Saturday 28 July 2007

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.

Wednesday 18 July 2007

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,

Monday 2 July 2007

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,