising,  it didn't take long before the beaches started filling up. However this is an enormous beach, thus there is still lots of space for everybody and their dogs. Still quite early in the day, when the light is just right for such views to paint.

ATBS #1-2014,The Conversation.

ATBS#1-2014, het gesprek,
oil on canvas - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Tues 13 May 2014
€325

A lovely sunny afternoon, however still quite windy and somewhat chilly as the aftermath of the cold spell we just had hasn't settled yet. These two young girls found that by sitting on the ground allows the wind to pass over them, thus the warmth of the Sun feels soothing. If you are wondering about the title, ATBS is short for 'at the beach series'. In these works the subject becomes the people at the beach, they are not off in the distance but rather up front, and usually become the focal point for the painting.

The Quiet beach is alive #2 -2014 RE-PAINTED

Het stille strand leeft #2 - 2014 (Zuiderstrand, DH)
oil on mdf - 40 x 122 cm
painted on location - 22 April 2014
€675

This is an example of a painting that gets re-painted. The composition is fine, only the components that go to make up the whole are changed! I set myself up at the same location as the original version (which you can see below), and paint the new version. Of course it is never going to be a repeat because the elements are constantly changing. Here below a close up.

2 views from The Quiet Beach

Laat 's midags bij Aanslag #10,
oil on mdf panel - 14 x 39 cm
painted on location - Wed 23 April 2014
€ 199

This small panoramic view of our lovely Quiet beach was made with some degree of expressive freedom. I left out many details to give it a greater sense of emptiness, thus giving an even greater feeling of space. The light was soft as the Sun was already on its way to meet the horizon. You might have notice that I purposely ended the pier, before it makes contact with the left edge of the painting. This gives the eye a chance to rest, thus bringing ones attention back to what's going on in the forground.

Het Stille strand Leeft, 's ochtends met mist.
oil on canvas - 70 x 90 cm
painted on location - Tues 29 April 2014

€ 1000, (hand made wooden frame Included) 


"Somehow you managed to paint the air"......this is what a facebook contact wrote to me. I was pleased with her comment , as indeed that was a challenge to give depth to this scenery. The Sun is not always shining here in The Lowlands. However with hardly no wind and a low tide, this beach is a wonder to paint.  And from the vantage point of the high pier, I get to see it with a birds eye view. Giving you the viewer the illusion of seeing this beach from on high the air.

Views of North and South beach, The Hague

Gezicht op Noorderstrand, vanaf ZwartePad
oil on mdf panel - 15 X 40 cm
painted on location - Tues. 15 April 2014
€ 195


In both these works the wind is playing a major role. It was blowing really hard on this little panoramic view, as is evident by looking at those banners on the poles just in front of that beach cafe. I situated myself exactly were the Zwarte Pad meets the beach in Scheveningen.  As you can see the seagulls just love it! All they have to do is spread their wings and the wind sways them along so graciously.

Gezicht op Zuiderstrand, met Catamaran
oil on canvas board - 30 x 40 cm
painted on location -  Sat. 19 April 2014
€ 285

The wind calmed down somewhat, but still making it unbearable for one to strip down to a swim suit to catch some Sun rays! However if one zip's up a wet suit and tackles the waves with such a vessel as this Cat being portrayed above, then you can handle the stalwart North Sea. It's late in the afternoon the light turns to a softer touch as it gently strokes the sails and other objects depicted in this cosy view.

Beach Cafe/restaurant 'De Kwartel'

Stradpaviljoen De Kwartel, Zuiderstarnd, DH,
oil on canvas - 40 x 120 cm
painted on location - 15/17 april 2014
SOLD


With summer readily approaching scenes like this will be common place here on the so called, 'Quiet Beach'. Very popular with Ex-pats and with the residents of the Vogelwijk, this establishment is run as tight as a ship. Absolutely necessary in order to handle the overwhelming crowds on a nice summers day. Lots going on in this scene, thus opted to show a detail here below. Please click on the images for a better view.

Windy paintings from the Lowlands

Gezicht vanaf terras strandpavijeon Zuid
oil on 2 MDF panels - 14 x 38 cm each ( 28 x 38 cm together)
painted on location - 8  April 2014
€ 250

Having no choice but to work from an area protected from the wind, opted to paint this scene as I was inspired by the sheer force of air coming swiftly from the sea Of course one can't see it, but one can sure feel it. Clouds zipping by so fast that every time I looked up to notate them there was already a different formation.The advantage of this art work is that you can display them as a diptych or you can give each one a separate location. BTW for outsiders, the design on the flag of den haag (The Hague) is inspired in part by the painting of Piet Mondrian's, 'Boogie Woogie', which hangs in the Gemeentemuseum.  

waves, waves, and more waves
oil on canvas - 18 x 24 cm
painted on location - 9 April 2014
€ 185

A new feature on the horizon line as one looks out from the beach here on Zuiderstrand is the oil platform, which I believe is being constructed,  if I'm not mistaken. You can see it on the far right.

The Wave,
oil on canvas board - 30 x 40 cm
painted on location - 9 April 2014
SOLD

Made immediately after the above seascape, only this time on my knees, in order to get this perspective. Thus one should be able to notate a lower horizon line. This results in even greater depth, although in actual fact the distance is the same as in the above painting.

BTW - Nature had a hand in the creation of these works, by generously blowing fine particle's of sand on the surfaces

Scheveningen Boulevard with morning light

Scheveningen Aan Zee,
oil on mdf - 15 x 122 cm
painted on location on 5 settings - 26 t/m 30 March
SOLD

I have been reluctant to paint this scene, because I much prefer our Quite Beach which is just behind me, and if I was to continue the painting on the far right you would see our renowned Stille Strand! But I discovered on a recent walk that in the morning light were the city Scheveningen meets the Sea, it actually looks quite picturesque. There fore I decided to tackle this scene, knowing fully well that it would be a challenge! I am pleased with the result and judging by the comments I got from passers by, most people found it a successful work of art.  

From the pier looking South - 2 views

Zuiderstrand vanaf het Pier
oil on canvas - 30 x 80 cm
painted on location -Monday 25 March 2014
€ 475

Here you have a view of the beach, were the surfers like to go and practice on their boards. It is the point were the Quite beach starts. You can see the cement blocks that make up the south branch of the pier that leads ships into the Scheveningen inner harbor. A serine sunny morning, with spring definitely in the air, a pleasure to be on location.

Zuiderstrand vanaf het pier, laat s'midags
oil on canvas - 40 x 50 cm
painted on location - Tuesday 26 March 2014
€ 475 (met lijst €500)

This is the view of the Quite beach, looking south painted from the pier just about 40 meters further up from were I made the above painting. Different time of the day, different atmospheric conditions, different lighting from the Sun, go to make up a painting with a completely different feel as the above painting. I was inspired by that dancing fluffy cloud, that has a sugar candy (zuikerspin) look.

Beach Cafe 'De Staat', in construction.

Opbouw van strandpaviljoen "De Staat",
oil on canvas - 35 x 75 cm
painted on location - Fri  21 March 2014
€ 485

On a very windy beach these men are putting the pieces together of what will become the beach cafe/restaurant De Staat, here on South Beach, The Hague. The advantage this cafe has is that it is located just to the right off the path leading to and from the beach. I myself was able to make this painting thanks to the protection of a large van parked on the drive in path. Found it to be an interesting subject matter, especially the study of perspective. In the distance you see the cafe Zuid, with its flag out, already in operation.  

The Quite Beach is Alive #1 - 2014

Het Stille Strand leeft #1- 2014
oil on canvas - 30 x 80 cm
painted on location - Thurs. 6 March 2014
SOLD

I walk down the path leading to the sea almost daily. So do many other people, especially dog lovers and persons who appreciate Nature more than the Asphalt Jungle! Of course those blades of grass are not going to notice that Rolex watch your wearing or that Gucci bag strapped to your shoulder. But they will deliver you the right balance of oxygen you need to live in this world.  Providing for your eyes visual pleasure beyond measure, and all your other senses will be lifted up as well. All it takes is a comfortable pair of walking shoes and proper clothing.   This area is known as "Het Stille Strand", the quite beach. Many citizens of The Hague are fighting with passion and love to keep it this way. While the money worshippers, sick as they are, would rather see this area turned into another Benidorm.    

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
€ 575  ( available in handsome wooden frame  € 650)

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
SOLD

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
SOLD 

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
SOLD

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'

click to see whole painting

XXL zeegezicht, 'het voederen', Zuiderstrand, DH
oil on canvas, 40 x 200 cm (very large)
painted started on location - Oct 2013, finshed in studio Jan. 2014
SOLD

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
SOLD 

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!

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!