Autumn colors on The North Sea

Een zacht najaars dag aan de Noord Zee
oil on canvas
20 x 140 cm
painted on location - Thurs. 23 October 2010
SOLD

Because of the two dominate colors on view in this scene, I was thinking of calling this painting, "Panoramic view of the North Sea, purple and green". For those of you who live by the Sea, you know this is not an exaggeration on my part. Actually if anything, it is quite the opposite. I tend to tone down the vibrancy of the colors. I don't have any idea how Van Gogh and the somewhat renowned Haagse School painters like Mesdag, did not pick up on these hue variations. Maybe I haven't seen enough of their works, I hope that is the case. Otherwise I would have to say that, either I am, or they were....colour blind! Again on this composition I decided to leave out the beach, starting exactly at the point were the water meets the land.

Vintage Drawbridge, Weesp, Holland

Ophaalbrug, Ossenmarkt, Weesp
oil on canvas
50 x 70 cm
painted on location _ Sat 11 Sept 2010 SOLD


In 1888, 122 years ago, the most well known Dutch person ever to walk this earth, Vincent Van Gogh, made at least 3 oil paintings of , The Langlois Bridge, in Arles, France.. Similar in design to the bridge I painted, but certainly less flashy. Let's face it ladies and gentlemen, when it comes to building bridges, you simply cannot beat the Dutch! I'm positive the Dutch Master was filled with nostalgia upon seeing that bridge, in the sunny light of the Midi. Me I found this draw bridge, here in this otherwise boring village, nestled just under Amsterdam, the most interesting subject to paint, on a one day plein-air painters festival. What struck me the most was the sunlight bouncing off the structure, and the situation of the boats anchored near the bridge.

Il Mare Del Nord, Venerdi 10 Set 2010

De Noord Zee, Vridag 10 September 2010
oil on canvas
20 x 140 cm
painted on location in the morning. -  SOLD

The panoramic series continues. This time with the advice of an artist collegue, no beach, only the Sea and Sky. If this work speaks to you and you have the oppurtunity, I would advice you come to have a look in the real. I swear it took more than 4 hours to get a decent digital picture of this canvas. It took only 1.5 hrs to make the painting! I felt the absolute necessity to include these 2 details.
Question: Can anyone out there advice me how to take decent pictures of this format painting?

Reflections on Canal, Center of The Hague

Teruggekaatst lucht door het water, Nieuwe Uitleg, DH
oil on canvas
13 x 18 cm
painted on location - Monday 6 Sept 2010



There are times when details are much more interesting than the bigger picture. This area of The Hague, located just behind the Petit Palace, Lange Voorhout, is incredibily picturesque. And will no doubt be the subject of some future paintings. However on this occasion, my attention was directed to only the reflection of the many hues of greens and yellows, broken up by a cloudy celestial blue sky on this intimate canal scene.

Cozy autumn day at the North Sea

Gezelig najaars dag aan de Noorde Zee, DH
oil on canvas
30 x 150 cm
painted on location - Thurs 2 Sept 2010 -  SOLD

Painted at my favorite and most convenient location, South Beach, The Hague. Here you have a clear example that indeed never the same situation twice whilst painting at the seaside. It may repeat itself, but never quite the same. Very little wind to speak about. Soft gentle rolling waves, breaking with the slightest of ease. Two sailboats, two oil tankers, and a yellow bouy. Just enough information to not disturb the ever present tranquility and space this scene has to offer. As it is difficult for me to provide a very sharp image, re the digital photogragh, I felt the need to provide you with these details.