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

Sold

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!

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

SOLD

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.

The Hofvijer # 7, The Hague

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

SOLD

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

The Hofvijer #4 and #5, The Hague

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

SOLD

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

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

no longer exists.

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

                                                                                      here you see me working on #4 in this series

Path in the dunes, DH

Pad in de duinen, DH
oil on canvas - 20 x 50 cm
painted on location - Sat 18 April 2015
SOLD

It is late in the afternoon, I went down to the beach, looking for inspiration. Nothing going on there but a wind strong enough to blow all my gear to Rotterdam. The kite surfers were having a great time, but that was the extent of it. Discouraged, I turned around and headed back to my auto. Luckily I stopped for a drink of water at the fountain just 5 meters behind the location were this painting was made. I saw the light bouncing off the sea, and thought to myself, "wouldn't it be fine if I could somehow show that on a oil painting." Well that was enough to get me started. To show light one must surround the area in darkness, thus on that premise, this work started taking shape. I'm positive Monet would have done a much better rendition of this scene. But, for better or for worse, this was the result of my modest effort. I have done this scene before, over the years, and am glad to admit it never tires me, as this is such a beautiful location, especially now with the new growth. On the horizon to the left a hint of the Atlantic Hotel, Kijkduin.

Small Seascape & Autumn Colors in the dunes 3 & 4

Paal 36, Zuiderstrand, het Stillestrand

oil on canvas - 20 x 20 cm

painted on location - Tues 28 Oct 2014

SOLD

Back on the beach for the first time in weeks, as I was very sick with a severe cold. Thus I decided to tackle only a small format painting and was inspired by this simple yet atmospherical subject. Of course I gave myself some freedom with the colour scheme, but really it was not far from the truth. 

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Herfstkleuren in de duinen #4

oil on canvas - 40 x 50 cm

painted on location - Sun 2 Nov 2014

donated to Canadian Embassy, The Hague Fund raising charity, Oct 2015

This canvas was made in the same afternoon as the one below! You can see how dramatically the whole scenery changes when the atmosphere shifts from sunny to overcast, in just a matter of minutes. I kind of like the idea of sitting up on the same location and painting what lies before me. A pleasure one experiences from plein-air painting

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Herfstkleuren in de duinen #3

oil on canvas - 30 x 80 cm

painted on location - Fri 31 Oct & Sun 2 Nov 2014

SOLD

This work was made in two sessions, due to the fact that I started it rather late in the afternoon, thus  the bright lighting was vanishing at a rate that was impossible to keep up with. Not a problem, a couple days later the sun was shining in all its glory. Sit up early enough in the afternoon, and the work was finished.  

Autumn Colors in the dunes, # 1 & 2

Herfstkleuren in de duinen #1
oil on canvas board - 30 x 40 cm
painted on location - Tuesday 28 Oct 2014
SOLD

It is my self imposed duty or responsibility, as it were, to get out in this area, and seize the moment of beauty.  Mostly I'm on the beach, painting the sky and water and the life on the beach.  But at this time of year the colours of the flora in the dunes are shouting out to be noticed and admired. I couldn't help but here Natures cry of joy as the Sun shined its warmth and life energy on all those leaves, surrounding this path to the Quiet beach, here in The Hague.


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Herfstkleuren in de duinen #2
oil on canvas - 20 x 50 cm
painted on location - Tuesday 28 Oct 2014
SOLD

As we have to take it as it comes, the Sun is what I am referring to.  I rushed over to this location, not far from were I was sit up on the above painting, and payed homage to this array of these juicy colours. I like to add about these two works a quote from a great painter.  "Art is not what you see, but what you make others see."  (Edgar Degas)

Autumns Gold Suite

Herfsten Goud Suite, NH
oil on canvas - 30 x 120 cm
painted - Sat 16 Nov 2013
€575

It's the time of the season to make these kind of paintings. With the tree ablaze with warm hues, it is certainly a feast for the eyes. Your heart and soul will certainly be warmed up on these cold damp autumn days! I love painting in Nature were it impossible to see one straight line! Every form curves, twists and bends, sometimes in the oddest shapes.

Autumn Gold melody in our dunes

Herfst gouden melodie in Westduinpark,
oil on linnen - 60 x 90 cm  (23 x 35 in)
painted on location - Wed 13 Nov 2013
SOLD 

I've been searching and searching in nearby forests to make a autumn gold painting. It seems that because of the late summer heat, Nature around here has gone a little out of wank, thus coloration of leafs is taken its sweet time.  Meanwhile right at my doorstep practically, there it was, right before my eyes.  On the path I use, to go paint all those beach scenes I make!  Now I know why Van Gogh loved yellow. It just makes you happy.  But to a painter, it does more than that.  It makes the canvas burst with vitality. Combined with the intense light of a low Sun, casting long shadows,  and an almost cloudless blue sky, you might need sunglasses to view this scene. When you have this painting hanging in your living room, you won't even have to turn the light on!

SPECIAL OFFERS/KOOPJES HOEK (1st posting)

KOOPJESHOEK - FROM THE TOP, (then left to right)

 Breelaan, Bergen NH, met herfst sfeer,  50 X 40cm -  €250 (was €675)SOLD

2. Herfst gezicht en 't bos   Bergen, NH, -   24 x 30 cm -   €75 (was €275)SOLD 

   4.  Mooie zomers herinnering.......... -     60 x 80 cm    -   €150  (was €375) SOLD  

6. Koningenedag 2013, Bergen Centruum - 40 x 30 cm -  €125 (was €475)SOLD

Bringing art into the working class hero's home, that's my motto!

Here is a fine selection of recent and not so recent works made in and around Bergren NH. When I was on the Art market there it came to me to offer these and other works at a special studio clear out sale. I will be making more postings like this so start putting away some pocket money and low and behold, you may have the prestige of starting your own art collection! Have already sold 5 paintings from the koopjeshoekje concept, so don't hesitate, take action now.

Autumn Gold #1-2012

De schoonheidszin van de Herfst #1-2012
oil on canvas, 40 x 30 cm
painted on location - Hemmensebos (Zetten), Sun 11 Nov 2012 SOLD

The dogs name is Amy, together with Wilma and Selena they are taking a brisk stroll in a small forest which is in these days a magnificent array of warm hues, really a feast for the eyes, together with sunlight, what a combination! I couldn't pass this moment by,..... luckily I had my gear with me and thus this work was created. Of course they didn't have to pose the whole 45 minutes that it took to make this painting. They came on at the end of their walk, when the painting was at its final stage.

Market Scene with Mother and Child

Gezicht op Markt met Moeder en Kind, Bergen,NH
oil on canvas, 70 x 90cm
painted on location, Oct. 2006 and  Sat 20 Oct 2012

€ 1900

Hello Dear Friends and followers of my postings. Here you have a rather intimate scene of what one can expect whilst strolling down a busy market in a picturesque village here in The Lowlands. This is the centre of Bergen, NH, a cosmopolitan village just west of Alkmaar, in the North of Holland.  If you noticed the dates this painting was started 6 years ago, and has been shelved in my studio as I was not content with the composition. Determined to complete it during the Kunst10Daagse, I took it with me and worked on it a few days ago. The mother and child in the foreground are actually my daughter, Selena and my girlfriend Wilma. They were so kind to pose for me, long enough so as I could complete this painting. The theme repeats itself, just to the left with again, a representation of a child with her Mother. You know they say a painting is worth a 1000 words, and for me this image proves just that. Something about the goodness in Life comes through. We are all going through troubling times, all one heres about these days is finacial crisis. In this painting Nature, Love, Kindness and Abundance are being celebrated. Fruits, vegetables, cheese and eggs a gift of Nature to sustain Life for us. The leafs are showing off there beauty before the trees that they dress are going in for a much deserved Winters rest. What is being communicated between the Mother and Child is not certain, but you can surely guess that it has something to do with  Love an Kindness.  So while the Media is blasting you with negativety, remember there are those of Us, (and we are many), that still take the time to show that Life is Good and Love rules above all!

Autumn splendor in Bergen, NH #1

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

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 natural canal scene was created. Orderly rows of mature Hazelnut trees, in autumn colours, walking paths carpeted with fallen leafs of warm hues, enough inspiration to get my creative juices flowing.

Autumn splendor in Bergen, NH #2

Herftse Sfeer in Bergen, NH #2
oil on canvas
50 x 70 cm
painted on location - Wed 26 Oct 2011
€ 700

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

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)
SOLD

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.

Autumn splendor in Delft

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

SOLD

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.

Autumn colors, woods Bergen NH

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

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 SOLD


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!"

Our Cafe with The Pillars, Bergen NH

Ons Cafe/Restaurant met de Pilaaren, Bergen NH
oil on canvas
40 x 60 cm
paintd on location - Sun 18th and Sun 25th Oct 2009
SOLD

It was during the Kunst10Daagse in Bergen that I painted this and the previous posting. With the event of an Art market taking place around the old center of this quaint village, I couldn't help but be a part of what was going on. With the Sun sometimes breaking through the thick layer of clouds, I decided to capture such a moment, as contrasted to the study, which depicts the same scene with a more defused light, and different people, of course. You might wonder, why the traffic pole? If you look closely, you should see that it helps in defining space. One should be able to imagine empty space between the pole and the building. Remember I'm working on a flat surface, it's all an illusion! I made a painting of this scene 2 yrs ago, if you interested you could view it, just klick the link, village scenes, on the right coloum, on my weblog.

For your viewing pleasure, a close detail. Check out the face of a young lady between the back of the heads of the female couple.

View of Delft from Wateringsweg

oil on canvas, 60 x 80 cm ( 23.5 x31.5 in.)
SOLD

Here you have today's painting. A lovely view of Delft as I've been seeing it for a long time, on my many approaches to that picturesque city.
It is certainly not the first time I've made a painting in Delft, but this is the first from this view, and it won't be the last! The reflections on the water, the coloration of the blooming trees, three church towers, one of which, the famous Old Jan, as they call it here in Holland, - it actually really does lean like that - what more can a painter ask for? Sunlight. That as you can see I had plenty of. I'm actually beginning to get some good color on my face, since I've started this one painting a day activity.

Enjoy this visual treat, and please let me know what you think.

Until tomorrow, by for now,

Alberto, il pittore.