Monday 28 January 2013

View of Kijkduin from the 'ZandMotor'

Winterse strand gezicht, Kijkduin vanaf 't ZandMotor,
oil on canvas, 20 x 60cm
painted on location - Fri 25 Jan 2013
SOLD

Just on time to capture this scene, as of yesterday the snow has all but melted away! I set up my gear right at the northerly most point of the man made Zand Motor, (unique in the world, pilot project of 32.2 million cubic meters of sand added onto the beach, covering an area of approx 100 hectares, 22 football fields). It was early afternoon, the Sun still casting a soft warm light on the white snow covered beach. which helped create all those warm hues on the surface. Not a cloud in the sky, thus the light was almost blinding. Naturally I had it behind me, thus it worked in my favour. Again just a reminder of my up and coming exhibition in the building 2nd from the right of the painting.


Friday 18 January 2013

Sunset on The White Beach

Zuiderstand met sneeuw tijdens Zonsondergand 
oil on canvas, 60 x 80cm
painted on location - Tues/Wed  15/16 Jan 2013
SOLD

The first real great snowfall here in Holland, and guess what, The Hague got hit the hardest! That made for some beautiful scenery, in otherwise not so interesting places. Here I have returned to a theme which I explored in depth a few years ago when I first started this project, "Wet Paintings from The Lowlands"!  As some of you may already know, I am preparing paintings for my up and coming exhibition in the NH Atlantic (Hotel) Kijkduin. The entrance to the beach shown in this painting is directly in front of that hotel. Below a picture taken by photographer, Peter van Bennekom, just as I got started on this canvas, late in the afternoon, whilst the Sun was low thus casting warm hues and created this lovely view!   .

   

Wednesday 9 January 2013

Carnivale 2012 by day.




Gezicht op Carnivale 2012, Den Haag bij daaglicht,
oil on canvas, 30 x 90cm
painted on location - Sun  30 Dec 2012 -(In studio Tues 8 Jan 2013)
SOLD
It is winter, the days are short, it is just after opening at the Carnival, the time is 2.15 in the afternoon.   The crowds have yet to arrive, however il pittore takes advantage of the still dry weather conditions, and makes a go of this fascinating scenery.  The assistant to the Anatomy Lesson Professor watches on to the innocence of to little girls sharing some candy floss. Both the century old merry-g0-rounds are in motion. Parents are enjoying themselves, but really the kids are having the time of their lives, and that my friends is what it is all about!  Here below, two close ups, for your viewing pleasure.




Monday 7 January 2013

Carnivale 2012 by Evening

Gezicht op Carnivale 2012, Den Haag bij nachtlicht,
oil on canvas, 30 x 90cm
painted on location - Fri/Sat  28/29 Dec 2012
SOLD

Here you have a glimpse at the old fashioned carnival by evening light. On the left, brilliantly coloured toddlers merry-go-round, then the grown up kids version, circling in action, next to that, the anatomy lesson pavilion. A fire burning in a metal barrel, (one of many), keeps the parents warmed up.

Wednesday 2 January 2013

Carnivale's in Town, Entrance

Ingang Carnivale 2012, Den Haag
oil on canvas board, 18 x 24cm
painted on location - Sunday 30 Dec 2012
SOLD

Let me take you back in time. Actually let Joris Hentenaar and his crew take you back in time! This old fashioned carnival could have been the stage for a Fellini film, taking place in a small village somewhere in Northern Europe! That was the intention of the organisers of this event, and believe you me, they have succeeded, as you will bear witness in this and my next 2 postings. Three carnival characters are ready to greet you as you step into this make believe setting were you will meet the most bizarre characters.  Flame blowers, jugglers, a woman in a fish bowl, a man who breathes through his eyes, just to name a few.  Of course the children are dazzled and taking it all in, but the century old merry-go-rounds are their favoured attractions.