No admittance

Verboden toegang,
oil on canvas - 60 x 90 cm
painted on location - Wed 26 Feb 2014
SOLD

You might be intrigued about the title? Will you see those 4 blue poles with white signs on the top, they read Verboden Toegang (No Admittance).  The municipal government here in The Hague is ready to give you a stiff fine if you are caught walking about on the other side of that nasty barb wire fence (probably left behind by the Nazi's during WWII). Anyway enough of this petty politics business.  I'm using it as an aphorism. The path leading up away from the beach seems to merge with the somewhat euphorically depicted sky, thus one can imagine a sort of path to heaven.   Taken in that context, the signs might suggest something else. Who among us hasn't been totally brainwashed since day one, that admittance to heaven is almost impossible.....not that I believe that for a moment, but the church makes it a point to repeat that, like a mantra, until one just gives in and accepts it as a truth!  When in fact it in my belief,  it is the furthest thing away from the Truth. Amen

Just as it is, Winter at South Beach

Net zoals 't is, Zuiderstrand DH
oil on canvas - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location -  Tues 18 Feb 2014
SOLD

This is after all, the North Sea ladies and gentlemen! Rough, windy, coarse wave action, the water, totally non-hospitable. At times like this, that's just the way it is. For us living in this tiny over-crowded country, it is really a gift to be able to walk your dog with no leash, and get some serious distance covered, without having to ask someone, "please get out of my way!"  It takes a little preparation in the clothing department, and one is ready to tackle the elements. Take advantage of this situation while it still exists, because as usual, corrupt swifty politicians, in the hope of getting the pockets full of dirty money,  have a vision of turning this vast Natural beach into a busy commercial area!

North Beach, Scheveningen

Gezicht van Noorderstrand, Scheveningen,
oil on canvas - 18 x 24 cm  (7 x 9.5 inches)
painted on location - Tues 11 Feb 2014
SOLD

Morning scenery as seen at the North Beach, The Hague, looking up coast towards Wassenaarseslag, and then the buildings from Noordwijk Aan Zee.  Was just on time as within an hour from the finishing of this work, the sky clouded over and we had yet another downpour! There are always people walking on the beaches when the weather is favorable here in The Lowlands, A good way to stay in shape and keep healthy.

Free the mind, with a Seascape

Bevrijd de geest met een zeegezicht
oil on canvas - 25 x 35 cm (10 x 14 inches)
painted on location -  Scheveningen
SOLD 

Don't have the time or possibility to get to the Sea.  Allow me to bring it to you.   Breath in that fresh salty air, allow it to rejuvenate your Spirit, loosen up those murky cobwebs hangin' about!.....  Hard to believe that this was painted just two days ago on the beach here in Holland! Seems we have been spared the winter thus far.  Early in the morning, when the light is just right,  highlighting those waves rolling in. Creating a scene that would inspire goodness and well being, even to the most defiant ones. A gift from Mother Nature to you, and it is there for the taking.

Winter beach scene #3 -2014

Zuiderstrand, DH met gezicht op Scheveningen en Kustwacht schip,
oil on mdf board - 12 x 40 cm
painted on location - Tues 4 Feb 2014
SOLD

When the Sun breaks through the views afforded on this beach are sometimes breathtaking! I always have my painting gear ready on such days and do my best to get out there and seize the moment for eternity! A feature on this small panoramic work is the Netherlands Coast watch ship sailing into the harbour. You only see the top sections, as the rest is blocked from view by the stalwart pier that leads to the inner harbour

De Gazelle, Amsterdam

De Gazelle van Don te Amsterdam,
oil on canvas - 35 x 75 cm  (14 x 30 inches)
painted on location and in studio - Dec 2013/Jan 2014
(private collection - Amsterdam)

Was indeed a pleasure for me to work on this characteristic old vessel that was originally designed as a cargo ship for the North Sea. Now used for living/dwelling by its owner Don, who can be seen on the deck.
The play of light was most important, thus on location in the morning! Left out all the modern buildings on the other side of canal, as desired by the present owner of this work.