Autumn Gold finds The Hofvijver,

Herfstgoud vindt de Hofvijver (#18 in de series)

oil on canvas - 40 x 120 cm

painted on location in several sittings - Sept/October 2020

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Those two swans will be together forever, isn't that a beautiful reality, something worth thinking about. Funny how almost everything I painted in this composition comes in pairs. Just have a good look. Two big and two small open spaces and two dark clouds in the sky. Two groups of trees being reflected in the water. Two flags and two seagulls fluttering up on high in the sky. Two major areas of buildings, the Binnenhof to the left of that floating island and to the right, apartments and stores which form part of the historical center of this city. Two church towers, the one in the Binnenhof and that of the Grote Kerk, which oddly enough, both don't function as churches anymore. Oh well, I didn't intentionally do this, just noticed it a few moments ago while thinking of something to say about this painting. Obviously I took the liberty to add colors that in reality don't appear in such a scene, and for better of for worse that's the way it's going to be!

The Hofvijver on a warm summers morning, The Hague

 

De Hofvijver op een warme zomersochtend (#17 in de series),

oil on canvas - 50 x 150 cm (20"x 59")

painted on location on several occasions - June - Sept 2020

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As you can see I have been further developing this series. It is always a pleasure to be on location at his spot. The security staff at the Museum (The Hague Historical Museum) just across the street from where I sit up usually welcomes me with a warm cup of coffee, and because I have a Museum Card, I have always access to the toilet. This is very handy for us outdoor plein air painters. The scene depicted in this painting is packed with detail, take your time and have a close look, you'll know what I'm talking about.

Schevening Beach / Boulevard Canvas Print , in 3 sizes

 

Schevening strand en boulevard (canvas print)

inkt op doek - 15 x 105 cm (kleine), 30 x 200 cm (medium -XL),  40 x 270 cm (grote - XXXL)

painted on location - July 2015 in 17 sessions.

€ 115 small version - edition of 50 prints
€ 375 medium version - edition of 49 prints
€ 545 large version - edition of 39 prints


This canvas print of a painting i made in the summer of 2015 is back by popular demand. This time I decided to make it available in a smaller  and an extra large size. To keep them somewhat exclusive they are available in a limited edition, signed and numbered on the back of each print.
As this format is difficult to see, especially the details, here below 3 close ups, for your viewing pleasure.

Parents and their children at the beach #5

Ouders en hun kinderen op het strand #5
oil on linnen - 50 x 175 cm
painted on location - Tues 11 Aug 2020

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The largest of this series was made on a really hot summers day, was off to an early start, thus most of the work was done, with comfortable temperature. I had to make use of the 3M parasol which I have ready for me at the strandpavilijoen De Staat, otherwise I would have melted in the heat! There is alot going on in this work, but not too much. I left out at least 70% of the crowds sunbathing or otherwise enjoying the fresh Sea water that afternoon. It was soo hot, i also felt compelled to take a dip in the Sea on a few occasions, with my shirt and shorts on.

Alberto Valentini Expo Aug-Sept 2020 Studio Flex

I am currently having an exhibition of my work at this gallery in the Vogelwijk, in The Hague

Mezenlaan 48E, 2566 ZJ.

Parent and thier children at the beach #4

Ouders en hun kindren op het strand #4
oil on canvas - 18 x 120 cm
painted on location - Thurs 6 Aug 2020

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Seeing these paintings being created I having decided to make this into a series. I will most likely make a few more before this season is over. A safe place for parents to play with or let their kids find like minded kids in which to have a fun time at the beach. No life threatening under currents to worry about, which at this beach is really a concern! Unfortuneately the Life Rescue Birgade (reddingsbrigade) has their work cut out for them in these days. Below 2 close ups.

Parents and children at the beach #3

Ouders en kindren op het strand #3
oil on canvas - 40 x 120 cm
painted on location - Tues 4 Aug 2020

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This subject seems to be developing into a series. I love the fun aspect of this subject. Kids having the time of their lifes. They feel safe, Mom or Dad is always nearby, and they make friendss instantly. Often they come and ask what am I doing. Or one of the parents or gaurdians bring a child nearby to have a look and explain what I am doing. Furthermore in thesse troubling times I feel this is an image that can bring delight and happiness intoyour household

Mates kicking the ball on the beach

Vrienden schoppen de bal op het strand

oil on MDF - 17 x  64cm

painted on location -  Thurss 30 July 2020

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This is a classic view which I paint often. However every painting tellss a different story. Here it was early evening, as you can see space calor is to be found at this location. I was inspired to paint in those friends kicking a soccer ball, I liked the uniformity of their attire, and will it was jusst the right spice to give this view that special flavour.

Catamaran Club housse, The Hague, NL

HKZV, Zuiderstrand, DH

oil on canvas - 40 x 40 cm

painted on location - Tues 28 July 2020

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On location this morning, extremely windy however lovely cloud formations. It took me a few wak arounds to make a decision as to find a subject matter worthy of sitting up my painting gear.  I have alayss liked this composition for a painting at my favorite beach, and as I was protected from the strong wind, will my mind wass made up, and this painting is the result.

Zuiderstrand commision painting

 Study for Zuiderstrand commision painting

oil on canvas - 20 x 60 cm
painted on location - Tues 07 July 2020

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As this was the first time I make a painting of this view I decided a study would be a good idea. Thus a week before I made that larger painting below I made this smaller study to familiarise myself with this view. This helps me in making decisions about the final composition

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View of Kijkduin and Zandmotor commision.

oil on canvas - 50 x 150 cm
painted on location - Tuesday 21 July 2020

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Here is the final version of this commision scene. It is what the customer wanted, thick Dutch clouds sweeping across the sky, the dunes, a summery feeling. I had to wait for the right conditions, was lucky for me that this took place just a couple of days ago. Again here in this sceen I have omitted a very large new construction area, which is what the customer desired, and I must admit I would have left that elephant of a building which would have appeared just above the white roof of the 1st beach pavilion on the left side  

Hommage on South Beach, The Hague #3

Oude aan Zuiderstrand #3
oil on linen - 30 x 170 cm
painted on location - 12 July 2020

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This is the 3rd of the Oude to South Beach here in The Hague. This view is painted in the afternoon as then the lighting is just right for this view. Nice Dutch clouds rolling on by, alaways a treat to paint. The new buildings going up in Schevening are starting to block the view of that monumental landmark red lighthouse. You don't see that building as I put to use my artistic freedom and just not painted it in!  again for your viewing pleasure to close ups.

Parents and their children at the beach #2

Ouders en hun kindren op het strand #2
oil on canvas - 30 x 170 cm
painted on location - Wed 24 June 2020

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On a tropical hot day, very rare here in Holland, i was crazy enough to go make this painting on location. However I enjoyed all the people I ended up using as models to creat this scene. For children, having the time of their lives. Playing in that very shallow water at the beach.

Two details f9r better viewing.

Hommage to South Beach, The Hague

Oude aan Zuiderstrand, Den Haag #1
oil on canvas - 30 x 170 cm
painted on location - 19 June 2020

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Start of a lovely day, gonig to be a little more busy than what you see in this painting, but not to worry, as this beach is so wide one never feels claustrophobic. As a matter of fact, good thing I adapted using this format fr that works best with these beaches.  Here below 2 details.

   

Hofvijver, The Hague during the golden hour

S' avonds bij de Hofvijver  (#16 in de series)
oil on canvas - 50 x 150 cm
painting on location on several settings - April/May 2020

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Here i have returned to this series, this time with the evening light and with the largest format to date. It is worth mentioning that this work was made during the lockdown to prevent spreading of the corona virus. Thus have left out signs of people moving about. This is the seat of the Government, here in Holland, that tower shaped building, second object from the left, is the office of the Pime Minister. In my own insignificant way, i thought it was a good idea to make this painting especially in this period of reflection and decision making by members of Parliment. Here below two details of this work.

Parents and their children at the beach #1

Ouders en hun kindren op het strand #1

oil on linen -25 x 175 cm

painted on location - Thurs. 21 May 2020

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 It was i think the hottest day of the year so far, and even with the social distancing, it looked very crowded but thanks to the enormous wide beach, everyone had enough space to have fun and for the kids, excitement. It waas a pleasure for me to pick and choose the figures to compose this painting.

For your viewing pleasure here below a detail of this painting.

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begin van een mooie zomers dag met gezicht op Kijkduin 

oil on canvas - 60 x 90 cm

painted on location Thurs 21 May 2020

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The begin from a beautiful warm summers day at the Quiet beach in The Hague. Nice cool breezes as shown in the lively clouded blue sky. People just arriving, it's gonna be a busy day. That's why i like getting out on location early, get the job done and head off to my cool studio.

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Gezicht op Kijkduin in het klien
oil on canvas - 24 x 18 cm
painted on location - Fri 15 May 2020
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Not too often but now and then I get inspired to make a portrait format rendering of the beach here in The Hague, as is evident in this little study made not so long ago.

Family fun by the Sea

Familie uitje aan Zee
oil on canvas - 30 x 120 cm
painted on location - Monday 27 April 2020

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My latest painted on a day the was comfortably warm, not really hot like in summer. With all this social distancing going on, there really is no place better to go than the spacious beaches we have right ar our doorstep. As long as not thousands show up at the same time, it is quiet safe. A simple composition, made lively with the those water pools on the forground, showing reflections of the kids enjoying the fresh water. A detail below, as this format is really difficult to represent properly on this social platform.

The Mauritshuis, The Hague, NL

Het Mauritshuis en Torenje - (Hofvijver series # 15)
oil on canvas - 40 x 50 cm
painted on location - 9/17/22/23 April 2020

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Again found myself working on the series from the Hofvijver. This time decided to focus on this picturesque corner, featuring the Mauritshuis and the tower were the Prime Minister of Holland has his office. Upon studying the subject I concluded that the evening light would be the best time to make this painting, thus you have the buildings well lit from a warm Sun light. Strange painting on location in these days with the corona virus situation. Luckily for me we are not experiencing a complete lock down and most of the people are spending more time indoors than usually. 

The gentle rolling wave

De zacht rollende golf
oil on canvas - 40 x 120 cm
painted on location - Wed 15 April 2020

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Here in The Lowlands we are having lovely sunny days, notwithstanding the still cool windy breeze at the Sea, which makes for a very healthy combination! Luckily we have huge wide beaches, so people can still get out, staying healthy and still practice social distancing.  For safety during these uncertain times due to this nasty virus in circulation.  In that respect I am lucky as a plien air painter, I mean all the space available.  Here below a detail of the signature, on the bottom right corner.

Free at last

eindelijk vrij
oil on canvas - 50 x 100 cm
painted on location - Monday 6 April 2020

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I feel this painting is true to the expession, less is more. Doing my best to bring the Sea in focus. A close up view of a gentle rolling wave, a sailboat off in the distance, a cloudless blue sky with some haze on the horizon, and God only knows what lies under the surface of the North Sea.  A simple view, yet it affords soo much space and freedom, at times just what we need, to pass the time of day. 

the big picture and the small picture

Pier,  Schevening #2-2020
oil on canvas - 40 x 50 cm
painted on location - Wed 25 March 2020

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Here I am back at the North Beach, Schevening with the continuation of the Pier series. This time using a traditional landscape format canvas. Still early in the season, and early in the day, thus not many visitors. They are busy building up the beach cafes and other objects after the end of the winter season.

The mangolia stellata, the bumble bee and the lady bug,
oil on canvas - 18 x 24 cm
painted on location - Sat 28 March 202

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In these days we are being asked to stay off the beach when there are too many people, in order to combat the spread of this nasty corona virus. So I will be occasionaly making paintings such as this little intimate scene. Spring is finally in the air, which brings forth all kinds of little creatures, such as the two shown in this painting. In a Universe of their own, these flowers florish, with the help Natures tiny winged creaatures.   

Pier and Ligthouse, Schevening

Gezicht op Schevening, met Pier en Vuurtoren
oil on canvas - 18 x 24 cm
painted on location - Mon 9 March 2020

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I have been looking at this view of Schevening for many years now, but this is the first time I actually paint it. And am glad I did so,  while still the lighthouse is in full view. The people from The Hague know what I am talking about, for you others, that low building in front of the red tower will be demolished soon, and up will be going a luxury apartment building, which will then make this view no more!

The Hofvijver, The Hague # 14

Een mooie winters dag bij de Hofvijver, Den Haag
oil on canvas - 40 80 cm
painted on location - Wed. 4 March 2020

Painted Over

Here I am yet again further developing this Hofvijver series. If you want to know what inspired this view, just take a look at that sky! However, not only those lovely clouds floating about, but the light fall was very captivating for me. I have exaggerated the colors a little in order to give it a fresh happy look, which happens to be one of the reasons I paint, to bring some happiness into peoples lives.

The Pier, Schevening #1-2020

Pier, Schevening #1-2020
oil on canvas - 40 x 120 cm
painted on location - Thurs. 6 Feb 2020

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I took full advantage of the nice weather we experienced here in The Lowlands last week, thus went to visit the North Beach and decided to make this painting with the theme the Pier, renowned landmark of the coast in Holland. As the weather is still rather chilly not too many people to be seen, however always pet owners taking their beloved dog for a stroll on the beach. Got out on location early enough to catch the Sun highlighting aeras of the buildings and other objects in this sceen. I will be visiting this strech of beach on many more occasions this year, thus the title shows this.

Westduinpark and beach entrance # 7, The Hague

pad met uitzicht, Westduinpark, DH
oil on canvas - 20 x 30 cm
painted on location - Wed. 5 Feb. 2020

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When the Sun shines magic in tthe dunes takes place. The dark shadows in contrast with the lightened areas creates all sorts of forms and shapes, a feast for the eyes really. And yeah we outdoor painters love this scenario. It felt fine for me to be on a location where approx. 12 years ago I started working on my ongoing, Wet Paintings from The Lowlands project. I would like to express a special thank you to all the persons that have been following me in these years.

A winters day, at Zuiderstrand
oil on canvas - 20 x 60 cm
painted on location - Wed 5 Feb. 2020

€ 285

Since it was such a nice sunshiney day, I decided to head down to the beach from the spot where I made the above painting (and that was somewhere approx. just under the 1st cloud hovering over the dunes on the left side). Thank God there wasn't much wind  thus this work was possible to make. It took years but finally the dunes are starting to get covered with vegetation once again. It was decided about 5 years ago by the city counsel to take away all vegetation that was not natural to this habitat, much to many peoples disappointment mind you. There are five persons on this painting, three just under the post with the orange object, and the other two off in the distance on top of one of the highest points in the dunes.

The Hofvijver #13, The Hague (re-painted)

De Hofvijver #13, DH in the winter
oil on panel - 22 x 75 cm
painted on location - Tues. 28 Jan 2020

€525

Here I am back at this fantastic location, which never ceases to inspire me. We are in the thick of the winter here in The Lowlands, as it shows on the trees. However no matter what season, the scenery is always charming to paint for me. Also a favorite place for tourists to snap pictures.