Wet paintings from the Lowlands

Winters Magic on Ice #4

2012-02-13T14:22:00.002+01:00

Panoramic view of Dobbelplas skating baan
oil on wood panel
9" x 39.5" - 22 x 100cm
painted on location - Wed 8 Feb 2012

€ 575

I do believe this format seems to compliment this scenery. The 4th work made at this location. Characterized by swift one-off brush strokes, made in a total of 90 minutes(and 37 yrs experience) this art work has mortalized a moment in time, such as a cameras lens would do. A Dutch child, learning for the first time, how to keep balance on two thin metal blades on a cold slippery surface. Here below a close up, as taking a quality picture of this format is difficult for an amatuer photographer! And a shot of me working on location!

Winters Magic on Ice #3

2012-02-10T08:46:00.002+01:00

Family fun on ice, in Holland
oil on canvas
40 x 50cm
painted on location - Sun 5 Feb 2012

€ 425

A father is encouraginging his son to make a sprint on ice. Other toddlers, young and old, are having the time of their lifes, on this special occasion of winters magic here in The Lowlands. Why winters magic, well think about it.....these folks are moving on a body of water, I'm standing on it, painting... Normally this would not be possible, unless of course you can vibrate as high as, you know who, good old JC! Anyway, the white snow covering most flat areas, also has a magical quality, transforming the landscape to this fairy tale like atmosphere. And what is so damn special about it all,... it is only a simple trick, brought about by the Almighty Creator,...saying, among other things, here you all, bundle up and have some fun! In The Lowlands,..they do just that. The hype is fantastic.....everyone is praying that the freezing temperatures hang in there, thus the reknowned, 11 city Nordic skating race can once again take place!

Winters Magic on Ice #2

2012-02-07T18:38:00.002+01:00

Family fun on Ice, Dobbelplas, Nootdorp,
oil on canvas board
5" x 7" - 13 x 18cm
painted on location - Sun 5 Feb 2012

€ 125

The 2nd painting made at this location. Decided to try this so called portrait format, then a small size to accomodate even the novice art collector..... As there is no comparison to owning an original. At this price, IKEA should be ashamed of itself for selling reproductions at much higher prices! Putting much attention to the gestures of the skaters, I've done my best to show their posture whilst gliding on the ice. Here below a close up for your viewing comfort.

Winters Magic on Ice #1

2012-02-06T12:56:00.005+01:00

Skaters, Dobbelplas, Nootdorp (Nr Delft)
oil on wooden door frame panel
26 x 74cm - 10" x 29"
painted on location - Sat 4 Feb 2012

€ 525

Well most Dutch people are rejoicing with the onslot of below zero temperatures, and didn't take long to get there Nordic skates out and hit the frozen ponds and canals skattered throughout The Lowlands! Fortunately for me I have this wonderful natural setting, Dobbelplas, Nootdorp, just a short car drive distance from my studio. In 2 days I made 3 paintings, this being the 1st. Probabaly will get out there again, but one day of rest, as yesterday I almost developed frost bite on my right foot. And that was with two pairs of thick woolen socks and well insulated winter boots!

Again as difficult to take quality picture of this format work, a couple of close ups for your viewing pleasure.

Winter canal scene, Amsterdam 5 & 6

2012-02-02T23:06:00.008+01:00

Arched bridge at the Oudezijds Voorburgwal
oil on canvas
40 x 50 cm
painted on location - Tues 24 Jan 2012
€ 495

Small version, arched bridge at the Oudezijds Voorburgwal
oil on wood panel
10 x 15 cm
painted on location - Tues 31 Jan 2012
SOLD

Amsterdam has a charm and unquestionable character of its own. Thanks to the city planners who were wise enough to leave the canals pretty well alone, since they were built, back in the 15th century. This area called "De Wallen", was the centre of the red light zone, in Amsterdam a few years ago. Things got out of hand, and in a few words, criminality in drug dealing and hard core sex shows/prostitution kept most respectable tourists away. The city cleaned up the criminal scene, and now tourists can once again, enjoy strolling these cobble stoned streets, taking in vistas such as the one depicted in these paintings.

Winter canal scene, Amsterdam

2012-01-18T15:49:00.005+01:00

Gezicht op de Oude Waal, Amsterdam
oil on canvas
24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Tues 17 Jan 2012

€ 325

Yesterday, despite the bitter cold, I went to Amsterdam, and made 4 small format paintings. Here you have the 1st result. Not too far from the Central Station, I spotted this rather typical Amsterdam canal vista, just across the street from Montelbaastoren. The copolla you see on the top right, belongs to the Church of St. Nicholas, a rather stunning view as you step out of Amsterdam Central Station to the left. The low winter sun, lights up the tops of the high stalwart houses along this canal, and partially the bridge and elements in the forground.

Venus Victorious/Renoir in The Hague

2012-01-12T13:54:00.007+01:00

't beeld Venus Victorius van Renoir te Den Haag
oil on canvas
38 x 28 cm - 15" x 11"
painted on location - July 2003 reworked in studio 11 Jan 2012

€ 375 (SPECIAL OFFER, sketch below included)

Some of you may remember, not so long ago, on the Lange Voorhout, there was a sculpture exhibit dedicated to the Female as model. Of course il pittore couldn't resist but to get on location, more than once! This work has been hanging in my studio for all these years, however for some reason, I never felt it worthy of exhibiting. Yesterday I re-painted some areas on the surface, and I cropped it to this vertical format composition, as suggested by the sketch. Also, just for the fun of it, I decided to paint in that female artist at the easel, (top right window). Below is presented, one of the several sketches I made of the Auguste Renoir bronze statue. Made with an ink brush, thus the painterly representation. Signed bottom left, dated on the back, 22 x 14 cm / 8.5" x 5.5".

detail of artist in her studio

Day and Night view of Carnival in Town

2012-01-05T12:50:00.008+01:00

Dag en nacht gezichten op 't Carnival te Den Haag
oil on canvas
10 x 45 cm (both)
painted on location - Thurs 29 and Fri 30 Dec 2011

SOLD

The day scene was the last painting made in this series. Finally the sky has opened up, and as usual the whole scene brightens up. It is winter, thus the bare trees. This carnival took place in an urban center, hinted at, are the rows of houses on the left. Again, I have taken great care in painting a carrusel that is in operation, thus the swinging stools with mostly children seated on them.

The night scene......The mystery deepens, as the atmosphere darkens, the lights glow, like stars in a clear night. A painters paradise, such scenery! You wouldn't know this but the weather was anything but welcoming that evening! Had to set up under the protection of a overhanging roof, the entrance to the Carnival's cafe. Now and then the rain paused, just long enough to get that carrusel spinning with exstatic childern, having the time of their lifes.

here I am at the very beginning of this series, you get an idea of the size of these panels

Old Timer Carrusel, Carnival The Hague

2012-01-04T15:02:00.004+01:00

Ouderwetse Carrusel, Carnival, Den Haag 2011
oil on wood panel
10 x 15 cm
painted on location - Wed 28 Dec 2011

SOLD

The 1st of 4 paintings made at this colorful Old Time Carnival. which was situated in Huygenspark, downtown The Hague, Holland. A close up below, serves to show that I have taken great care, in bringing you a lively scene, thus the carrusel is actually spinning as you see the childern seated holding on to the chains of the swinging seats!

This way, Ladies and Gentlemen

2012-01-02T16:13:00.005+01:00

Deze kant, Dames en Heren
oil on wood panel
10 x 15 cm - (4" x 6")
painted on location - Wed 28 Dec 2011

SOLD

A gay scene to start the new year off on the right direction! The carnival is in town, school kids both young and old have the oppurtunity to have some old fashion fun, in a city park, located in downtown The Hague! The next 4 postings will be scenes of this event.

A Christmas scene in The Hague

2011-12-22T13:59:00.007+01:00

Kerst etelage bij Sint Joris Cafe, Den Haag
ink,charcol,pastel on brown paper
30 x 23 cm
made on location - 02 Jan 2009

195 euro

Made sometime ago, this image seems quite appropriate to send out at this time of year. Some of you may recall that I have made several works from this cafe/restauraunt, over the years. And can you blame me, really? A perfectly balanced design was created on the windows with the Christmas decorations which harmonized with the exterior menu board of this picturesque culinary establishment. It attrachted my attention, as I was cycling along one cold winters day. Having my drawing gear with me, I gave it a go, and this was the result.

A Park with A View, #2, Westduinpark, The Hague

2011-12-15T17:15:00.007+01:00

Gezicht op de NoordZee, Westduinpark, DH
oil on canvas
50 x 150 cm - (20 x 59 inches)
painted on location - Tues 13 Dec 2011

€ 845

A rather large format to be working in the open air, alla Plein-air as the French would say. But with the help of a 3 meter parasol, layed on the ground, in the direction of the wind, it is possible! The same view as the previous posting, however set myself up a little closer to that path leading to the beach entrance. Actually it was very cloudy behind me, but now and again the sunlight would break through, and that is what interested me, thus that's what I paintied. Those two feathered friends seemed to be enjoying the wind, as they and others just kept hovering back and forth, across my view span.

A Park with A View, #1, The North Sea

2011-12-06T13:41:00.004+01:00

Gezicht op de NoordZee, Westduinpark, Den Haag
oil on canvas,
40 x 50 cm (16 x 24 inches)
painted on location - Monday 5 Dec 2011

525 Euro

I was thinking of calling this work, 'Homage to the Trees and Rose Bushes, Westduin Park, The Hague'. You see my friends, as I was making this painting, just about 60 meters over my left shoulder, trees were being cut down! And not only that, DEAR READERS, all those lovely warm hues on this canvas, Wild Rose bushes, well, they also gotta go! Hey, what can I say that Joni Mitchelll hasn't already said more than 25 yrs ago,....YOU TAKE PARADISE AND YOU PUT UP A PARKING LOT! Not too worry, it won't be that bad, Thank God! Just they,..... concerned, educated, elected, Aldermans from The Hague, want only wild grass growing in these dunes! The way they were meant to be, I suppose? In these days of Finacial Crisis, I find it rather disturbing. Economical Cutbacks everywhere, workers pensions being curbed, less funds available for education and health,....but spending more than 3 million euros to cut down trees seems OK. Go figure that out!
Back to the painting. Had it not been for my trustworthy 3 meter parasol, which I use as a wind breaker, it would have been impossible to work on location! It was a feast for the eyes, but my bones were chilled!

Olive tree grove with picker, Abruzzo, Italy

2011-11-25T12:37:00.006+01:00

Olijfbomen met plukker, Abruzzo, Italie
oil on canvas
40 x 30 cm
painted on location -
San Vincenzo Vecchio, Valle Roveto, Aq. Abruzzo, 17 11 2011

Not for sale

Here you have yet another painting from my recent sojourn in Italy. The person shown happens to be the woman with whom I'm having a wonderful relationship these days! She accopmanied me on this trip, had a great time admist the spectacular natural setting, housing these highly productive olive trees. Of course we also had the privilege of sampling the fine foods that were prepared with the freshly pressed olives.

As you can see from this photo, I paint what lies before me, however the model is not visible as she was the one who took this picture! It was indeed a pleasure to have a lot of Sunlight, it really lit up the autumn colors, in the valley.

Olive tree wih pickers, Abruzzi, Italy

2011-11-22T14:51:00.007+01:00

Olijfboom met plukkers, Abruzzi, Italie
oil on canvas
20 x 20 cm - (8 x 8 inches)
painted on location - Fri 18 Nov 2011
Near San Vincenzo Vecchio, Valle Roveto, Abruzzo)

€ 195

One of four paintings made on my recent sojourn to visit family, paint in this lush natural environment and help out with the olive harvest. Here you have featured three workers, two on the tree, and the third on the ground with only his legs visible. A traditional method of raking(yellow objects held in hand) the olives off the branches is employed, this results in no damage to the olive, thus a better quality olive oil! The olives fall onto the emarld green net which is spread generously under the tree. They are then gathered, by hand, and placed into heavy linen sacks, which are then taken for further sortation. The rest of the trees in the valley are in full autumn colors, thus the hints of warm hues in the background.

View of the 'ZANDMOTOR' Project, from Kijkduin

2011-11-14T12:39:00.006+01:00

Gezicht op de 'ZANDMOTOR', Kijkduin, NL
oil on canvas
30 x 80 cm
painted on location - Thurs 10 Oct 2011

€ 525

Dear Readers, Here you have a view of the latest extension to our small yet powerfull country, here in The Lowlands! This man made peninsula, has been created to further continue the growth of South Beach, The Hague. The natural erosion of the peninsula, due to the waves, will transport the sand to the beach, thus preventing it (South Beach), from being washed away, due to threatening future storms! That, my friends, is the theory, now I guess we'll get to see if it actually works. I'm sure it will, as Dutch Landscape Engineering, is superb! It is still not ready for beach goers to walk out on the Zandmotor, as the works still continue to this day, however, just like that elderly couple are taking in the view, one can get a good look at it from Kijkduin. On the horizon a cargo ship approaching the harbour of Rotterdam.

North Sea Waves #1, (repainted)

2011-11-10T16:11:00.005+01:00

Branding, NoordZee #1, (overschilderde)
oil on canvas
20 x 140 cm
painted on location - Tues. 01 Nov 2011

€ 625

There was something about the painting I posted on Fri 14 October 2011, that just didn't sit well with me. Thus, took the canvas back to the seashore, and keeping the same composition intact, I painted this newer version. If you like you may compare, just go to my weblog, and scroll down to that posting. A close up of a few elements on the surface of the water that help establish prespective, and give you a glimpse of the seafaring vessels of that afternoon.

Autumn splendor in Bergen, NH #1

2011-11-07T13:30:00.005+01:00

Herfst gezicht en 't bos Bergen, NH
oil on canvas
24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Tues 25 Oct 2011

€ 275

As I don't want to flood your mail box with my postings, (like to keep it at an average of 2.5 per week), am taking my time with this series made in Bergen, during the Kunst10Daagse. This is actually the 1st painting of that body of work. Setting up my gear in the rain, at a location I was familiar with (made a 30 x 80cm ptg of same scene last year), this naturel canal scene was created. Orderly rows of mature Hazelnut trees, in autumn colors, walking paths carpeted with fallen leafs of warm hues, enough inspiration to get my creative juicies flowing.

Autumn splendor in Bergen, NH #2

2011-11-02T16:19:00.005+01:00

Herftse Sfeer in Bergen, NH #2
oil on canvas
50 x 70 cm
painted on location - Wed 26 Oct 2011

€ 685

You might recognize that this is the same view as last posting, only painted from about 25 meters further away. The sky was much more dramatic as you can see, and at times, sunlight did burst through the thick layer of the volumous clouds. This is probably the best time of the year to be making these village scenes. I especially like the coloration of the leafs, as they are making their last attempt to get some recognition of their unique beauty, before they detach themselves from their life hosting source, Mother Nature!

Autumn splendor in Bergen, NH

2011-10-31T11:24:00.009+01:00

Breelaan, Bergen NH, met herfst sfeer
oil on canvas
50 X 40cm
painted on location - Sun. 30 Oct 2011 (as can be verified by the photo below)

€ 675

Like I mentioned on my previous posting, have been busy painting in Bergen, NH. With the Kunst10daagse taking place, a major Art event here in The Lowlands, il pittore, went on location, to promote his work, and capture the warm colors of the autumn atmosphere. The road leads to a market scene, crowded with people walking about, and of course, typical of Holland, a couple of bicycle riders. Last year I was also painting near to this location, if you like to check those painting out, and other works I made in Bergen, then just go to my blog, (link below on signature), and klick the label, village scene, on the right coloum.

Beach house, Bergen aan Zee

2011-10-28T12:46:00.006+02:00

Strandpavijlion, Bergen aan Zee
oil on wood,
10 x 40 x 4 cm (height/width/depth)
painted on location - Wed 26 Oct 2011

€ 250

Have been painting in Bergen NH for 2 days, as the Kunst10Daagse is taking place, and the energy is fantastic! Creativity flowing around that town like crazy. Made four paintings in two days. The other works are of village scenes and an autumn forest view. A most picturesque village, once was home to some very famous Dutch artist's and still today, housing various well known persons from the Art discilines, here in The Lowlands. This is a rather small piece, however offering an enormous amount of space, and ready to hang.

Taking on The North Sea

2011-10-18T17:53:00.005+02:00

Nemeen op de Noord Zee
oil on canvas
60 x 70 cm
painted on location - Wed 22 June 2011

€ 525

Why I'm posting this work now and not earlier, God only knows! Painted during the Noordwijk Painters Festival, one of 4 paintings I made that day, and let me tell you, what a day it was!!! Have a look at the picture below, that's me working on this very painting. I even made the National News here in The Lowlands that day. Rain, wind, Sun, more wind, less rain, more Sun, then no Sun, and more high winds,... as you can clearly see in the painting, Dutch clouds were the order of the day, and taking advantage of this were the hard core kitesurfers. Not like most of the other painters that day, who stayed indoors, I braved the elements, mind you I did position myself next to a beach cafe, thus somewhat protected from the wind. As a result, the freelance photographer, Johan Westra, who was looking for subjects to shoot, found me. A close up of the kite surfer, he must of been having the time of his life. He did me a good service by showing up in the area I was capturing, as the contrast of his bright scarlet red kite to the cool hues of the clouds and sky, help create a convincing illusion of depth!

North Sea Waves #1

2011-10-14T13:18:00.008+02:00

Branding, Noordzee #1, Zuiderstrand, DH
oil on canvas
20 x 140 cm
painted on location - Thurs. 13 Oct. 2011

painting no longer exists

South Beach, DH (View of)

2011-10-04T13:22:00.009+02:00

Gezicht van Zuiderstrand, DH
oil on canvas
20 x 140 cm
painted on location - Sat 1 Oct 2011

SOLD

Here in The Lowlands, we just came out of an unexpected but, indeed, welcomed heat wave. I made it to the beach on two occasions, this being the result of the second visit. It was early Saturday morning, the light was soft yet intense. Vapor was so thick, that at times the horizon line was not even visible! On this occasion, I felt inspired to capture the whole sceneat hand. Thus starting with the dunes on the left, I brought them to the vanishing point, somewhere right of center. Beach sand from left to right, covering almost the whole area of the bottm half. A hint of the horizon line and, well, just about 67 billion litres of Sea water covers a very small portion of the right side of the canvas! On the details below, you see the entrance to the beach, above the temporary beach cafe 'DeKwartel', then a view of the Atlantic Hotel, hardly visible because of the mist, finally the water with some persons strolling about.

Autumn splendor in Delft

2011-09-29T15:02:00.005+02:00

Herfst sfeer te Delft
oil on canvas
24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Sat 24 Sept 2011

€ 295

While paying a visit to a gallery owner that represents some of my work, (located next to that red building on the right). I couldn't resist making this little scene of the situation at hand. A very playful treatment of brush and paint on a canvas that already had a light burgundy reddish tint, thus you see that coming through, especially on the lower left and bottom of canvas.

Footprints on the beach, South Beach, DH

2011-09-26T14:38:00.007+02:00

Vertical NoordZeegezicht #6, met catamaran
oil on canvas
80 x 60 cm - (31.5 x 24 inches, thus a fair size!)
painted on location - Fri 23 Sept 2011, re-worked in studio, Mon 26 Sept 2011

€ 685

Here you have yet another vertical format seascape, however this time not so extreme with the verticalness! I had to do quite some work to this scene, in my studio. Still fresh with the memory of the situation, and of course how could I not remember what that strech of beach looks like, after all these years! Thanks to a few days of high winds, and some very hard crashing breaking waves, the shoreline begins to take on a natural flavor. Personally I like it better this way. So much re-ordering of things (the Dutch love to do this) has taken place on this beach, it was looking too neat for sometime. A lovely day for sailing, and taking a stroll on the beach, thus evidence of both appear on the canvas. If you look close enough, you will see the chap on the cat! If you don´t know it yet, you can click on the image to see it enlarged.

Vertical North Seascape # 5

2011-09-22T10:33:00.006+02:00

Verticaal vlak, Noordzee # 5
oil on canvas
80 x 30 cm
painted on location - Fri 16 Sept 2011

SOLD

Capturing the Dutch light at Sea, seems to be becoming a new theme for me. What is interesting for me, is that I can really get those clouds down on the surface of the canvas. And what is of interest for you, is the unusual format of this series. Allowing the possibility to create space in those dead end corners of your living quarters. As these canvases take up much more hieght than width, the possibilities are unique.

The red beach towel

2011-09-19T12:39:00.008+02:00

't rode strandhanddoek
oil on canvas
150 x 30cm (59 x 12 inches)
painted on location - Fri 16 Sept 2011

€ 725

Here is something different, for a change! Up to now have made these so called, 'vertical format seascapes' a modest hieght of 100cm. As most of you know, Holland is re-knowned for its lovely clouds. Well, with this format, I have choosen to focus the attention to the them, by covering most of the surface of the canvas with sky. Again, as taking pictures of these format paintings does not justify the details, A close up for your viewing pleasure

Just to give you an idea of the size of this painting!

View of Scheveningen from Wassenaarseslaag

2011-09-14T18:37:00.007+02:00

Gezicht op Scheveningen vanaf Wassenaarseslaag
oil on canvas
20 x 50 cm - (8 x 20 inches)
painted on location - Wed. 14 Sept 2011

€ 325

Yes folks that's sand you see on the surface of this canvas! With a very non hospitable wind force, I still decided to tackled this scene. Setting up my gear about 8 meters from the shoreline, I got down low, thus worked on my knees. This was the 2nd painting made, both excuted as quickly as possible, as the sand found its way into my eye sockets as well. Very irritating let me tell you! When I started painting there was much more blue sky, as you will see in the next posting. I felt confident enough to knock off this little canvas, even though the sky was showing signs of rain. It eventually did start pouring down on me I carried on working for about 7 minutes but had no choice but to pack up.

Chilling out on a sunny beach

2011-09-08T12:32:00.008+02:00

Geneiten van strand leven, WAZ
oil on canvas
50 x 120 cm - (20 x 48 inches)
painted on location - 25 May 2011 (reworked in the studio, 8 Sept 2011)

SOLD

Well as I look out my window right now, it is pouring down cats and dogs! The wind is slightly bending over trees, thus not too threatening, but just altogether unpleasant weather..... Todays posting was made on a pleasant spring day, with obviously comfortably warm temperatures, and a refreshing breeze to caress the warmed up exposed flesh of these sun bathers. Funny I never posted this work up to now, as I felt it was not complete. However, after straightening out the horizon line and adding a few more tints of Royal Blue Light to the sky, I felt confident to make this painting available to the public. The detail below shows just how loosely the brush work on this canvas was applied. I really was surprised with the twisting motion of that topless woman featured at the bottom center. Sometimes the brush does things that you coudn't achieve, even if you try. An amazing experience, as the result occurs merely by the intention, and not so by the willing physical actions of the painter.

Misty Panoramic Seascape, South Beach

2011-09-06T11:33:00.011+02:00

Mistig zeegezicht met zachte luct
oil on canvas
30 x 150 cm
painted on location - Fri 2 Sept 2011

SOLD

Struck by a sudden heat wave, here in The Lowlands, the atmospheric conditions took some time to get adjusted. This caused for much moisture to get trapped between the sea's surface and the cooler temperatures soaring high in the sky. The effect was pleasant and interesting enough to capture on canvas, thus il pittore packed his gear and headed out to his favorite spot on Zuiderstrand, The Hague. Characterized by soft breaking waves, and a hardly visible horizon line, this scene was colorfully accented with the depiction of a few sailboats, three persons and a dog.
Again, as it is extremely difficult to get a sharp image on these large panoranic paintings, two close ups for your viewing pleasure.

A Calming Sea view with yellow bouy

2011-08-29T12:26:00.005+02:00

Rustgevend zee met gele boui
oil on canvas
20 x 140 cm
painted on location - Thurs 25 August 2011

€ 525

You come home from a rough day at the office. You battle your way through heavy traffic on the motorway. You turn on the tube, and all you see is violence and mostly disturbing situations. What the hell, is it all coming to, you ask......Well, the good news is, there is still hope, there is still sanity, if all you will do, is look for it...... Il pittore makes it his business to look for it. But not only that..... to record it and to bring it into your home, is what il pittores mission in life has proven to be. Is there some value in this? I certainly think so, and if only you will allow yourself the luxury of re-experiencing that perfect moment, in time and space, that il pittore experienced, on location, with his paints and canvas, you might find that your own being would benefit from his efforts.

As it is difficult to take proper pictures of these panoramic views, a close up for your convenience.

A very pretty Dutch boat, Markdal, Breda

2011-08-25T16:17:00.007+02:00

Eve pauze, aan de water, Markdal, Ginneken, Breda
oil on canvas
24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Sun. 21 Aug 2011

€ 345

Here we are, back in Holland! The scene depicted is of a very pretty Dutch boat, secured on the banks of an iner city water-way, part of the nature reserve, Markdal near Breda. I was invited to paint, along with others, as part of Zomersfestival Breda 2011. Upon arrival on this Nature reserve my eyes were immediately drawn to this serene and tranquil scene. I liked most of all the reflections on the water, but that boat......., Is that not a work of craftmanship or what? The flag and the couple seated next to it, add nice accents to an already picture perfect scene. Couldn't pass it up, thus, gave it my best shot!

The Charm of France # 1

2011-08-23T10:17:00.005+02:00

De betoveren van Frankrijk # 1, Ainay-le-Chateau, Cher
oil on canvas
50 x 40 cm
painted on location - Thurs 4 Aug 2011

€ 425

Not far from the fields were I painted those grazing cattle, on my 8 day sorjourn in France, is located this quaint Medieval village called, Ainay-le-Chateau. It is late in the morning, the Sunlight is just making its presence on the scene, thus bringing to life the gay colors on the buildings facade. A most picturesque clock tower, which at one time had the function of protecting the dwellers of this village from intruding vagrants and other unwanted guests! Although they don't have a dominant role in my paintings, I always like to include people. Thus a close-up, uncase you missed them!

Limousin cattle grazing, Cher, France

2011-08-16T13:36:00.007+02:00

Limousin Vee graast, Cher, Frankrijk
oil on canvas
30 x 40 cm
painted on location - thurs 4 August 2011

€ 395

The boy in the blue shirt, most likely the farmers son, is slightly bent over, having a few words of consulation with his pet Labrador puppy. The cattle still taking advantage of the wet due engulfed around every single blade of grass, on this will maintained field of emerald green. Here, on this small piece of rural earth, Life is unfolding the way it should be. Located in the department of Cher, France, almost in the middle of this country of gentle rolling hills. Il pittore, on target, doing his thing, captures a moment of sublime tranquility, a moment of innocent beauty. The lighting conditions are exceptionally perfect, at this hour of the day. The cattle are by now used to me, as this field is directly across the dirt road, were I painted the lovely Charolais cattle, in the previous 2 mornings. For your viewing pleasure a close-up.

Charolais Cattle Grazing 2 , Central France

2011-08-11T13:23:00.007+02:00

Charolais Vee graast 2, Bessais le Fromental, Cher, Frankrijk
oil on canvas
30 x 40 cm
painted on location - 2 Aug 2011

€ 395

Same field as the last posting, yet some differences. It was painted more or less at the same time of day, yet the cattle are arranged differently, and the view of the feild is slightly seen from further away. It was not easy for me to capture the correct porportions of the cattle. As I refuse to work from pictures, I had to quickly paint them in, and beleive you me, more cows were erased or reworked than you actually see on the finished work.

Charolais Cattle, Bessais le Fromental, France

2011-08-09T18:18:00.006+02:00

Charolais Vee graast, Bessais le Fromental, Cher, Frankrijk
oil on canvas
30 x 40 cm
painted on location - Sun 31 July 2011

395 euro

Finding myself amidst these lovely gentle creatures, whilst they went about their business of grazing the green grasses of these unspoiled rolling hills here in the pristine countryside of Cher, France, (about 3 hrs drive s. of Paris). I felt moved to apply the colors of my palet on canvases, I had taken with me, from my studio in The Hague. I was taking part in an Art week held at a Buddhist retreat centre called, AmidaFrance. To capture those shadows I was on location at about 0745hrs. It felt good to show up for breakfast with already a canvas completed! Here below a detail of this breed of cattle. As I don't work from pictures, you can see that the paint is applied rather swiflty.

View from the island Panarea, Sicily

2011-07-28T15:16:00.008+02:00

Gezicht vanaf de eiland Panarea, Sicilia
oil on 3 wood panels
10 x 45 cm
painted on location - 13 July 2011

225 euro

Will dear reader, as is clearly evident, this is absolutely not a view off the coast of The North Sea! Finding myself on a short vacation, on this exotic tiny island, off the coast of N/E Sicily, part of the archipelago, Eolian Islands, I managed to get a couple of small paintings done. In the distance, that triangular shaped island is actually an active vulcano, called Stromboli. Every evening one gets an astonishing display of lava bursting high (200 meters) into the sky, causing one to witness, a spectacle of Nature rarely seen. From the distance shown on the painting, one sees an intense light of orange/red, coming from the top left side of the peak, as if a gigantic light bulb is being switched on and off. Closer in view, is the uninhabited island of Basiluzzo. A favorite location for yachts and pleasure boats to anchor and enjoy the crystal clear waters and take in the natural beauty of the rocky cliffs, eroded over the centuries by both wind and water.

Here below I include 2 pictures of a work I made in 1988. It is an areal view of the islands between Panarea and Stromboli. It measures 110 x 160 cm, and is on display in the lobby of the luxurious, Hotel Cincotta.

A pleasant summers day on the Beach

2011-07-06T16:16:00.010+02:00

Gezellig zomers dag an het strand, Noordwijk Aan Zee
oil on canvas
60 x 120 cm (24 x 47 inches)
painted on location - 5 July 2011

private collection, Noordwijk

I was asked to make this painting during the painters festival 2 weeks ago. However it was not realized until yesterday, as the weather was not at all cooperative. The location is Noordwijk, I was sit up directly in front of the luxurious Huis ter Duin Hotel, next to the catamarans. The landmark lighthouse stands stalwart and proud on the extreme right side of the canvas. The water was obviously a treat for people to cool off in the warm summer temperatures. Not a bad location to enjoy a hot summers day!

Path to the Sea, with Sun and clouds

2011-07-02T12:08:00.005+02:00

Pad naar zee, mooie zonnige dag
oil on canvas
60 x 30 cm
painted on location - Fri 1 july 2011

285 Euro

This work was started at Noordwijk last week, but due to rainy conditions had to stop. A little windy, however a lovely sunny day here yesterday, in The Lowlands! The cloud formations were particularly picturesque.

Beach scene with Kite Surfers

2011-06-28T17:43:00.007+02:00

Strandgezicht met 'Kite surfers', Noordwijk
oil on canvas
50 x 70 cm
painted on location - Fri 24 June 2011

€ 450

Just back from a week painting on location, in Noordwijk Aan Zee, as a participant of the Schildersfestival, (painters festival). This is one of 21 paintings that I made in 7 days! Fortunately, I managed to sell 19 of them! They ranged in size from 10 x 15 cm up to 60 x 120 cm. We had very high winds for six days in a row! Believe me after a while your ears start ringing, and fine sand particals seem to like finding locations on your body to take refuge form the tormenting force of the swift flowing air! This work was created next to my own 3 meter parasol which I layed on the sand and attached to a pole. Thus barracading the easel and myself from the wind and rain!

View of The North Sea Regatta

2011-06-14T12:41:00.010+02:00

Gezicht op de Noord Zee Regatta
oil on canvas
50 x 40 cm
painted on location - Sunday 12 June 2011

525 euro

The view point is beach entrance(strandslag) number 10, Westduinpark, The Hague. The horizon line was literally dotted with hundreds of sailboats of all sizes. Must have been a superb day to sail, as the wind was quite strong. Fascinating color displays on the surface of the water, as the clouds kept blocking the suns light, thus creating all sorts of longated patterns on the 'Sea of Green'. Approximately 20 mintes after I finished this painting, the sky in view, was completely overcast with a thich layer of clouds causing the waters surface to tranform into a dull Benelux grey. It is hard to see on this digital representation of the oil painting, but I have indicated these clouds coming in, as one can see by the rough brush work on the top left of the canvas.

Sailing in the Rain, South Beach, DH

2011-06-06T16:48:00.008+02:00

Zeelen tijdens 't regent, Zuiderstrand, DH
oil on canvas
40 x 100 cm
painted on location - Sunday 05 June 2011

SOLD

You might be curious as to how I got that painted on location, whilst it was raining! Will thanks to the sailing clubhouse The Hague, I was able to sit up next to the building, which protected me from the rain. It was just a slight drizzle, on and off, actually, thus not a threatening situation. I rather like the mood that the sea gives off on these sumber days. All those variations of benelux greys, at times, give one a rather calming soothing affect. Certainly not the least bit unpleasant to appreciate. Also I enjoyed painting the wet sand. Of course I gave myself some artistic freedom with the colors scheme, but what the hell, I'm in the business of creating beauty, not ugliness.

Wind Force 7, The North Sea

2011-06-03T15:30:00.009+02:00

Windkracht 7, 't NoordZee
oil on canvas
100 x 30 cm
painted on location, Friday 27 May 2011
SOLD

As a colleague of mine commented, a bit of a Japanese influence on this seascape, re the format. I wasn't thinking about that when I made this work. Just wanted to get some painting done, on a day which was totally inhospitable to a plein air painter, thus had to sit up on the terrace shown on the previous posting, protected by the glass panels. A friendly price, as this is a 1st, working on such a format. A little feedback would be nice, thanks.

Beach Cafe scene, North Zee

2011-05-31T12:51:00.006+02:00

Op terras bij strandpavilijon 'De Kust', Wijk Aan Zee
oil on canvas
40 x 50 cm
painted on location - Tues 24 May 2011

585 euro

Well here I am back on the coast, and let me tell you,...what a windy coast line it has been, here in The Lowlands! Finding myself at Wijk Aan Zee as a participant of the annual painters festival, "Ezels & Kwasten", this is the 1st of 7 paintings made in 4 days! The light was fantastic and as you can see plays a major role in the formation of this colorful terrace scene. Proteced by those glass panels, guests of the cafe and myself were able to enjoy the fresh sea air, without being hendered by the wind. If you look at the red banner flag, just behind the glass panel, (extreme right side of painting), you will get an indication of the force of the wind.

Here below you have the scene of the continuation of this terrace. Painted a couple of days later, with more or less the same windy atmospheric conditions. This painting was sold within a matter of hours, to a local couple who frequent this cafe, and usually occupy this corner table of the terrace, while having drinks.
(Just a reminder....by klicking on the paintings,You can have a more detailed look at them.)

Den Bosch, On a sunny day

2011-05-23T16:50:00.004+02:00

Gezicht op Lepelstraat, Den Bosch
oil on canvas
40 x 50 cm
painted on location - Sat. 21 May 2011

395 euro

Last week I participated in a plein air painters festival in this well maintained old city, here in the Lowlands. Normally this scene would be not interesting to paint, but with the high contrasts afforded by the shadows, thanks to the sunlight, it becomes a feast for the painters eyes. I cleverly sit up under a parasol, thus on the shadey side. Only problem was, the terrace was going to open up to the public in 1hr and 20 minutes! I took the challenge, and don't know what you think, but I am pleased with the result. (tip..... never start painting on a completely white canvas, this canvas already had the dark background)

St. Joris Café, The Hague, (Postcard size #1)

2011-05-15T10:21:00.005+02:00

Cafe Sint Joris, Den Haag, Kleine
oil on wood panel
10 x 15 cm
painted on location - Wed 11 May 2011

€ 90

Just keeping busy with small format city scenery, prepairing myself for a plein air painting festival in Den Bosch starting today, until next Sunday 22 May. The theme of this festival will be City life, and what better way to pass away a good time with friends than sitting at a quaint terrace with a cold pint of your favorie brew.

Postcard size Views of Delft, #1 & #2

2011-05-12T15:56:00.002+02:00

Kleine format gezichten op Delft, #1/#2
oil on wood panel
10 x 15 cm (4 x 6 inches)
painted on location - Fri 6 May 2011

€ 90 each (€165 both)

#1.SOLD Nieuwe Kerk Tower view from Kloksteeg
#2 Oude Kerk Tower seen from Oude Delft near Kloksteeg

This little city is so picturesque I could probably start a whole new blog, called 'Postcards from Delft', and be busy for years! I enjoy making these small format works, they are quick to make, about 35 to 50 minutes max. on one, and they allow for me to seize the play of light and shadows immediately. They also have an intrinsic value as reference material when i would make a large painting of same sceen.

Pulling the Cat to Sea, South Beach, DH, #2/2011

2011-05-09T13:28:00.010+02:00

Naar zee met 't 'Cat'
oil on canvas
40 x 100 cm
painted on location - Sunday 8 May 2011

SOLD

The day is off to a fabulous start. Just enough wind to make these two sailors effort of towing their cat worthwhile! Me, I'm more concerned about the light, thus getting on location well before the Sun reaches its zeinth, is vital, otherwise all those nice colours and shadows will get far too illuminated.

Path to the Sea, Westduinpark, The Hague

2011-05-05T22:40:00.012+02:00

Nieuwe Pad naar Zee, Westduinpark, DH
oil on canvas
60 x 90 cm
painted on location on 2 occasions - Fri 29 April and Sun 01 May 2011

€ 625

What a difference a day makes! If you look at the painting on the bottom of this post, you will see just what I am talking about! Today, I present to you a repainting of the same scene, as depicted on the bottom picture, (which btw was paintied on 29 July 2010). Something about that painting made last summer, just didn't sit right with me. I finally decided to re-work it, opting for a more serene situation of the same view. Thus no clouds, and less growth in the flora, to calm things down. The municipality has taken away one of the paths, allowing for nature to fill in vacant space. Incidentally, this path leads to the sailing club and the strecht of beach that I so often paint. A detail for your viewing pleasure.

Sailing Clubhouse, The Hague #1/2011

2011-05-02T09:34:00.006+02:00

't Catamaran, Zuiderstrand, Den Haag, 1/2011
oil on canvas
50 x 40 cm
painted on location - Sat 23 April 2011

€ 585

With the great weather we have been having lately, the new season is off to an early start here at South Beach. A well groomed beach, looks orderly, clean and most importantly, spacious. It is still early as I set up for this painting. The morning moisture is evaporting, with the heat and Sunlight, a Sea vapor predominates the atmosphere. It is going to be a busy day on the beach, and here at the clubhouse, gearing up for the seasons 1st race.
To celebrate the new season, and express my gratitude to this sport institute, il pittore is offering a 15% discount to club members and their family!

Tulip bulbfields near Anna Paulowna, NH

2011-04-28T14:56:00.005+02:00

Tulipvelden, Anna Paulowna, NH
oil on canvas
30 x 100 cm - (12 x 39 inches)
painted on location - Thurs 21 April 2011 (finished in studio Thurs 28 April 2011)

€525

Yes don't those tulips love water! Especially during the heat wave we just experienced here in The Lowlands. Featured in this painting is the landmark water tower of this village, an irrigation ditch, (which wasn't even there, but I concluded that the composition needed something to balance itself), and functioning water sprinklers. Thus the production of tulip bulbs is indeed a fail-safe operation in this part of the world!

Tulip bulbfield, Schagen, Holland

2011-04-26T12:41:00.008+02:00

Bollenvelden, Schagen, NH
oil on canvas
30 x 100 cm - (12 x 40 inches)
painted on location - Wed 20 April 2011

€ 525

In this painting you see one of the same windmills which was featured on the previous posting. Only this time from another prespective. I got down as low as possible, basically seated myself on the earth, in a cross-legged position. Not very comfotable, let me tell you, especially after the 1st hour! I've decided to publish 2 highlights in this posting. Giving you the chance to compare modern energy producing windmills with the classical water managment windmill.

Muscari Latifolium Bulb field, NH.

2011-04-22T15:05:00.008+02:00

Bollen Veld #1, Schagen, NH
oil on canvas
30 x 80 cm (12 x 32 inches)
painted on location - Wed 20 April 2011

Privater collection, Sora(Fr), Italy

A first for il pittore. First time I've painted these world renowned bulb fields here in The Lowlands. Being on location so close by, one gets intoxicated by the pungent scent of these beautifully colored flowers. Visually a feast for the eyes, however painting them is another story! The hue of these fields is so intense, that even at a great distance the color still maintains its character. This presents a problem to us plein - air painters, because after all, we do have to convince you the viewer of prespective, don't we? Fortuneately leading the lines to one vanishing point does help! Below a close up so as to show you the texture of the paint on the canvas. Remember you can see the image larger by double clicking it.

Looking North from Wassenaarseslag

2011-04-19T12:02:00.004+02:00

Wassenaarseslag, op een mooie dag
oil on canvas
40 x 50 cm
painted on location - 9 Oct 2010

€ 345

What caught my interest on this scene was those Kart-sail vehicles. At first I thought they were small sail boats, on close inspection I noticed they had wheels and later saw them racing along the watersedge, on the sand. Although this work was made sometime ago, it is representative of the weather we are actually experiencing in these days!

The new look, South Beach/DH #2

2011-04-10T14:47:00.008+02:00

Gezicht op Kijkduin, met 't Zandmotor, Zuiderstrand, DH
oil on canvas
40 x 100 cm
painted on location - Thurs 7 April 2011
SOLD

Back on my own stomping grounds! Here a view similar to the previous scene painted on the beach, however one important detail I have highlighted on this canvas (see close up below the text), is the new Zandmotor, being built up to further add sand to this beach. Only this time, Nature will assist Man, in that the waves will transport the sand that has amassed on that man made peninsula (schiereiland). The ships visilble in the distance, i believe from Van Oord, in fact are busy unloading tons and tons of sand, which they first suck up from the bottom of the sea, some 7 or 8 kilometeres off shore. Then this sand is dislodged by very sophisticated mechanical means, thus the 'zandmotor' is built up. Eventually that same sand will end up on our beach, this time transported by natural wave action. Just how long that will take....well, only God knows!

Market Square, Den Bosch #2

2011-04-08T10:03:00.005+02:00

Markt gezicht, s-Hertogenbosh #2
oil on canvas
30 x 40 cm
painted on location - Tues 5 April 2011

€ 285

This is the 2nd paintng made in this lovely historically important city. Here you have a representation of one of the few original buildings in its mediaeval glory. The parasols shown here are the same ones from the previous posting, only seen from a different view point. Not a common style of painting for me, but I feel it works well for cityscapes. Incidently, if you are visiting this city someday, and you need directions, that blue flag is a landmark for the tourist information office.

Market Square, Den Bosch

2011-04-06T13:24:00.005+02:00

Markt, 's-Hertogenbosch #1
oil on canvas
40 x 50 cm
painted on location - Tuesday 5 April 2011

SOLD

Finding myself in Den Bosch on a paint outing with 5 other plein - air painters, organized by Rob Jacobs, of Gallery Jass , I made this and another smaller format work. Setting myself up directly in front of the entrance to the Bijenkorf, looking towards the towers of the monumental St. John's Cathedral. The composition was to my liking, however there was so much information before me, that I thought, the only way to handle this, is to loosen up, and work with a palet knife. That was the 1st phase of the painting, then I went back with brush work to highlight certain details. BTW, for your interest, that green house above the 1st parasol on the left, is the birthplace of one of Hollands greatest painters, Hieronymos Bosch.

St. George and the Dragon Café, The Hague

2011-04-04T12:32:00.009+02:00

Op 't terras bij Sint Joris en de Draeck, DH
oil on canvas
50 x 70 cm - (20 x 28 inches)
painted on location in 6 settings - 20/3/2011 - 02/04/2011

SOLD

In my eyes the most picturesque, café scene The Hague has to offer! Situated on a corner, Weimarstraat with Van Swietenstraat, across the street from the trendy Koningsplein. Patrons of this establishment, are once again able to enjoy the Sun's rays, casting warmth and light on this sidewalk café. Il pittore also takes advantage of the sunlight, which casts shadows and highlights objects. Making it a delight and a challenge for a plein air painter. This is a neigbourhood café/restaurant, which we Hagenaars are all very proud of! The inside is also authentically cordial and a visual feast for the eyes.

The new look, South Beach/DH (re-painted)

2011-03-30T11:33:00.011+02:00

Recente gezicht op Zuiderstrand, DH
oil on canvas
40 x 120 cm - (16 x 47 inches)
painted on location - Tuesday 29 March 2011

SOLD

I set up my gear directly in front of strand pavilion 'de Kwartel', locating myself half way between the dunes and the coastline. Facing south, in the direct Kijkduin, I was inspired by the light and somewhat foggy condition at hand, to work on this panoramic format canvas. Ideal for the new look of our beach, as it has undergone and is still undergoing, a major filling and widening process. We here in Holland love this, as it just means more room for us! In a small country, filled up shoulder-to-shoulder, this is a much valued comodity. On a more practical reason, this is being done to prevent the coastline from being entirely washed up, due to the predicted rising sealevel!

Just a perfect day on The North Sea

2011-03-28T12:39:00.006+02:00

Windstil, zacht licht an de Noord Zee
oil on canvas
60 x 90 cm (24 x 36 inches)
painted on location - Sunday 27 March 2011

SOLD

With the intention of painting a Van Oord ship spouting out sand to raise the level of the coastline, here at South Beach, The Hague, I sit up near the water, and began this rather large canvas. It began to take shape, the forms and spaces started speaking to me, and before I knew it, I had a decent scene developed on my canvas. A ship did come into my viewing space, and would have occupied a large area, had I painted it in. But you know sometimes less is more, and I had the feeling, this work of art is about peace and tranquility, something we all could use now and then.

Spring in the air, Sourh Beach, The Hague

2011-03-23T12:08:00.011+01:00

Lente begint, Zuiderstrand, DH
oil on canvas
80 x 120 cm (please note size)
painted on location - Sunday 20 march 2011

SOLD

As I mentioned on my last posting, this is the large painting made Sunday morning. Absolutely no wind on my back, otherwise it would have been impossible to execute such a large size canvas on location! By coincidence, a professional freelance photographer, saw me working and took the picture which I've included. A new step for il pittore , to work on such a large format, from start to finish on location. I must say the challenge was met with delight and much to my surprise, very rewarding. Since it is difficult to bring you a sharp image, have included two close-ups for your viewing pleasure.

picture by Johan Westra

The rolling wave, South Beach, DH

2011-03-21T13:12:00.009+01:00

De branding, Zuiderstrand, Dh
oil on canvas
30 x 40 cm
painted on location - Sat. 19 march 2011

SOLD

Spring is definitely in the air! Here in The Lowlands at least. A productive weekend for il pittore. This painted on Saturday afternoon, Sunday a large canvas created in the morning and started on a fair size city scape in the afternoon! Right down to the waters edge, with the intention of focusing in on the waves breaking at the shorline. As a finalé, a spark of color, featuring a young girl with her pet enjoying the nice weather.

Soft bright light affect, North Sea

2011-03-18T13:34:00.008+01:00

Zachte licht, Noord Zee, strand bij DH
oil on canvas
40 x 60 cm
painted on location - Tuesday 15 march 2011

SOLD

Not the situation we are having today, at the seaside. However on Tuesday, just before I started work on the painting of the previous posting, this canvas was created. An over-painting of an earlier work I made at Wijk Aan Zee, last year. This explains the rough texture of the undergound on this canvas,(see detail below). There is at present, much construction work going on at the beach, as the building up of the beach cafes, has started. However, not finding that an interesting subject, a tender scene...A mother spends some quality time with her 2 childern.

View of Scheveningen Harbor entrance

2011-03-16T12:46:00.007+01:00

Gezicht vanaf duinen, Westduinpark, DH
oil on canvas
40 x 30 cm
painted on location - Tues. 15 March 2011

325 euro

A magnificent day to be out painting yesterday. Signs of spring are in the air already! Don't confuse these trees with olive trees. The thing they do have in common is the way the trunks are bent and twisted. That is due to the enormous strong winds that come off the North Sea from time to time. These trees are still quiet leafless, and the colors are created due to the sunlight reflecting of the dry dense branches. As they say, beauty can be found almost anywhere. An important task of us plein - air painters is to open our eyes and find it! Almost exactly in the middle of this canvas, can be seen, one of the Scheveningen Harbor lighthouses, guiding vessels to safe haven. A little to the right, the mast of a yacht entering the harbor.

High up in the dunes.

2011-03-13T22:18:00.008+01:00

Pad door de duinen, winter 2011
oil on canvas
30 x 80 cm
painted on location - Fri 11 March 2011

485 euro

Views like this can give me a natural 'high', thus a little play in the words on the title! Painted at one of my favorite locations in Westduinpark, The Hague. As this path is hardly ever used, one gets the sensation of being immersed in Nature. Funny how some paintings need a proper viewing distance, in order to appreciate. With the advice of a good friend, we established that 7 meters is the distance necessary to see this painting, in the real, properly. Thus, one can take in the whole picture in a glance, rather than getting caught up in the details. You don't have this problem on your screne however, as the image is termendously smaller than in the real.

The broken branch.

2011-03-10T13:00:00.005+01:00

de gebroken taak
oil on canvas
20 x 50 cm
painted on location - Tues 8 March 2011

350 euro

I call the painting, "the broken branch". Like my broken feelings, inside me, due to the sudden death of a Dear friend and fellow plein - air painter, Silvester Pepekamp, (Dec. 31 1950 - March 2 2011). I choose to paint at this location, because 2 days prior to my friends unexpected passing, together, we had made a walk down that very path, to the sea. Sometimes change is sudden and catastrophic, life as we know it is abruptely overturned. We have an earthquake of the heart so severe, that the landscape will never look the same. In times of sudden chaos, the soul finds its ground in the Eternal. It turns instinctively towards God, even if it uses other names. Like the tree in this painting, will grow a new branch, so will I grow a new way to be with my deceased friend and colleague, Silvester. Just like the miracle of Nature will help that harmless, vulnerable tree, repair itself. So will Nature show me the way to repair my broken heart. I open my heart by asking for Universal Forces to aid me in my time of need.

Path to the Sea, Sunny conditions

2011-03-03T17:16:00.005+01:00

Pad naar Zee, Westduinpark, DH
oil on canvas
40 x 50 cm
painted on location - Wed 2 March 2011

375 euro

It is still winter, yet here you can see for yourself the benefits we enjoy here from the warm waters passing by here from the Gulf of Mexico. The sun has finally decided to make itself present here in The Lowlands. Still crispy and cold, but due to no wind, the situation at hand was a joy to paint. The sudden heat caused termendous evaporation to take place, thus one can not distingush, were the horizon line is. The whole area above the sea was covered in such a thick layer of vapor, it made for an interesting simple, yet pleasurable viewing condition!

Lemmer Inner Harbor, Winter Scene

2011-02-27T15:51:00.004+01:00

Binnen Haven, Lemmer, Friesland

oil on canvas
60 x 70 cm
painted on location - Wed. 23 Feb 2011

465 euro

Whilst visiting with friends and art collectors living in this quaint village in Friesland, I managed to find the time to make this painting, on one hell of a cold winters day! A few hours after this painting was finished, there lay about 4cm of fresh moist snow on the ground. Although there are a few modern buildings in this village centre, it still retains a charm of the original architecture, thus making it a popular toutist attraction, in the summer season.

Van Oord in action, South Beach, Netherlands

2011-02-18T13:34:00.006+01:00

Gezicht op 'de zandmotor', Zuiderstrand, DH, bij Strandsnslag #10
oil on canvas
40 x 100 cm
painted on location - Wed 16 Feb. and Thurs 17 Feb. 2011

SOLD

Not usually my choice of subject matter, but like all the other curious people passing by, il pittores interest for what was going on, was enough to inspire the making of this painting. A scene which is hardly ever visible, as these are once in a lifetime type of projects. Well, for better or for worse, I tackled the scene at hand. What might be of interest for you the viewer of this work to know is exactly what's going on here! You see that ship, not far away, it is actually discharging tons and tons of sand mixed with water, via that object attached on the front of the ship. This sand and water is then transported by a series of complex pumps, tubes, plastic and metal I imagine. This sand finally gets discharged on the beach. You can see it, gushing(flowing) out of a large iron tube, which is just behind the bull dozer featured on the beach. Thus all that water and sand which is being used to widen the beach, is stemming from that ship! The ship has just sucked all that sand from the bottom of the sea about 6 or 7 kilometers away from the shore. The thousands of seagulls are having a feast, because of course all sorts of delicious sea life is mixed up in the sand/water. By the way, Van Oord is the name of one of the companies that is carrying out this complex operation.

Panoramic Sea scape with working Ship

2011-02-08T13:34:00.008+01:00

Winters zeegezicht met Schip
oil on canvas
30 x 150 (note the size of this, it is big)
painted on location - Thurs 3 Feb 2011

685 euro

Painted the day before the storm arrived here in Holland. We have had four days of very high winds, and life threatening conditions at sea. On the front of the ship, you see an object extending into the water. This is not an anchor, it is a complex insturment, that sucks sand from the bottom of the sea, into the vessel. This sand will then later be used to make the beach here at South Beach, The Hague, reasonably wider. This is part of an extensive program to protect the coast line and dunes in this area of The Netherlands from getting washed up into the sea, as it were. If you didn't already know it about 20% of this country, if not more, is man made

!

Winter Canal Scene, Den Bosch

2011-02-04T15:24:00.007+01:00

Gezicht op Brede Haven, s'-Hertogenbosch
oil on canvas
40 x 60 cm
painted on location - Tues 01 Feb 2011

395 euro

Indeed a most picturesque corner of this outstanding medieval city. Joining 4 other plein - air painters I/we had a fine day in the citys center. This scene is so pretty that it even withstands the sombre Benelux greys, and still manages to inspire il pittore to give it a go!

Cold Sea mist with snow, South Beach

2011-02-02T16:01:00.006+01:00

Koude Zee mist met sneeuwe, Zuiderstrand, DH
oil on canvas
30 x 80 cm
painted on location - Sat 29 Jan 2011

This painting was made on the same session, directly after the painting of the previous posting. Thus by the time this work was complete, my bones were chilled! Here is a little poem that I find works well with this image.

Just stepping out to get some air
That is not the wind beneath my feet
Just a breeze so crispy and sweet

Fresh air is all I ask
A moment alone is all I need.

This beach offers just the remedy, for those moments when one needs to be alone.

Snow on the beach

2011-01-31T12:02:00.007+01:00

Strand en Duinen met sneeuw
oil on canvas
13 x 18 cm (thus small format)
painted on location - Saturday 29 Jan 2010

SOLD

On my mailing list, and not yet have an original painting by il pittore? Well I can't make it easier for you than this...... A small painting, yet giving you the viewer a vast space to enjoy. Breath in the air, you might even feel the chill in the air. And yes it was bitterly cold. But thanks to the sunshine and hardly no wind, it was managable. I was painting together with my good artist friend, another dedicated plein - air painter, Silvester Peperkamp.

The North Sea, in its obstinate clamour

2011-01-26T10:27:00.007+01:00

Halsstarrig clamor van de Noord Zee, Strandaanslag # 10, DH.
oil on canvas
30 x 80 cm - (12 x 76 inches)
painted on location - Tues 25 Jan 2011

SOLD

Looks like a decent series is starting to develop here! Usually I include much more sky in my seascapes, but am finding that in this compositional style, the eye has a comfortable focus on what's happening in the foreground. And that is were all the action is taking place. Wild, savage waves breaking in thundering sound on a desolate stretch of beach. The play of light, causing cast shadows, and creating earthly colors, bouncing off the natural grasses of the dunes, all contribute for an esentially intriguing moment, here at the # 10 beach entrance, Westduinpark, The Hague.

La pace sia con Voi

2011-01-23T13:48:00.010+01:00

Peace be with You/Verde zij met U
oil on canvas
30 x 80 cm
painted on location - Fri 21 Jan 2011

SOLD

Why this title you may ask? Well let me explain...it came to me while I was on location, working on this painting. Something about the gentleness of this scene, had me repeating these words, like a mantra, strange! ....The municipality has taken away all the poles, the barbed wired fence, and the cement pavement leading to this beach. Actually they were removing the poles while I was painting. Thus apart from the small blue square on the right, which is the backside of a sign, you have before you only Nature. Mother Nature in It's purity. A slight glimpse of the sky, the vastness of a gentle sea, reflecting the soft, shadowy light, on a sometimes sunny morning(as the sunlight was sharp for only seconds/minutes at a time). The forground covered mostly with wild dry grasses, serving an important function of keeping the sand dunes in tact. Unfortunately this is only a temporary situation, as everything, will be replaced. I have to think of the Joni Mitchell song, "You take Paradise, and put up a parking lot' Oh well, for me there is something about this scene that lefts my spirit, thus whether you agree with me or not, the title remains!

Invitation to fun and adventure, Beach entrance # 10, The Hague

2011-01-20T12:01:00.007+01:00

Strandaanslag # 10, Zuiderstrand, Den Haag
oil on canvas
60 x 70 cm - (24 x 28 inches)
painted on location - Wed. 19 Jan 2011

485 euros

Yes folks, in landscape painting, "the sky governs everything". That's what the English master landscape painter Constable, said many years ago. As you can clearly see in this work, that couldn't be more true. After almost 2 weeks of constant overcast sky, and much rain, despite the cold, it was great to be out working on this scene. I finished it just on time, as it started to rain the minute I was loading my car with the painting gear. It was unbeleivable just how much the scenery changed, whilst I was setting up and working. As soon as I got on location, there happened to be a fantastic rainbow, coming from the zeinth of the sky, extending all the way to the middle of the horizon line! Of course my intention was to get that on canvas, but it had already dissappeared by the time I got my colors and brushes out!

Fishing Harbor, Makkum, Friesland

2011-01-14T13:59:00.004+01:00

Vissers Haven, Makkum, Friesland
oil on canvas
40 x 30 cm
painted on location - Wed. 12 Jan 2011

SOLD

Well, when the Sun is not shining, and rain drops are falling on my head, and I'm on a painting excursion with 3 colleagues, being hosted in a luxurious Bed and Breakfast, near this village, what do I do?..... I look for a subject to paint, then of course in this case I need shelter from the rain, so after more than one hour of searching I finally sighted this location. Affording me to stay dry, but not warm, as I was out in the open, at the entrance to someones residence. Parts of the water are frozen, thus this glass like refelection, and the slight movements of the vessels, (for let us not forget they are afloat!), give the water its character.

Rolling Wave with seagulls

2011-01-05T13:57:00.006+01:00

Winters zeegezicht #1, 2011
oil on canvas
20 x 40 cm
painted on location - Tues 4 Jan 2011

SOLD

Thought I'd start off with a painting of my favorite subject these days. Thus I dared the brisk cold and windy conditions. The shinning Sun is what gave me the inspiration to make this work. As I had to work very quickly, a simple composition of a rolling wave, and seagulls feeding on, I'm not really sure what. As you can see the seagulls are merely hinted at. What I mean is, they are not painted in, feather for feather. They are painted in a way that fits to the painting, because that is what matters. A painting has a language of its own, and the only way to understand the painting is to decode the language. Now my paintings are quite figurative and thus easily readable, but some paintings from abstract artists can really challenge the viewer.

Snow in The Hague #2, Regentesse Square

2010-12-23T14:41:00.006+01:00

Regentesseplein met sneeuw #2, Den Haag
oil on canvas
60 x 70 cm
painted on location - Mon 20 and Wed 22 Dec 2010
SOLD

You know sometimes when an artist gets in a creative flow, you might be able to compare him/her to a surfer who is riding on the crest of a wave. Especially in this case, as this is no normal situation for The Lowlands. To have so much snow, and then that it doesn't melt, like within a few hours. Looks like we are in for, a very cold winter, indeed! Anyway back to this painting. The Weimerstraat has one of The Hagues' busiest bicycle paths, thus there was a constant flow of them. I have painted in only one who is doing his best to stay in an upright position!

Snow in The Hague #3, Regentesse Square

2010-12-22T11:49:00.012+01:00

Regentesseplein met sneeuw #3, Den Haag
oil on canvas
50 x 40 cm
painted on location - Tues 21 Dec 2010
SOLD

Well, here I am back at the same spot as the last posting, doing my best to stay warm, and at the same time bringing to you a unique situation here in The Lowlands. You might be asking, "hey what happened to #2, of this series"? The answer is, it is still in progress, hope to have it finished later today! Yesterday didn't get on location tell after 3pm, by the time I set up, being the shortest day of the year, the street lights already came on, thus was not able to continue on the #2 painting, as the whole atmosphere had changed! What to do,.....make a 3rd painting. And am glad I did, as am quite content with the results. Looks like a nice series is building up, maybe a up and coming exhibition?

Snow in The Hague #1, Regentesse Square

2010-12-19T14:59:00.008+01:00

Regentesseplein met sneeuw
oil on canvas
50 x 40 cm
painted on location - Sat 18 Dec 2010

425 euro

A mother pulling a Christmas tree on a sleigh with her child telling her something. Three childern, one of which is sitting on a sleigh, being drawn by the eldest. A chap on his bicycle stopping to greet a friend. The whole city is covered in white, childern are loving it. The roads are a mess, and people are being encouraged to take public transportation. It was a lovely brisk sunny day yesterday, thus despite the freezing temperature, I took it upon myself to capture this unique situation, here in my neighbourhood. The theme of this work is snow, thus that is the point of interest I wanted to bring across. Therefore I purposely did not pay attention to the detail of the architecture of the houses. Rather choosing to highlight the effect of the freshly frozen snow on the objects at hand.

The White house with the blue door, The Hague

2010-12-08T16:43:00.010+01:00

Het witte huis met de blauwe deur, met sneeuw
oil on canvas
24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Wed 1 Dec 2010/ finished in studio Tues 7 Dec 2010

SOLD

Many of you living abroard may not know this, but snow on the ground in this part of The Lowlands is actually not common. In the hustle and bustle of a cosmopolitan city like The Hague, you can still find buildings such as the one depicted on this quaint oil. I sit up my easel on the corner of Nieuwe Uitleg and Maliestraat, just behind the Lange Voorhout. It was cold, damp, and it was snowing. Hardly no wind to speak of, thank God. I was dressed like an Eskimo! Standing at the edge of a water canal, beleive you me, the cold damp, gets right to the bone, in a matter of seconds. Especially when one is standing still. I took the liberty of spicing up the color scheme a bit, and that tiny flower bouquet was invented. However I must admit that the Dutch are very proud of their window displays, and come up with the cuttiest of installations.

First snow in the dunes, Westduinpark, The Hague

2010-12-06T14:06:00.007+01:00

Duinen met sneeuw, Westduinpark, Den Haag
oil on canvas
30 x 90 cm
painted on location - Sunday 5 Dec 2010

485 euro

Well my dear friends, here you see il pittore in his element. This has become my favored subject for the last 3 yrs now. And can you blame me, really. Just look at the array of colors, Nature has to offer. Even on this bitter cold windy winters day! I can't understand, how the painters of The Haagse School, didn't get these colors on their palets? I mean they must have been in a constant state of depression, or something. I am not overstating at all, ladies and gentlemen. These colors are plain to see, if you care to take the time. However, make sure the sunlight is finding its way through the mass of clouds, otherwise the colors will indeed be subdued. One of my most trustworthy locations, over the last few years must have created 25 or more paintings near this spot.

Plein, The Hague

2010-12-01T14:44:00.006+01:00

Plein, Den Haag
oil on canvas
30 x 40 cm
painted on location - Monday 22 Nov 2010

Here we are back in The Lowlands! This painting was made more than a week ago. Thank God, because it is now bitterly cold here in The Hague. Temperatures have dropped to well below -14 degrees Celsius! The chap featured on the cement podium happens to be this countries first official King, William Van Orange I. I might be wrong, so if you know better please let me know. With the leaves all fallen off the trees, one gets a glimpse of the stately buildings surrounding this perstigiuos Square (Plien in Dutch). Directly behind the statue is the Mauritshuis. Home to some of this countries most beloved paintings, such as, The Woman with the Golden Earing by Johannes Vermeer.

San Vincenzo Vecchio(AQ) with first snow.

2010-11-29T08:39:00.006+01:00

San Vincenzo Vecchio(AQ) met 1ste sneeuw
oil on canvas
40 x 100 cm - (16 x 40 inches)
painted on location - Wed 17 Nov 2010

725 euro

The 3rd and last of this series. There would have been at least 2 more had the weather been more co-operative! Actually this painting went through a major face lift, as when it was started, the climatic conditions were similar to the first two paintings. However, due to cool temperatures and overcast skies a fresh layer of snow was lift behind in the high altitudes, when the clouds lifted. Thus seen in this work is a combination of snow and very thin layered drifting clouds. The setting is late afternoon, thus the color scheme of the valley is richer and deeper in tone.

San Vincenzo Vecchio(AQ) with olive picker

2010-11-24T12:11:00.004+01:00

San Vincenzo Vecchio(AQ) met oliijf plukker
oil on canvas
40 x 100 cm
painted on location - Sun 14 Nov 2010

725 euro

Here you have the 2nd painting made during my little trip to Abruzzo. This time I opted for a more panoramic view of the valley, which by the way is called 'Valle Roveto'. The light on this painting is a little softer as it was made later on in the day, middle of the afternoon, to be precise. Autumn foilage on the distant mountain ranges, mixed with the still intense greens and silverblue hues of the nearby foilage on the trees, create a harmonizing effect on the human eye. Note the shapes of the mountain peaks on the far left of the canvas. One could make out the shapes of a womans hair and face and a little further to the right, a breast, both in upright position. The locals here refer to her as, "La Bella Dormintata", (The Sleeping Beauty)! Hey what do you expect, from those hot blooded Italians!

San Vincenzo Vecchio (AQ), Italy

2010-11-19T13:32:00.004+01:00

San Vincenzo Vecchio (AQ), Italie
oil on canvas
60 x 70 cm
painted on location - Mon 15 Nov 2010

Private collection - Sora(FR), Italy

As some of you may have known I made a short excursion to my home town in Italy. With the idea of witnessing and lending a hand, in the olive picking festivities. I must say, as luck would have it, I ended up at an ideal location. I was hosted by a cousin who has a 2nd home in the village shown on this painting. Nestled in a picturesque gentle mountainous valley, with autumn colors still in full splendour, and temperatures reaching will over 20% celsius, il pittore didn't need much convincing to set his easel up in a field above this olive grove! This is the 1st of 3 paintings produced in this region of Abruzzo. Unfortunately we had some rain, thus limiting my production.

Koerenbrug by night, Leiden

2010-11-13T12:48:00.006+01:00

Koerenbrug 's nachts, Leiden
oil on canvas
30 x 80 cm
painted on location on 3 occasions - 8 Oct/2Nov/9Nov 2010(also worked on in studio)

475 euros

This actually started as a day time painting, but on the second occasion, it started to get dark so early, I was much more inspired by the whole array of light bouncing off all the objects, especially the bridge of course. As I also worked on this painting in my studio, I took the liberty of inventing a more sophisticated monumental scene. If you look at the photogragh below, you will notice that the roof tops on the right are very boring. They probably most likely had this sort of look at one time. However modern day real estate speculators are not usually putting attention on cultural beauty, rather profit turnover. You might also notice just how important format has on visual representation of the scene. I opted for a panoramic type size, whereas the picture is more mechanically conventional. The fact is we see and are comfortable with the panoramic format, as it is truer to our nature.

Path in the dunes, Texel (re-painted)

2010-11-08T11:21:00.007+01:00

Pad in de duinen, Texel(ververst)
oil on canvas
30 x 60 cm
re-worked in my studio - 27 Oct 2010

325 euro - (price includes a handsome burgundy/silver frame)

Just to make things clear, the top painting is the re-painted piece, which is now for sale. The bottom painting was the original version, which of course is no longer available! It is a common practice for artists to re work there own creations, that is when they are not content with the original version! I feel the new version has a greater sense of depth, thanks to the attention placed on the foreground and the toning down of the path. If you look closely you will see that I have added another pole and created a path which leads onto the main one. Next to the new pole I repainted the small tree bringing in warmer tones, thus making it more dominant. In the older version you see that tree barely scketched in. The painting has now a much warmer feel about it, which if my memory serves me correct, was much truer to the situation at hand, when it was painted on location on that refreshing spring morning back on the 16th of April 2010.

Autumn colors, woods Bergen NH

2010-11-03T16:50:00.007+01:00

Bos met herfst kleuren, Bergen NH
oil on canvas
30 x 90 cm
painted on location - Sunday 31 October 2010

SOLD

It's about 9am on a Sunday morning. That couple are taking their dog out for a walk. They are sharing some nice thoughts. One can't help but to be feel refreshed and in good spirits, in the company of all these healthy life nuturing trees in this wooded area which surrounds the village of Bergen. This was painted just prior to the work featured on the last posting. The splendor of the autumn colors, being reflected in that narrow pond, definitely was my inspiration for the making of this piece.

Soft Autumn colors in Bergen NH

2010-11-01T12:54:00.007+01:00

Feitsen door 't centruum van Bergen NH
oil on canvas
40 x 100 cm (16 x 40 inches)
painted on location - Sunday 31 October 2010

850 euros

In my estimation, one of the best paintings I've made of this subject. Made in one session of three and a half hours, it retains a freshness that can only be achived by working on location. It was actually a very dismal day, with a dull overcast sky. I decided to keep the blue of the background, as the sky, thus creating a more cheerful scene. Hell, life is tough enough! Besides my purpose in painting is to create beauty, sometimes reality just has to take a lesser position!
Painting in this style, I take great comfort in the words of the landscape Master painter, John Constable. "Light - dews - breezes - bloom - and freshness; not one of which has yet been perfected on the canvas of any painter in the world!"

Soft autumn day in Delft

2010-10-29T12:27:00.005+02:00

Herfst dag Oosteinde, Delft
oil on canvas
40 x 30 cm
painted on location - Thursday 14 October 2010

285 euro

One of my favorite canal scenes in Delft. This time with an accent of autumn colors, makes this view a delight to paint. All those yellow/greenish hues work well with the warm colors of the houses and wall of the canal. Not too obvious is that mother and child walking in front of that pink house on the left, thus the detail below.

Art Market Scene, Bergen NH

2010-10-25T13:35:00.006+02:00

KunstMarkt, Bergen NH
oil on canvas
70 x 50 cm
painted on location - 8 July/23 October 2010

425 euro

Those of you who have been following my blog for sometime now, know that this is one of a handfull of paintings made at this location. Usually the subject has been that cozy cafe with the pillars accompanied by a market scene. The 1st time I worked on this painting was during a late afternoon art market in July. Two days ago, on a miserable autumn day, I found myself visiting this location because of the Kunst10Daagse, a local Art manifestation which takes place annually. Naturally I seized this oppurtunity to promote my own business, Wet Paintings from The Lowlands , thus this work was completed. As it is almost impossible for me to render the colors correctly via the internet, I have included 2 details here below. I love this scene as most of the urban development is overshadowed by nature, in this case those steadfast mature trees and of course the impression of the human beings.

Sailing on the North Sea

2010-10-19T13:45:00.008+02:00

Zeilen op een mooie dag
oil on canvas
20 x 140 cm
painted on location - Sunday 10 October 2010

SOLD

This painting was made recently on what was a beautiful day here in The Lowlands! Not a cloud in the sky to speak about, except for that hazy vapor, way off on the horizon. There was some sort of sailing competition going on, thus I had many a variety of sail boats to paint. Amazing that this is the same stretch of water that you see on my previous posting. As the English landscape master John Constable (1776 - 1837) used to say, "The sky is the source of light in Nature and it governs everything." As it is difficult for me to get a sharp image of this format painting, I strongly urge you to have a good look at the detail below (make sure you click on it to see it properly).

View of the North Sea, Westduinpark, The Hague

2010-10-17T09:47:00.006+02:00

Gezicht op de Noord Zee, Westduinpark, Den Haag
oil on canvas
18 x 24 cm
painted on location - Friday 15 October 2010

225 euro

Here I am back at a familiar location. Feeling the need for some peace and to get my head cleared up from what can be defined as ones lifes struggles. I decided to head for this secluded location in Westduinpark, with this spectacular view of the North Sea. Despite the fact that it was not a very suitable day for outdoor painting, (as rain clouds drifted over me on 3 occasions), I nevertheless managed to knock off this small format earthly colored seascape. The light reflecting on the surface of the water was of such an intense light pale green hue, it seemed to be lit up from the bottom of the sea! On the horizon, one can distinguish what gives this country its extreme wealthy finicial position. That tiny dark spot on the horizon is an oil platform. To the right, a tanker, most likely waiting for the price of the oil barrel to increase, thus securing a gaining of millions!

A detail for your viewing pleasure.

Beach Cafe at Wassenaarseslag

2010-10-13T14:56:00.008+02:00

Strandpavilijon te Wassenaarseslag
oil on canvas
50 x 70 cm
painted on location - Tuesday 12 October 2010

SOLD

I'm having some fun here developing what is working up to be a series of oils made at this location. Yesterday was a bit cool, however, as evident in this painting, worth being on location. That never ending famous Dutch light, together with those beautiful Dutch clouds, which seem to be wanting to get somewhere in a hurry, was more than enough inspiration to get me going. Might be interesting for you, the observer to note just how those flag poles were placed in this work. If you check out the detail below, (make sure to click on it), you will clearly see that they were not painted in, but rather the wet paint was removed off, in order for the white from the canvas to show through. Kunst van weglaten, is what they call it in Dutch, The Art of leaving out, in English.

For all you Saint Thomas's out there, proof that I actually make these paintings on location!

Looking North from Wassenaarseslag

2010-10-07T12:14:00.006+02:00

Gezicht van kust vanaf Wassenaarseslag
oil on canvas
60 x 80 cm
painted on location - Sunday 3 Oct 2010

525 euro

Like I mentioned in previous posting, here you have the 2nd painting that was made on that lovely Indian summers day on the beah at Wassenaar. This time the vanishing point takes you to Noordwijk Aaan Zee. I found the pink/rose colour of the windbreakers an attractive accent for the overall composition. The warm tones of the objects on the forefront, combine harmoniously with the cool hues of the sky and sea.

View of Scheveningen from Wassenaar's Beach

2010-10-04T18:19:00.008+02:00

Gezicht vanaf Wassenaarseslag
oil on canvas
30 x 150 cm
painted on location - Sunday 3 October 2010

SOLD

A little off my "beat and track", but not so far. Usually I'm painting on the other side of that small scale skyline and pier, about 3 kilometers done the coast.
I rather enjoyed myself, meeting all sorts of friendly new people. Many 'Expats' live in and around Wassenaar, thus got to speak my native language on a few occasions! The scenery also took me by surprise, somewhat similar to South Beach, The Hague, just a little less built up. Personally I find that attractive, more Nature, less human intervention. Speaking about Nature, I purposely, painted in the horizon quite low, thus affording one to take in and breath all that fresh Sea air, (figuratively speaking of course). Probably the last warm, ideal weather situation this country will experience for a long time. Thus 'il pittore' was rather obligated to pack his gear, and sieze the day! Which I did, getting myself ready the night before, and produced this and another modestly large beach scene.

Autumn colors on The North Sea

2010-09-30T16:56:00.006+02:00

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.