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

€ 575

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!

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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. 

Ruimte, lucht en Zon
oil on canvas - 50 x 150 cm
painted on location - 3/4 July 2018

€ 1175


The big picture! Summer as finally kicked in, and it looks like it is sticking around for awhile. As usual I like to hit the beach early, and capture the light when it is still laying low. I also like that it is not too hot at this time, and that most people are still busy doing other things before they make it to the beach. This painting is 3 times wider than the 2 above, thus it offers much more space and a greater depth of field.

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.

A sunny winters day - South Beach, The Hague

Een zonnige winterdag, Zuiderstrand, DH
Oil on canvas - 30 x 40 cm
painted on location - 28 Jan. 2018
SOLD

We have been experiencing fantastic sunny conditions these past few weeks. Mind you that comes with a price, and that means very low temperatures. Oh well as long as the wind is not too strong it is really quite nice to be on location.  This is actually the 1st plein - air painting of  2018 for me, glad it was made on my favorite place.

even on a gloomy winters day

zelfs op een sombere winterdag
oil on canvas - 25 x 150 cm
painted on location/and in studio - Dec.2017/Jan 2018

SOLD

You know I truly believe in the saying, "there is beauty all around, just a matter of seeing it". For me it is in the details that one must pay attention, in order to see that beauty. Let me explain, in regards to this art work.  Starting with the rhythmic action of the rolling waves, bathed in all the shades that an emerald green light has to offer. Or look to that warm glow through the mist, on the horizon.  Casting light on objects and buildings mysteriously coming and going, like one might recall, in an almost forgotten distant dream. Is it any wonder that while I was working on this painting on location the professional and amateur photographers alike were to be spotted, clicking away. capturing the moods of this soft and peaceful morning at Scheveningen Boulevard.   Yes all this and more can be found, even on a gloomy winters day.

Schevening Harbour in the Mist

Het stille strand, slaapt
oil on board - 20 x 30 cm
painted on location -  Wed. 20 Dec 2017
€245 (complete with a suitable handsome frame)

Zuidelijk Havenhoofd (Southern Harbour Head)
oil on canvas - 30 x 50 cm,
painted on location - Wed 20 Dec 2017
€345

Buitenhaven Scheveningen
oil on canvas - 40 x 80 cm  (larger than the above painting)
painted on location - Fri. 22 Dec 2017
€ 545


These are the last seaside paintings made in 2017. Very much a winters atmosphere,  I rather enjoy painting in the mist. At least I don't have to deal with the wind, which can cause all sorts of problems.  For those of you who don't know these works were made in the same area, the above two, same spot, different views. 
What I like most of these type of scenarios is the mystical nature they bring forth. One could very well view these as thresholds to Infinity, not quite knowing what may lay beyond what is visible. Also worth mentioning is the meditative stillness represented in these works,  leaving one with tranquil feelings, inducing calmness. 

Scheveningen Beach, July 2015 - New Reproductions

Kleine Versie - (4/50)
Ink op doek - 15 x 105 cm
€115

Kleine Versie (2/50) - op nieuwe geschildert
Ink, oliverf op doek - 15 x 105 cm
painted on location - Tues 17 Oct. 2017
SOLD

The original painting of this scene was made and sold in July 2015.  By popular demand I decided to make this work available as a high quality reproduction. Up to now the popular XXL version, (25 x 170 cm, limited to a series of 39 copies) was only available. Since last month, (Oct 2017), I decided to have a smaller version printed, this series is limited to 50 copies. Each copy is numbered and signed. Sometimes I paint directly over the reproduction with oils, thus capturing the situation at hand. In this manner the reproduction is transformed into an original painting. Although the composition is true to the print,  new elements are added, the atmosphere is totally different, colors are of course dependant on what's going on in the sky, as can be seen in the above painting.  Below is a picture of the popular large and extra large version.

                                                In this picture you see the reproduction in the larger versions

XXXL - 40 x 270 cm  (NEW)
€ 595

This is the  triple EXTRA LARGE version, suitable for extensive wall spaces. Because of the size, it comes complete with a museum quality aluminum support frame.  I have only one in stock. It will be available on demand, in the future.

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XXL- 25 x 170 cm
€ 325

This is the popular version, which I have decided to limit to a series of  39*. The one you see in the above picture is number 17/39. Some of you have payed more for this version as the first editions were more costly for me, luckily I have found a new supplier that has enabled me to bring the cost down. For those of you who payed more I promise to make it up to you on your next purchase!



*  By limiting the reproductions, numbering and signing them, even though it not an original, this automatically gives the work more value for the money you spend. Thus becoming an investment artefact.  

Soft clouds and seagulls

Zachte wolken en zeemeeuwen
oil on linnen - 90 x 150 cm
painted in studio - Oct 2017

Painted over

Sometimes as the saying goes, Less is more. In a busy world, were everything seems or is in fact fast paced, does the eye not take solace in such  a view? The mind can fill in what the eye cannot see. The imagination can drift away, to places far beyond, soft clouds, three seagulls and shimmering on the horizon.  Indeed, the mysteries of the Sea are many. Is it any wonder what brings you and me to meditate by the Sea.

Mr Cumulus Cloud and his refelection

Deheer Cumulus Cloud en zijn reflectie
oil on linen - 40 x 40 cm
painted on location - Tues. 19 Sept 2017
€ 475

September skies can be very dramatic,  challenging to paint, as at times the views of the cloud formations are so spectacular. The effect of the Sun light bursting through them, especially when the Sun is low, often produces beautiful scenery that words can't even describe.   On this particular inspiring September morning I was fortunate enough to witness an unusual phenomenon, which lasted but a few moments,  the reflection of a fully top lit low lying cumulus cloud on a rather calm Sea. Will, above the results of my effort. 

Autumn skies over Scheveningen

Scheveningense Haven uitgang/ingang I
oil on linen - 30 x 30 cm
painted on location - Fri. 15 Sept 2017

€ 425

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Scheveningense Haven uitgang/ingang II - The Departure
oil on linen - 50 x 70 cm
painted on location - Fri. 15 Sept 2017

€ 575


Autumn skies for a painter are really a treat to look at, but oh what a challenge they are to paint. Swiftly they are ushered by the wind, in whatever direction it may be blowing. Thus my secret, work fast, get that brush loaded with the right pigments and apply it on the surface. Working quickly, even that 's not fast enough, but at least you will have a start, the rest is going to depend on how good a memory you have!  I'm sure the old masters had a better technique, but to be quite frank I simply don't have the patience they had.

For me this scene, has a rather symbolic significance. The outstretched arms of the harbor, made of monumental cement blocks, with the two stripped lighthouses, at times, must be for the Seafarers a comforting site to see. Just like the outstretched arms of a Mother on her knees, to the eyes of her tender child in destress, flinging to attach herself to the warmth and solace of her makers bosom. So too these ships coming in from hostile incalculable waters, must indeed find comfort on the still waters of the inner harbor.

Autumn skies over South Beach.

Zuiderstrand met Herfsthemel
oil on canvas - 40 x 40 cm
painted on location - Tues 12 Sept 2017

SOLD

With such a display of those puffy cumulus clouds mixed with a stratocumulus making an appearance here and there, it was no wonder I choose this format to paint on, thus not horizontal, but vertical. Low horizon, putting the focus on what's going taking place in the air.  We have been experiencing strong wind forces on the coast, as you can see by the build up of sand next to the dunes. That object you see on the sand next to that isolated dark pole, slightly right of center, is a Strandbeest, in progress by Theo Janssen. Below a close up, have a look.

Scheveningen, misty and Beautiful.

Scheveningen, wat kan ze zo mooi  zijn.
oil on canvas - 25 x 150 cm
painted on location - Tuesday 29 August 2017
SOLD

What a pleasure it is for me to be on location on such days as this! The Sun shines, brightly yet gently, as the morning is in full swing, yet the Sun is at a distance comfortable for our sensitive skin. People, the crowds, are still at a tolerable level. From this point Scheveningen can be digested and appreciated, as the skyline doesn't dominate the overall scenery. It is no wonder hundreds if not thousands of Nederlanders daily make a walk to Wassenaarseslag, on such days, and who could blame them really!