Regentesse Plien, Den Haag (The Hague)

Pastel/Charcoal on brown paper
24 x 60 cm
painted on location, Nov 2007
SOLD

A scene from the neighborhood I live in. This time of year is rather difficult for me to get out and make paintings on location, so rather than not post anything I've decided to show a selection of plien - air works from the past. Here you have an early evening view of this monument dedicated to the Grand Mother of the present day Queen of Holland. Bicycles are very common in this country, thus the rider shown here is more than likely making his way home to a warm meal, after a day at the office.

Cozy Cafe Scene # 1

soft pastel on sand paper
25 x 30 cm
made on location, Thurs 6 Dec 2007

SOLD


The Dutch have a beautiful sounding word for cozy, and that is gezellig. Outside it is raining, has been pretty will everyday, since the last two weeks. Starting to get depressing for an outdoor painter such as myself. Don't like and refuse to work from pictures. The solution? Get warm and comfortable in a cafe that has a welcoming atmosphere. Just like that group, sitting around that table. The location is, Cafe The Wijnhaven in Delft.
I've been thinking about what subject to paint on these dull Benelux winter days. Doing cafe interiors has crossed my mind. So when a colleague, Albert Dolmans, suggested that we meet for a coffee and chat in Delft, I accepted. He took along his sketch pad, I took my pastels. I'm grateful that he did, otherwise this work would not have happened.
By the way, to clarify materials used, pastel sand paper, is a very grainy type thick carton paper, it is made specially for soft pastel. Expensive but worth it, as it permanently keeps the pigments from the pastel on the surface of the support.

View of the Nieuwe Rijn and Vismarkt, Leiden

oil on canvas,
70 x 90 cm
painted on location; tues. 30 Oct & thurs 22 Nov 2007

SOLD

The size of this painting is what forced me to go back on location to further work on it. The trees are practicully bare of their foliage, however the sun at times was caught by these naked branches and this lovely pinkish red color filled those otherwise boring areas. Alot of information for a plein - air painter to digest, from this balcony situated on the third floor of an old C & A department store, but believe me I reduced it down as much as possible. Central Leiden still maintains much of its original character, notwithstanding an almost totally devastating fire at the beginning of last century. Rembrandt van Rijn was born, if I'm not mistaken, just around the bend to the left about 700 meters up the river Rhine (Rijn)

View of the Nieuwe Kerk, Delft, Holland

faber/castell soft pastel
on specially prepaired pastelboard,
30 x 40 cm
sketched on location, Sun 18 nov 2007

SOLD

I guess I am lucky to have Delft, just around the corner from my studio. Here you have a quaint cold late autumn scene. I am somewhat familiar with picturesque locations in this pretty small city, (which was once home to the famous Jan Vemeer). However the mother and daughter depicted on the bridge probably have come across this scene for the first time, thus I was afforded a moment to fit them in and give this already perfect view that all important, human element.

Model with artist reflected in mirror.

pastel on paper
50 x 65 cm
sketched - mon. 12 nov 2007
SOLD

Seems like this subject has become my latest series. The weather being what it is, there isn't much inspiration to go outdoor painting. With a great model, such as the one represented in this delicate pastel drawing, who wouldn't choose to work at the easel, in the comfort of a warm, well let studio. In the forground lies the model, in a lovely flowing gesture. Directly behind her, the composition is made up of mainly reflected scenery. The sofa, parts of the model, windows, and the artist at the easel, all taking place in the same space as you, the viewer are made to occupy, whilst visually taking in this quaint scene.

Bye for now.

Revised version of Catamaran Club house, The Hague, # 8

oil on canvas
13 x 40 cm
painted on location, wed 27 june 2007
cropped in my studio, thurs 1 nov 2007

SOLD

Here you have an example of artistic freedom! The original painting was 30 x 60 cm. You can see it,(for the time being), on my blog posting of 2 July 2007. Feedback from others and my own choice about the composition persuaded me to give this a more panoramic type look. I think I succeeded in making the work interesting by reducing it to this size. The natural sun light works much better in this format. Contrasted with the grey/blue clouds in the background, this creates a tension that intrigues the eye. Your comment would be appreciated.

Market Scene, Bergen NH, The Netherlands

oil on canvas,
75 x 90 cm - ( 30 x 35 in.)
painted on location, Sat. 3 Nov 2007 / Sun. 28 Oct 2007 / 19 Oct 2006.

SOLD

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Here I present to you a typical Dutch autumn village market scene. Bergen is located in north Holland, near Alkmaar. A popular tourist attraction surrounded by beautiful natural wooded dunes, with the sea only 7 klm away. Almost the whole of Bergens center contains monumental type buildings, quaint and characteristic to Holland, these scenes are worthy of being painted by plein - air artists such as myself. As a matter of fact, about a hundred years prior, many well known Dutch artists made this village their place of residence, they where consequently named the "Bergse school".
When this painting was started, it did not have in place the flower stall, luckily on my last attempt to finish it, I had this situation in front of me. Just what I needed to make the scene lively and interesting.

St. Servaasbrug, Maastricht, Holland

oil on canvas,
30 x 70 cm
painted on location, Wed 24 Oct 2007

385 euro


These last few days I found myself, along with my American artist friend, Andy Wolf, getting acquainted with the many squares and endless cobbled streets of this most picturesque city of The Netherlands, Maastricht. This famous landmark bridge, with a view of that magnificent churh and the surrounding hills, which gently embrace this colorful valley, it was not difficult for me to pick this scene as the first subject painted at this location. The coloration of the trees due to the autumn season bring a pleasing flavor to the whole and played a big part in helping me with the overall color scheme of this painting.

The North Sea, (gentle rolling waves). #1

oil on canvas,
40 x 120 cm, ( 16 x 47 inches)
painted on location, Wed. 10 October 2007

SOLD

Here I present to you a large format work of what apparently seems to be an easy subject. Yeah, right! When is the last time you stood in front of the sea with an easel and oil paints? To begin with, the light is constantly changing, thus the reflections on the water are never quite the same. Hues and values shifting like the frames of a motion picture. The waves present yet another challenge, that is one of somehow arresting continual motion. This painting went through many phases before I found I had anything worth permanetly fixing. The title of this work has a number one attached, this means I plan to tackle this subject a few more times.

Artist and model

50 x 65 cm
pastel on paper
Ocober 2007

SOLD


Back in the studio working on my favorite subject, the female nude. Here you have the model in a lovely flowing gesture. Seen in the mirror is her reflection and the artist at work. The strenght in this work lies in the positioning of the model, slightly off center, anchoring the rest of the composition in an elegant fashion. The colors pay hommage to the tender emotional state of the model.

Catamaran Clubhouse, The Hague, Holland # 10

oil on canvas
20 x 50 cm
painted on location, Sunday 16 Aug 2007
SOLD

Back on this theme yet on more time. As I mentioned after making the first painting in this series, I hope to get in another 2 paintings of this picturesque area of the beach in South Holland, (ZH). Interesting in this work is the reflections in the windows. Not only do you get a glimpse of the inside of that lovely cobalt blue structure, reflected on the first glass are masts of the vessels which are merely hinted at on the bottom left hand corner. The colors on the sea where particularly fun to paint.

Bye for now.

Earlier this month I was in Zundert with my friend Frits de Groot, to paint the preparations of the Zundert Flower Corso and the event's photographer was so nice to make quite some pictures of me us action. Please see more of me in action.

Today I went to the beach again - I hope to post it's result soon.

Bye for now, Alberto

Dahlia pickers (plukkers), Zundert, Holland

oil on canvas,
70 x 90 cm,
painted on location-  Saturday 1 sept 2007 (repainted Aug 2012)
SOLD 

This is the second large format work I painted on the Zundert Schildersfestival. Made in the early afternoon, at the same dahlia field as yesterdays Wet Painting, (only from a different view point). Luckily for me there came along flower pickers, as it was the last day to prepare the floats for the famous blomen corso. They added a nice accent to the composition, The horizon line was also made interesting due to the wind effect on the trees. Painting the amazing Dutch sky was also a challenge as the clouds were definitely in a hurry to get somewhere.

View of Zundert, from a dahlia field

oil on canvas - 70 x 90 cm
painted on location - Saturday 1 Sept 2007
SOLD

This is one of six paintings I made of this subject, during the ZundertSchildersfestifal 2007. Painted early in the morning, the warm colors in the sky blend in perfect harmony with the colors of the dahlia flowers fields. Holland's most well known painter, Vincent Van Gogh was born in a house about 25 meters to the left of the church tower on view in the middle of this painting.

Path to the Sea, (Pad naar Zee), Westduinpark, The Hague, Holland

oil on canvas,
70 x 90 cm, (thus not small)
painted on location, Wed. 22 August 2007. (finishing touches done in studio, 23/8/07)

SOLD

Working on location with a canvas this big, was not the easiest thing. Even though I weighed down the easel with heavy stones, i had to have one hand on the easel almost the whole time while painting! But believe me, there is just no other way to get the results that I got any other way. Just look at the color of that sea, not even in your wildest dreams could you imagine such colors. Positioned where I was, only if you were color blind, or had a cheap pair of sunglasses, would you not have been able to see those colors, stirred up by a wind force, that not even a seasoned sailor would dare. Of course getting those hues on the canvas is another matter. That is where 25 years of painting comes in handy. Because the texture on the canvas is so thick at places it is hard for the camera to get a good focus, thus sorry for the unfocused picture.

Dagje uit op strand, (Day out on the beach)

oil on canvas,
20 x 50 cm,
painted on location, Tuesday 21 August 2007 (mid afternoon)

SOLD


It wasn't the most beautiful sunny day, but the weather was warm enough, and the winds calmed down, making it suitable to spend a few hours on the lovely natural beach we are lucky to have here in The Hague. This is exactly what these young mothers decided to do. Pictured is also a man with his dog and to the right of them is a lady with a young child at the waters
edge.

Catamaran Clubhouse Den Haag, #9

oil on canvas,
50 x 60 cm - 20 x 23.5 inches
painted; Tues. 7 aug 2007, morning

SOLD


It is good to be back working on this picturesque subject, (especially when the sun is shining). In the last two weeks have been out of the country on two occasions. Once to Venice, Italy and the following week to Southern France to a little village near St. Etienne.
I really enjoyed painting the sky on this canvas. Also, the composition is made interesting with the catamaran boats stationed on the beach. I'm not entirely sure, but I think the boat nearest the sea is upside down.
Your comments are a appreciated.

Ciao,

Ponte di Rialto, Canal Grande, Venezia, #1

oil on canvas,
24 x 30 cm
painted - Saturday, 21 July 2007 (early morning)

SOLD


This painting is being sent to you from The Lowlands, but was actually made in Italy. Went there to visit the Biennalle di Venezia with an artist colleague. Of course I took with me what painting equipment necessary to make this small yet quaint scene. I positioned myself at the end of a tiny pier, sitting on the side of a barge which was tied to a pole. Thus not being entirely stationary, made it somewhat of a challenge.
The temperatures were soaring will into the 30's, thus decided to get working as early as possible. As the light changes rapidly before 9am, had to return on a second occasion in order to complete this typical Venetian scene.

View off the Pier in Scheveningen, (looking towards Noordwijk)

oil on canvas
30 x 90 cm.
painted, Tuesday 17 July 2007, in the evening.

SOLD

Finally back in action after a prolonged break. Partially due to poor weather conditions, but also have been busy with the purchase of a used Renault Trafic camper, and, being on a few art markets, have kept me away from my outdoor painting.
This work was started at about 8.30pm as the sun was making its descent, thus a hint of warm colors in the sky. A nice format to use for this subject. Assisting the eye in making its way to the vanishing point are the wiggly shore line and the grassy dunes.

Bye for now,

South view Katwijk Aan Zee, Holland

oil on canvas,
40 x 120 cm - 16 x 47 inches
painted on location - 28/6/07 - late morning till mid afternoon.

SOLD


First time I've made a painting on this beach and let me tell you, won't be my last. This seaside fishing village has been a source of inspiration to artists since the last two hundred years, if not even longer. The characteristic church tower, the low robust square light house, and the typical beach huts all add interest to the quaint beach scene. The wind was exceptionally strong today, packed up this huge parasol that I have, laid it on its side, on the sand, tied it up to a pole and set myself up comfortably out of the wind. There was enough room for two other painters, thus was joined by Jurgen Liepert and Piet Gronendijk, two extremely good painters. No sailboats, and not too many people on the beach, but plenty adventurous kite surfers and regular surfers. In the distance above the water line you get a glimpse of The Hague, Scheveningen, and Hoek van Holland. Morning sunshine helps create favorable play of light and shadows on building structures. Enjoy the sunshine, I know the Dutch do.

Send me the correct number of the Holland national flag on this painting, and I'll give you an il pittore ArtMile.

Ciao,

A beautiful moment, Noordwijk aan Zee, Holland

oil on canvas,
30 x 90 cm - ( 12 x 35.5 inches )
painted; on location, Tuesday, 19 June 2007

Private collection, Holland


This painting was included in yesterdays mail out, however I felt to share it with my audience in a more appropriate way. You can now see the details a lot clearer, especially the couple engaged in a tender loving embrace, hence the reason for the title. I am very happy with the perspective and ample space this canvas captures. This work was sold shortly after being exhibited, in a temporary space constructed for the painters festival in Noordwijk, located right next to that white lighthouse on the right hand side of painting.

Today I started yet another ; Catamaran Club House, Den Haag, painting which I will finish tomorrow, as I was forced to pack up my gear due to unfavorable high winds.

Bye for now,

Busy...

Dear reader,

I have been very busy... Made a painting Sat. 16 juni at Antwerp Cricket Club, then Sun 17 on a wine tasting fair in front of Kaurhuis Schiveningen (see photo), invited by the owner of La Galleria. Tomorrow starts Noordwijk schilderfestival (June 18-24, 2007), I expect not to be posting perhaps for a short while.

Best regards,

Alberto Il Pittore.

PS: You are kindly suggested to have a look at:

• Untitled by Jane Walker - a painting friend of mine


• Art Party - Art-party has been established to promote, sell and show art and acts at several events and locations

Jogging through the dunes, Westduinpark, The Hague, Holland

oil on canvas
35 x 45 cm ( 14 x 18 inches)
painted on location, Tues. 13/6/2007, late morning

SOLD

 
Today's painting is a second attempt at a dune scene which I already painted back in April. That painting was called Cycling through the dunes.We are not having the greatest weather conditions, but then again, this is Holland, renowned for its clouds and rain. I particularly like the flow of the path and the twist in the jogger's body as she takes the curve. Wild roses and all sorts of flowers are in full bloom. They not only look pretty, they also emit sensual fragrances. The now famous Catamaran clubhouse is just on the other side of the dunes, you can see a few masts sticking up on the right hand side of the scene. Your comments are appreciated.

Catamaran Clubhouse # 7, Kijkduin, Holland

oil on canvas
30 x 90 cm, ( 12 x 35.5 cm )
painted on location, thursday 7 june 2007 in the afternoon

SOLD



I present to you the seventh catamaran clubhouse painting. Done on a rather long format size canvas, this usually works will when painting a beach scene. As is evident, there is not much activity at the clubhouse. It was quite a misty day, thus the visibility was limited. Not a problem as it provided for a different flavor, in this series of paintings. Not to many people on the beach, however this young family were kind enough to place themselves not too far from were I was set up and made for a good addition to the composition. I like the feeling that this art work transmits.

Don't forget to take advantage of the il pittore ArtMiles. Information under links.

Il Pittore ArtMiles List / Lijst

(English)
This is how it works, you send me an email address of some one who would like to be on my mailing list. Thus you have to ask your contact if they wish to be on my list, Wet Paintings from The Lowlands.

For every address you give me you get an, ilpittore ArtMile. Accumulate your ArtMiles and when you purchase a painting from me you get a discount equivalent to the number of miles you have. For example, if you have 15 ArtMiles and you buy a painting for 100 euros, then you get that art work for 85 euros.

Maximum value of this offer is 300 euros. That means if you have 100 ArtMiles and purchase a painting for under 300 euros, you get it absolutely free. A painting more than 300 euros, then you pay the difference, example; cost is 425 euros, you pay only 125 euros.

(Nederlands)
Het werkt als volgt: U vraagt aan uw kennissen of ze op mijn mailinglijst “Wet Paintings from The Lowlands” willen staan. En dan stuurt u aan mij hun emailadres op en ik zet ze op de lijst.

Voor elk emailadres dat ik van u ontvang geef ik u een il pittore ArtMile.

Spaar deze ArtMiles op en wanneer u een schilderij van mij koopt dan ontvangt u een korting die afhankelijk is van het aantal ArtMiles dat u hebt. Dus als u 15 artmiles hebt gespaard, en u koopt een schilderij van €100, dan betaalt u daar slechts €85 voor.

De maximale tegenwaarde van de ArtMiles is 300 euro. Dus als u 100 ArtMiles gespaard hebt dan krijgt u een schilderij tot en met 300 voor niets, en voor een schilderij van €425 euro betaalt u slechts €125

List of persons saving for a painting

• Jan en Henriette - 15 ArtMiles
• Jane Walker - 10
• MJ Rivard - 5
• Engeltje - 2
• Joline Koch - 1
• Sophie - 1
• John DiNovo - 1

Laurie Henderson - 1

View of the North Sea from on high, Westduinpark, Holland

oil on canvas
70 x 100 cm - ( 27.5 x 39.5 in.)
painted on location, wed 6 june 2007

SOLD



Here you have today's effort, and what an effort it was, let me tell you! Set up on a high point in the dunes near Kijkduin, with the wind coming off the sea, made for a precarious condition, even for a seasoned plein-air painter. What made it even more challenging was that I decided to paint on a rather large canvas. The surface of the canvas would not keep still even for a second and was constantly flapping about. Notwithstanding these uncomfortable conditions, I feel I put together a decent sequence of colours, mixing the paints with great care to try to render the exact colours of the scene in front of me. This painting will soon have to undergo some fine tuning in the studio, as I work strictly from memory; the horizon line, for example could be straightened out, plus one or two other minor details. Please let me know what you think.

Catamaran Clubhouse # 6, Kijkduin Beach, Holland

,
oil on canvas,
40 x 70 cm (16 x 27.5 in.)

SOLD



Here you have today's wet painting, I said I was going to make 12 works of this subject, am one step closer to that number. A very beautiful day in Holland today, it was great to be on the beach making this work. I started this canvas quite early, 8.30 am, so I wanted to retain that early morning feel of the work, by the time I finished it was almost 12 pm, there was a lot more activity, but I kept it to a minimum. I however did record one interesting detail, if you look closely, just in front of the clubhouse, is a tilted catamaran, you should be able to make out the mast going into the sand. I guess they were about to give it some sort of maintenance job. I also painted in two dogs, one is quite obvious, the other, let me know if you find it, I promise to give you an il pittoreARTMILE.


Ciao,

End of May at Kijkduin Beach, Holland

oil on canvas,
30 x 90 cm (12 x 35.5 in.)
painted on location, wed 30 and thurs 31 May 2007  -  SOLD


It has been a while, and I'm glad to be back, doing what I love to do. Had to take care of business, these last few days; framed approx. 35 art works, in preparation for two exhibitions. One officially opened yesterday at Kijkduin on the boulevard, La Galleria Italian restaurant. The other one will open soon, but the works are already hanging at that location as will. So I have been busy.
Today's work represents a stretch of the beach which I've painted for the first time. The restaurant I'm showing at is directly above this view. All the landmarks, poles, dunes and shore line send the eye cunningly to the vanishing point, then the eye has chance to view the vague distant skyline, which is symbolic of the wealth of this small yet industrious country. Floating on the water is a fishing vessel from Scheveningen. The people represented on the bottom of the canvas form a line which leads the eye into the sea and off into the unseen continuation of the water, helping to create even greater depth than which is already quite visible.

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Ciao,

Painter and Model

Painter and Model

oil on canvas 40 x 70 cm - ( 16 x 28 in.)

SOLD

Hello Everyone,

Like almost every Friday, I'm in the studio having a life drawing/painting session, with a real life model. Here you see the painter being reflected in a mirror. This makes for an interesting
composition, as the viewer can imagine him/herself looking over the shoulders of the artist. Reflected in the mirror are paintings of Jane Walker. This actually is a detail of a larger painting, which you will not ever know, unless you make it to my studio before I crop it down.

Bye for now,

Alberto, il pittore Valentini

Catamaran Club House, Kijkduin, Holland # 5

oil on canvas,
60 x 50 cm - ( 24 x 20 in. )
painted on location, Wed 23 May 2007, late morning

SOLD


Like I said, I'm going to paint 12 versions of this club house. I'm still not half way there, and my familiarity with the subject is beginning to make my job a little easier. The club house was closed, but it still is a nice scene to paint. The sky was crystal clear today, the visibility of industrial terrain on the horizon line was quite sharp, actually toned it down a bit, but I was generous with the smoke arising from some sort of boiler, heaven knows what is going on there? Had a nice female sun bather as a model, she and the two men checking her out, helped me in filling this somewhat empty beach scene. Which was intentional, as to give the illusion of a large area. Need to create space in your compact living room, this baby will do just that. Just think, within a few months, we will be experiencing those Benelux greys, looking at this will certainly brighten up your day!

If you know anyone who likes to receive this email, pass on their address to me and get an Il pittoreARTMILE, for great reductions on an eventual purchase.

Ciao,

Quiet day on the North Sea

oil on canvas
10 x 15 cm - ( 4 x 6 in.)
painted on location - Monday 7 May 2007

SOLD


Today I was occupied with administration work, and preparation for 3 up and coming exhibitions. So I decided to properly show this little seascape painted at Wijk aan Zee, two weeks ago. How says you can't work outdoors in the rain? This painting was made under such conditions. It helps to find a spot where you can stay dry. I find I can make more emotionally suggestive works in these circumstances. when the atmospheric conditions are not so clear.

In love at Kijkduin, Holland ( Catamaran Beach House # 4)

oil on canvas,
40 x 70 cm - ( 16 x 27.5 in.)

SOLD


The wind is starting to get ingrained in my DNA, thus am getting better at painting it. This work is alive with movement, everything seems to be coming at you, yet at the same time it is also sucking you in to the scene, delivering you express to the vanishing point. Movement is also happening across the given space. This brought about by the indication of the wind's direction, and the eye following the beach houses, catamarans, and finally the sail boat in the distance. I'm very happy with the colors in this work, not entirely true to life, but then art does not have to be, because we artists re-invent nature, not copy it.

Bye for now.
Pass on some of your email addresses to me and save up Il PittoreARTMILES. For info contact me.

Catamaran Club House, Kijkduin, Holland. # 3

oil on canvas,
50 x 60 cm - ( 20 x 24 in. )

SOLD



Here it is, # 3. I know some of you are waiting to see this series develop. I mentioned that I will make 12 oils of this subject, will I'm being true to my word. I must have been crazy to be on the open beach with an easel and let's face it, not a small canvas either. I weighed my gear down as best I could, I pulled through the ordeal, ok. Hopefully, you get an idea of how hard the wind was blowin', just by looking at the sand formations on the beach. Flat by the water, then piled high towards the dunes. You will notice that the featured catamaran is being engulfed by sand. It is actually on a wheeled mechanism, used to transport it into the water. Not the best conditions for catamaran sailing, or outdoor painting, however the kite surfers where getting quite a work out ! I'm going to have to make a small adjustment on the horizon line, it seems to have a slight hump in the middle. Otherwise am satisfied with results.

Catching the wind on The North Sea

oil on canvas
30 x 40 cm ( 12 x 16 in.)
painted on location, thurs. 17 May, late afternoon

SOLD


Today's painting shows what the reflections on the water look like when the sun begins its evening descent, and a beautiful blue sky it turned out to be. Only a few hours earlier, the sky was overcast, thus it was wise for me to wait until the afternoon. The spatial distinctions between the catamaran and the distant sail boat help define space and create a sense of depth, in this great open space, all contained on this relatively small piece of stretched cotton. Upon close examination you will see the enthusiastic sailor commanding great authority over his light weight colorful vessel.

The coastline at Domburg, Holland

oil on canvas,
10 x 15 cm ( 4 x 6 in.)

SOLD


Yesterday I drove down to Domburg, as there happens to be a painter's festival going on. Went to meet some friends and the organizer of that event. While there I knocked off two paintings, this was the second one. Found on this beach are these characteristic rows of poles used, I imagine, to break the waves, otherwise the whole coastline would eventually get washed away. I may be wrong, you are welcome to correct me. However, I feel I got the painting right, and that is what matters to me. By the way those little white spots, happen to be algae, floating around.



Remember with Il pittoreARTMILES, you could get this painting for free! Contact me for info.

Ciao,
Il pittore

Sisters (Zusjes)

oil on canvas
50 x 80 cm ( 20 x 31.5 in.)
painted on location, Wijk aan Zee, Sunday 13 May 2007

SOLD



Today's painting is a rather large seascape, showing the North Sea calmed down, after days of high winds and storm conditions. I was busy for a week on this location, and this is the last painting made. Holland, as some of you know, is famous for its light. Working at the sea, I can testify to that. The reflections on the water, from the sky are forever shifting. Just in the hour while I was working, I must have noticed at least 8 or 9 totally different color configurations. A plein-air painter has to work fast, otherwise he is in deep trouble. Working from memory, even whilst on location is essential. Everything is in movement, the clouds in the sky, waves breaking on the shore, people walking in and out of the area being painted. The sand is about the only aspect of the work that is fixed. So if you think for a moment, that this is easy, forget about it. I spent one hour on location, and made some touch ups in my studio yesterday.

Bye for now,

Windforce 5, Wijk aan Zee, North Holland

oil on canvas,
30 x 60 cm ( 12 x 24 in.)
painted on location, Thursday 10 May 2007

SOLD



Today's painting was made thanks to the protection of a caravan stationed right in the middle of the beach. What it was doing there? Don't ask me. It would have been impossible to make this painting on location, otherwise. You will notice some sand on the canvas. This, due to the wind blowing about furiously. Most of it will come off, once the paint dries. This, if nothing else, is prove that I actually do make my works on location!

Wijk Aan Zee, is not too far from Holland's International Airport, Schipol. That explains the plane, making its descent, on the top left corner. The pilot is taking full advantage of the wind, off course.

I appreciate your comments. Do drop me a line.

Il pittore.

High westerly winds on the North Sea, Wijk aan Zee, N.Holland

painted on location, this morning, next to 2 large garbage containers
(shieling me from wind)

oil on canvas,
40 x 90 cm - (16 x 35.5 in), somewhat large

SOLD


Here you have a look at the Dutch coastline under near storm conditions. You could see by the stiffness of the flags, it is not a light wind. All that yellow stuff on the shore line is some sort of algae, as I found out, by a local snack bar vendor, who generously offered me a coffee after yesterday evening's painting.
The row of beach houses is unique in this part of the country. You also may note here why the dunes are rather an important natural resource in this little low lying country of pleasant folk. You guessed it, protection!


Bye for now,
Alberto, il pittore
The Hague, The Netherlands.

South entrance, Wijk aan Zee Beach, Holland

Sat. 5 May, early afternoon,
oil on canvas,
30 x 40 cm ( 12 x 16 in.)

SOLD


I am posting this today, however the painting was made last Saturday, 5 May. I am particapating in a painters festival, in Wijk Aan Zee, that is a coastal town, just North of Haarlem. This work captures the situation, early afternoon, nice and sunny, but quite windy. Check out the wind rustling through the flags.

Enjoy, and do post a comment, if you like.

Beach Pavilion, De Kwartel, Kijkduin Holland

oil on canvas,
24 x 30 cm ( 9.5 x 12 in.)
painted on location, late morning, early afternoon
SOLD

I'm getting my act together, baby! Finally nailed this situation. I roasted in the meantime, but it was well worth it. I'm saying this because two weeks ago I made a little painting of this beach cafe, from another angle, which did not work out. Didn't bother posting it. Unbelievable that this whole situation disappears in the winter months. We are having fantastic weather here, as is clearly visible, on this little oil painting.

Bye for now, and welcome to the newcomers. Don't forget about the Il pittore ARTMILES. Anyone signs up on my mail list as a result of you inviting them to do so, you get an ARTMILE. Accumulate them and get fantastic discounts on eventual purchases, from il pittore.

Until the next painting.

Catamaran Club House, Kijkduin, Holland. # 2

oil on canvas, 38 x 46 cm ( 15 x 18 in.)
Painted on location,
Sun. 29 April 07, 8.35 am - 12. 45 pm
SOLD



Another fantastic day here in Holland. This morning I went back to the same place as last Sunday, my intention being to make a series of 12 paintings from this one location. I'll be setting up from other vantage points, thus the compositions will vary. Today I got a little closer to the club house, and added more detail, including, three visible persons: one making some adjustments to one of the boats, the other on the terrace, and a distant figure walking on the beach with her pet dog. The texture on this canvas is interesting. I've painted over an earlier painting, made in 2003. The middle surface is covered in beach sand, which I just incorporated into the texture.


here I am in action with my lovely daughter Selena.

Bye for now, and thanks to those of you who share this blogspot with others.



Alberto, il pittore
The Hague, The Netherlands.

Progressive Nude Series # 8

Oil on canvas,
150 x 120 cm - ( 59 x 47 in.)
(a large painting)

price - 400 euro ( $ 550 US)


As most of you know, Friday is my day in the studio, painting directly from the nude model. Today we worked from a top model, a young contemporary dancer from Germany, Ljdea. She managed to come up with and sustain some great poses, a true source of inspiration. Since it appears we are in the middle of summer, temperatures here in Holland are soaring, by the day, (sorry Al Gore, re Global Warming, I personally find this a life envigorating experience, and am not at all worried), I decided to use these happy, cool and warm color combinations. Your comments are appreciated.

Bye for now,

Alberto, il pittore
The Hague, The Netherlands.

The lone sailor

oil on canvas,
15 x 10 cm ( 6 x 4 in.)



This little, yet highly suggestive seascape, was created in my studio this afternoon, far away from the sea in the physical, but not in a metaphysical sense. I actually painted over a painting that was made two years ago. We are having hot hazy days here in Holland, maybe that is what brought me to creating this scene. Even though it is barely visible the water has depth and distance, the horizon line is convincingly far off. Not a perfect situation for sailing, but perhaps this sailor knows that's just what he wants. A little peace and tranquility.


Alberto, il pittore
The Hague, The Netherlands.

Keukenhof, Holland (an intimate corner)

Keukenhof, Holland (an intimate corner)
oil on canvas, 30 x 40 cm, ( 12 x 16 in.)

painted on location, Wed. 25 April

SOLD


Hello Everyone,

Well let me tell you, it wasn't difficult to find a location to paint, in the world's most beautiful spring garden, the only problem was making a decision. It was so crowded, I had to take into consideration, not blocking the footpaths. Found this quaint little body of running water, featuring varied levels, and an interesting combination of colors to paint. The trickling sound from the tiny waterfalls was indeed, very soothing, on a hot, sunny day.

Alberto, il pittore

Evening Glow, Kijkduin, North Sea

20 x 40 cm ( 8" x 16" )
oil on canvas
painted on location, (like always), mon. 23 April, 6:30 - 7:45pm



Hello Everyone,

Usually I get the painting done first thing in the morning, not today, as I had to pick up my sister - in - law, at the airport and have a family day.
After dinner we went out to the beach, my daughter, Selena also joined us. I featured them in today's work. They assembled a fine collection
of sea shells. This work was done in a short time, the light situation changing by the minute. I quickly painted in the sky and sea, sticking with
that warm soft glow from the descending sun. That is what inspired me to make this work, in the first place. The horizon line is actually perfectly level, it appears in a sloping position, because the photograph was made by an amateur, me.



Enjoy the work. And don't be shy to share it with friends or family.

Ciao,

Alberto, il pittore
The Hague, The Netherlands.

Purchasing instructions found under links, just to the right on this page.

Catamaran Club House, Kijkduin, Holland. # 1

oil on canvas, 35 x 65 cm ( 14 x 25.5 in.)
Painted on location,
Sun. 22 April 07, 8.45 am - 12. 45 pm

SOLD

Last week, Sunday morning, I painted a view of the dunes with the tops of these masts showing and the Dutch flag. Today I decided to tackle this somewhat complicated scene, with a whole row of stationed catamarans. I was making good progress with this painting, about 3/4 way through, somehow the canvas was tossed face down on the ground. Upon picking it up, I discovered that almost 1/3 of the surface was covered in sand! I painstakingnly, removed the sand as best I could, then carried on painting until it was completed.

By the end of the painting, I was just placing in people walking on the beach, when I realized, something was wrong with the composition. With almost everything happening on the left side of the painting, some drastic measure was needed to compensate. To my amazement, one of the catamarans that was at the beginning of the row, near the clubhouse, was transported to the waters edge, where it was stationed for about 15 minutes. Just what I needed to balance out this composition. It was a beautiful morning, still comfortably fresh, with nice cool breezes coming off the North Sea.

Enjoy the work. And don't be shy to share it with friends or family.

Ciao,

Alberto, il pittore
The Hague, The Netherlands.

Model in lilac And Model and painter in studio

18 x 24 cm (7 x 9.5 in.)
oil on canvas
SOLD


18 x 24 cm (7 x 9.5 in.)
oil on canvas
SOLD



As some of you know by now, Fridays is my day in the studio. Today we had the model, Koosje, a dancer by profession. She carries herself will, always a pleasure to work with her. I've been painting life from models ever since I decided to learn to paint. As a matter of fact, it was a cold winters day, in Toronto, Canada, back in November 1979, that I first stepped into a life drawing/painting class.
In the works presented today, the painter is actually being reflected in a mirror, set behind the model on an angle. I find this ads an interesting element to the composition. Besides showing you what is going on, it also creates a sense of depth. I've priced these to sell, I want to get the ball rolling!


Until the next painting.


Alberto, il pittore
The Hague, The Netherlands.

Antique and Boeken Maarkt, Early morning, The Hague

46 x 55 cm ( 18 x 21.5 ins.)
oil on canvas   -  NO LONGER EXISTS

A good size canvas, not at all small, with the proper framing, will add a elegant taste of Holland in your surroundings. I especially had fun with the roofs of the buildings in this painting. Take a close look at that Royal Dutch Crest, (with the two lions holding up a Shield). This building has something to do with the Ministry of Defense, I believe. I also like the movement in the few people that I have painted, check out the couple, she with red pants he with white pants, walking towards the viewer, she has a nice flow in her gesture. Someone stationed the bicycle right in front of me, just long enough for me to paint it in. As everyone knows, Holland is one of the only countries that has more bikes than cars.


Your comments are always welcome.


Alberto, il pittore
The Hague, The Netherlands.

Walking through the dunes, Westduinpark, The Hague

oil on canvas, 30 x 40 cm ( 12 x16 in.)

SOLD



This is a good one, folks. Located just above the beach pavilion, De Kwartel. I first made a small 10 x 15 cm seascape, which was ok, but not worthy of posting just yet, will have to work on it. The sky was so typically 'Hollands' (Dutch for Holland), that I couldn't resist painting this scene. I always carry some extra canvases with me, one never knows when inspiration calls.
The dunes offer great vistas of the North Sea. However, as is evident in this work, depending on the light situation, vistas of the dunes, (which by the way happens to be one of Holland's most valued Natural Resources), are in themselves spectacular.

Let me tell you how I came to this title. You might ask, I don't see anyone walking, why give it that title? Answer. I was just finished, clearing my palette, packing up to go, when a couple stopped and struck up a conversation. They liked the work quite a lot, the man asked the price, told him, then he offered to buy, on one condition. That I paint him and his wife on the path. My response, no. Not on this one. When a work of art is at a good point, one must stop. Most painters have problems with this. They carry on until they over paint the subject at hand, the wonder and magic of the work being lost forever! Thus upon reflecting on this work, I'm going to place them on the path, only they are standing where you, the observer is, thus with your imagination you can step right into this scene. Therefore everyone looking at this work becomes the person 'walking through the dunes'.

Do enjoy this visual treat, and if you know anyone else who would, do forward them this blog address.

Speaking about forwarding my emails,
Let me give you an incentive. When a contact of yours agrees to join my mail list (this is important, otherwise you do not get an art mile), I will give you one, IL PITTORE ART MILES. Save up your art miles and I will give you a discount on a purchase of a painting. It works like this, I will keep a record of how many persons you have referred to and agree to join my mailing list, this will be posted on my blogspot, http:/ilpittor.blogspot.com . If and when you want to purchase an art work from me, you get a discount of the same art miles you have accumulated. Example, you have sent me the email addresses of 40 persons, who are agreeing to receive a daily, Wet painting from the Lowlands email, just like the one you are getting. You then are entitled to a 40 % DISCOUNT off the price for one or more of my paintings. I will explain this in greater detail on a future posting on my blog. Any questions for now, just email me.

Bye for now,

Alberto, il pittore
The Hague, The Netherlands.