The Hofvijer # 7, The Hague

De Hofvijver #7, DH - Met Herfste Sfeer
oil on canvas - 40 x 120 cm
painted on location -  Wed 31 Oct, Thurs 15 Nov and Sat 17 Nov 2018   (3 sittings)

SOLD

Am glad I had the opportunity to get this painting finished before all those warm colours on the autumn leafs blew away! Again a rather large format for outdoor painting, however quite manageable and thank God the sidewalk is wide at this spot, thus was not in the way of all the tourists walking by. It is an honor for me to make this painting, especially so with the fact that that Sun lite Palladio looking building on the right, nestled in between the buildings covered with shade happens to be The Mauritshuis, home of the Royal Families Art Collection.

The Hofvijer # 6, The Hague

De Hofvijer, DH  # 6
oil on canvas - 30 x 50 cm
painted on location - Sat 13 Oct 2018

SOLD

Here I present to you the latest work made on location in this series. Autumn colours have definitely sit in, making this rendition gaily colourful. The tolerance flags were lined up on the other side of the pond, which just so happen to fit in nicely with the colour scheme. This painting is available with a handsome gold leaf frame from Italy, if you so choose.

The Hofvijer #4 and #5, The Hague

De Hofvijver, DH #4
oil on canvas - 55 x 45 cm
painted on location - 29 Sept. 2018

SOLD

Further developing this series, I decided to walk down the street towards the Mauritshuis. In order to get in the lamp pole and fence I painted from the other side of the street.

De Hofvijver, DH. # 5
oil on canvas - 60 x 90 cm
painted on location - 3/5/9 Oct. 2018

no longer exists.

This time a rather large format for plien-air painting, I decided to capture these lovely warm tones as the leaves of the trees are entering their autumn phase. Also the Sun being lower than it usually is, this also helps to intensifies the warm colors of the buildings. Is it any wonder that this is the most photographed corner of The Hague, I mean it's bloody breathtaking, wouldn't you agree?

                                                                                      here you see me working on #4 in this series

The Hofvijer, The Hague

De Hofvijver, Den Haag #1
oil on canvas - 45 x 60 cm
painted on location - Monday 10 Sept 2018

SOLD

De Hofvijer, Den Haag #2
oil on canvas - 40 x 60 cm
painted on location - Thurs 13 Sept 2018

SOLD


Yes my Dear friends, I have decided to embark on a new theme.  Following in the footsteps of  The Haagse School (an art movement  in The Hague - 19th century)  I Have decided to depict the most famous scenery of this lovely city, the capitol of Holland.  And what better location to start, but at the very spot were this city actually started building from. The building on the left, shows a section of our Nations Government Office called the Binnenhof.  As I am making minimal references to things of the 21 century, a scene like this could actually transport you back in time. My approach is however definitely modern, laying the paint on quite thick, not at all like the masters of the Golden Age. There will be more paintings from this corner of the city coming, already the third is complete and ready for the next posting!

The (not so) Quiet Beach, in action

Het stillestrand, leeft
oil on canvas - 50 x 150 (wow that is big! / 20" x 59")
painted on location -  Thursday 30 August 2018

SOLD

Yes ladies and gentlemen, with the wind rustling about, tossing and turning over just about any small object that is not properly secured, the so called Quiet beach is fully alive and well. Luxurious typical Dutch clouds racing about in the direction that the wind will have them go, cast enormous shadows on the otherwise luminous sandy beach! The Sunlight always commanding the atmospheric condition, and at the same time, filling the surface of the sea water with the colours of her choice.....just another great day to be on location. Taking this all in visually, and working my ass off to get it on a large piece of stretched linen, that becomes the challenge of the moment. something I'm willing to take on, give it my best shoot.  And for better or for worse, I expose the results to the public at large, opening myself to ridicule or praise, depends on who's doing the looking I suppose.

The Sea of Emearld Green

The Swimmers
oil on canvas - 20 x 50 cm
painted on location - Fri 17 August 2018
SOLD

The Setting Sun

Looks like I found a new subject matter! In the past made a few sunset paintings, but this time I decided to use a portrait format size canvas, thus vertical instead of horizontal orientation. The color display at these sunsets can be very explosive, and a feast for the eyes. Indeed a challenge as the downward movement of the Sun goes rather quickly, at this time of day.  Keeping the Haagse School tradition alive, il pittore at your service!

Zonsondergang # 2 or A warm summers night at the beach
oil on canvas - 50 x 40 cm
painted on location - Sat 21 July 2018

SOLD

Life at the quiet beach, The Hague, Holland

De Supper of ingang bij DeKwartel

oil on linen - 50 x 70 cm

painted on location - Wed 04 July 2018

A friendly and inviting summer scene, here at the Quiet beach in The Hague. Keeping busy by beach paviljion De Kwartel, were almost two decades ago I started painting on location. Then it had much more of a bohemian atmosphere, and Ed would kindly offer me an espresso, now and then. 

Summer impressions at the beach 2

Family fun at the beach
oil on canvas - 50 x 100 cm
painted on location - Wed 6 June 2018
SOLD

First light 
oil on canvas - 70 x 60 cm
painted on location - Friday 25 May 2018
SOLD

Here you have two recent paintings, were I'm putting most of the focus on what's happening at the waters edge. Of course you have the waves rolling in, and the water in either a forward or a backward motion. Depending on the wind, the waves are either gentle or a little wild, as in the above painting. I like to get on location early, avoiding the crowds, and taking advantage of the sun still rising thus casting a softer warm light.

Summer impressions at the beach 1

Zuiderstrand s avonds vanaf De Kwartel

oil on canvas - 40 x 120 cm

painted on location -  Wed 30 May 2018

SOLD

              

I can never get tired of this view, especially around this time of the day. Thank God Leo the owner of the beach cafe De Fuut, keeps refreshing every year that warm cadmium yellow paint characteristic of his cafe.  I always get a kick from painting those Strandbeesten from Theo Janssen!                                             

The Tall Ship Minerva, Second Harbor, Scheveningen

Het driemaster gaffelschoener "de Minerva,  Tweede Haven, Scheveningen
oil on linen - 50 x 70 cm  (20 x 28 inches)
painted on location - April 26 - May 2/3  2018

painted over,

Originally built in 1935 in Brake, Germany, over the years she has been fully restored and made seaworthy. This is the second time I paint this charming three master Tall ship, a true classic.  As a plein air painter she is a lovely subject to work from. Painting her with the Volvo Ocean Race billboard in the background, was a bit of a challenge, i had to tone down those vivid colours of the advertisement, thus the Minerva gets the attention she deserves. The light was perfect, casting shadows here and there, allowing me to observe all those juicy details, like the reflections on the calm water.   

Morning light on South Beach

Zuiderstrand met achtend lucht
oil on canvas - 40 x 80 cm
painted on location - Sunday 22 April 2018

THIS WORK HAS BEEN PAINTED OVER, THUS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

Here you have the first summer like image of the beach I usually paint at for the new 2018 season. The catamarans are just arriving in a week it will look much busier with all them in place.  A nice day to be on location, as we are enjoying unusual warm temperatures for this time of the year. Here below you see me working on the painting.

The Red Lighthouse series # 5

De Roode Vuurtoren # 15
oil on wood panel - 15 x 21 cm
painted on location - Thurs 5 April 2018
SOLD

A view from the seaside of the street, looking back to the city. Painted late in the afternoon, thus a different play of light as compared to most of the previous works in this series. Going to eventually make a larger version of this composition, with the hope that I will keep it fresh looking, just like this little study.

De Roode Vuurtoren # 16
oil on canvas - 40 x 50 cm
painted on location - Mon 16 April 2018
SOLD

This is the last of this series for now, will probably pick it up again on location, in the near future. I think I'm going to go back to a few of the paintings I've made thus far and paint in these kinds of typical Scheveningen characters and situations.

The Second Harbor, Port of The Hague.

Tweede Haven, Scheveningen met mist
oil on linen - 50 x 60 cm
painted on location - Thurs/Fri 12/13 April 2018
SOLD

Painted life from the south side of the harbor, I decided it was time to make this painting with all its compositional complexities, thus setting myself up for a real challenge. What the heck, I've been painting en plien air now for many years, figuring if anyone is ready to meet such a challenge it must be someone like me. Well, even with all my experience this scene drove me bunkers. The idea of starting and finishing it in one setting was certainly out of the question..... The mist did make it a little easier, as I found out on the second painting made, near the same location.

The Red Lighthouse series #4

De Roode Vuurtoren # 11
oil on canvas - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Friday 16 March 2018
SOLD

The mist so characteristic of the Sea. Envelops everything and ushers in feelings of calm also melancholy maybe. Gives a chance for us to take rest, decrease activity, stay indoors, as one can feel the moist about to drop from the sky, in the form of rain. As quickly as possible I got this painting made and yes, the fluid drops did show up. Had to use an umbrella to protect the painting, myself I was clothed properly, and stayed dry. BTW that is the Eendracht manoeuvring on the water.

De Roode Vuurtoren # 12
oil on canvas board - 13 x 18 cm
painted on location - Tues. 20 March 2018
SOLD

This little guy was made, as a study for the painting below (#13). Obviously the weather had changed when I worked on the larger piece.

De Roode Vuurtoren # 13
oil on canvas - 50 x 60 cm
painted on location - Wed. 21 March 2018
SOLD

The colour of the water is so surreal in this atmospheric condition,  almost hard to believe, unless you see it for yourself. Started with heavy clouds, by the time I finished the painting, it was a crystal clear blue sky. Not nearly as dramatic as the sky I opted for to represent in this work. A few months later, in the studio I added the people.

De Roode Vuurtoren # 14
oil on canvas - 30 x 40 cm
painted on location - Monday 26 March 2018
SOLD

Painted at the beginning of this week, here is thus far the latest work made in this series. Inspired by that fishing boat heading out, I painted in a fisherman's wife, (clothed in the traditional Schevenings'  attire), with child. I have seen this woman walking on that path 2 weeks ago, thus with that memory was this scene composed.

For the love of the Sea

The beginning of the end of the day
oil on canvas - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Wed 14 March 2018
SOLD

Back at my regular location on the South Beach, The Hague, for the second time this year,  I was fortunate to witness this colorful Sunset.  As this was the only thing worthy of painting I quickly set up my easel and made this small format painting, before it got to dark.

In God we trust

oil on canvas - 30 x 80 cm

painting re worked in atelier - Thurs 15 March 2018

SOLD

 If you are wondering about the title, will I'm sure many a seafarer has had that thought cross his mind whilst leaving the calm waters of a safe harbor. Here is an example of when I go back to a painting I believe was not quite completed when it was originally made. In this case we are talking about December 2014. If you compare the two, which I have made possible for you in this posting, you will clearly see the changes. I also changed the title, it was called "The tempestuous winds of the North Sea".   

The Red Lighthouse Series 3

De Roode Vuurtoren #8
oil on canvas - 30 x 40 cm
painted on location -  Fri 9 March 2018
SOLD


Slowly but surely more details start to appear on the this corner of  Scheveningen. A bench to take rest, a woman have a word with her dog, a sailboat in the distance, but to name a few.  Actually  you would be surprised just how much I leave out.  If I painted every traffic post and the street lights, you would hardly get a chance to see the water and sky! Of course I refuse to paint any cars that are parked on the street, which always happens to be the case.


                                                     

De Roode Vuurtoren # 9
oil on canvas - 40 x 30 cm
painted on location - Fri  9 March 2018
SOLD

The second work made from the boulevard side. I like the perspective this few offers. However I do miss having the Sea in vista. Had fun painting the effect of the wind on the dry grass of the dune.


                                                             

De Roode Vuurtoren # 10
oil on canvas - 50 x 70 cm
painted on location -  Wed 14 March 2018
SOLD

I love getting on location early! Meeting the new day with a loaded brush in hand, just like heaven. I have strived to represent here a quite moment in time, better yet, a peaceful moment. I imagine the persons living in those pretty white houses, still either in bed or getting ready to meet the day. Of course at Sea, already the fishermen have cast their nets, securing the days catch. Seagulls cleaning up the scraps that fall from the boat. It's good to be alive, in this moment at this place!

The en plein air painter and Nieuwe Kerk, Delft

De en plein air schilder
oil on canvas - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Thurs 22 Feb 2018


I was invited to go out painting by my good friend and colleague, Dimitris. He took me to one of his favorite places in Rijswijk, Landgoed Te Werve. It was cold but the Sun was in our favour, casting a brilliant light, illuminating all the warm colors found in this park. Not a usual subject matter for me, but I couldn't help but to think of how the impressionists worked together, en plein air, thus this work was created.

Nieuwe Kerk, Delft 
oil on panel - 20 x 30 cm
painted on location - Oct 2017

SOLD

Painted one fine afternoon from the end of the Trompetstraat. An old picturesque city visited by many tourists, and a great place to paint en plein air.  This and other works made in Delft can be seen in Galerie Delft, on Vrouwjuttenland.

The Red Lighthouse - 2

De Rode Vuurtoren # 5
oil on canvas - 20 x 20 cm
painted on location - Fri 16 Feb 2018
SOLD

The smallest in this series so far.  Got on location a little earlier than the previous versions.

De Rode Vuurtoren #6
oil on canvas - 40 x 30 cm
painted on location - Tues 20 Feb 2018
SOLD

From the boulevard side, looking up. This was made in the afternoon, obviously on a cloudy day.

De Roode Vuurtoren #7
oil on canvas - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Wed 21 Feb 2018
SOLD

Here you have the last work made in this series thus far. I strongly believe this to be the most picturesque corner of Scheveningen, as we know it today. If you look closely you will see a noticeable deference in the light/shadow play in each of the paintings.

The Red Lighthouse

De Rode Vuurtoren - no. 1
oil on canvas - 60 x 30 cm
painted on location - 28 Jan - 12 Feb 2018  (4 settings)
SOLD

De Rode Vuurtoren - no. 2
oil on canvas - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Monday 12 Feb 2018
SOLD

De Rode Vuurtoren - no. 3
oil on canvas board - 30 x 40 cm
painted on location - Tues 13 Feb 2018
SOLD

 De Rode Vuurtoren - no. 4
oil on canvas - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Wed. 14 Feb 2018
SOLD

I have painted this lighthouse on many occasions already, the only thing was, from a great distance! Inspired by a picture I saw on Facebook,  I decided to get up close and have a good look at this enormous structure.  It is new subject matter for me, and it feels fine to get on location and meet the challenges she presents to me. A pleasure to be working on one of the very few authentic corners left in Scheveningen.

A sunny winters day - South Beach, The Hague

Een zonnige winterdag, Zuiderstrand, DH
Oil on canvas - 30 x 40 cm
painted on location - 28 Jan. 2018
SOLD

We have been experiencing fantastic sunny conditions these past few weeks. Mind you that comes with a price, and that means very low temperatures. Oh well as long as the wind is not too strong it is really quite nice to be on location.  This is actually the 1st plein - air painting of  2018 for me, glad it was made on my favorite place.

even on a gloomy winters day

zelfs op een sombere winterdag
oil on canvas - 25 x 150 cm
painted on location/and in studio - Dec.2017/Jan 2018

SOLD

You know I truly believe in the saying, "there is beauty all around, just a matter of seeing it". For me it is in the details that one must pay attention, in order to see that beauty. Let me explain, in regards to this art work.  Starting with the rhythmic action of the rolling waves, bathed in all the shades that an emerald green light has to offer. Or look to that warm glow through the mist, on the horizon.  Casting light on objects and buildings mysteriously coming and going, like one might recall, in an almost forgotten distant dream. Is it any wonder that while I was working on this painting on location the professional and amateur photographers alike were to be spotted, clicking away. capturing the moods of this soft and peaceful morning at Scheveningen Boulevard.   Yes all this and more can be found, even on a gloomy winters day.

Schevening Harbour in the Mist

Het stille strand, slaapt
oil on board - 20 x 30 cm
painted on location -  Wed. 20 Dec 2017
SOLD

Zuidelijk Havenhoofd (Southern Harbour Head)
oil on canvas - 30 x 50 cm,
painted on location - Wed 20 Dec 2017
SOLD

Buitenhaven Scheveningen
oil on canvas - 40 x 80 cm  (larger than the above painting)
painted on location - Fri. 22 Dec 2017
SOLD


These are the last seaside paintings made in 2017. Very much a winters atmosphere,  I rather enjoy painting in the mist. At least I don't have to deal with the wind, which can cause all sorts of problems.  For those of you who don't know these works were made in the same area, the above two, same spot, different views. 
What I like most of these type of scenarios is the mystical nature they bring forth. One could very well view these as thresholds to Infinity, not quite knowing what may lay beyond what is visible. Also worth mentioning is the meditative stillness represented in these works,  leaving one with tranquil feelings, inducing calmness.