Riding Freedom on The North Sea

Riding Freedom, Bergen Aan Zee, NH
oil on canvas
50 x 40 cm
painted on location, October 2004

365 euros

This painting has been living with me and my family for all this time, not my usual subject, but all the same depicting a scene that occurs with much frequency, especially on desolate strech of beaches. Movement (beweging) is central in this painting. Everything brings forth that idea. Flight of the seaguls, waves breaking, clouds racing across the sky, and of course our lovely pony, says it all.

Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy 2009

To all on my mailing list, thank you all, so much, for your support. Without which I would not have had the success that I am sincerely grateful for.

This picture was taken by someone passing by, while I was set up at one of my favorite locations, in Westduinpark, The Hague.
(March 2008, I think.)

Path in the dunes, Westduinpark, # 17/08

A colorful view of The North Sea
oil on canvas
18 x 24 cm
painted on location, Friday 19 Dec 2008

SOLD


What a difference the sun shining on the landscape or seacsape makes! One of my favorite spots, I like the hieght this location offers. Giving one a majestic view of the sea and sky, while still being grounded on the earth.

Winter Seascape # 14, with descending Full Moon

A magical moment, on the North Sea
oil on canvas
20 x 40 cm
painted on location, Sat 13 Dec 2008

SOLD

I got an email early last week informing me that the full moon on Friday evening(12 dec.), was going to be the biggest and brightest one of the year. On Saturday morning while most people were enjoying the comfort of their warm bed, I was freezing my toes off on the deserted beach, observing and painting my interpretation of this breath taking phenomenon. Aparrently the best time to look is when the Moon is near the horizon. That is when illusion mixes with reality to produce a truly stunning view, and believe me it was amazing. Lucikly there was hardly any wind to hender me, but man was it cold. The Sun, directly behind me, just starting its climb to the zenith, lit up the sky and sea in a most delightful display of warm colors. The sand on the beach is still covered by the shade of the dunes, thus the reason for the dark forground. One could clearly see were the light was coming thru the path leading to the beach, thus casting a rose Naples yellow hue on the shore line(just right of center).

Beach cafe terras view, Noordwijk Aan Zee.

Easy going, evening beach scene
oil on canvas
30 x 24 cm
painted on location, 18 june 2008

Private collection, Switzerland
(This painting is not for sale)

What a pleasure it was to make this painting! Well, at least we have this to look forward to, us unfortunate souls that are habitating in the Northern European countries. Just a quick sketch of a painting, very fresh and spontaneous. One of the 15 paintings I made and sold, during the Noordwijkschildersfestival.

Path in the dunes, Westduinpark, # 16/08

View of Europort, Rotterdam from Beach Entrance/Aanslaag #10
oil on canvas
24 x 18 cm
painted on location, Friday 5 Dec 2008

SOLD

A winter view of the dunes. Here I am back at a favorite location. When one takes the time to look closely, it is amazing how much color is to be experienced, in this nature resort. Of course the effect of light plays the dominate role, without which, everything becomes dule and sombre. We are so fortunate to have this still naturel resort, right at our doorstep, us that live in The Hague. Thursday I went to the Pier in Scheveningen, looking for a spot to set up. I was so uninspired. I guess in the days of Isaac Israels it must have been a lovely blend of nature and buildings. I am referring to the Kurhaus and the pier. Nowadays, in my opinion, it looks like a confused mix of cement, asphalt and glass, doesn't make it unto my canvas, I'm sorry.

ps. please excuse the "blueish" tint of the sky and water, the real painting has much warmer values of grey.

Winter Seascape # 13, View off South Beach, The Hague

Windy, cloudy conditions with Herring Fishing boat
oil on canvas
24 x 30 cm
painted on location, Wed. 26 Nov 2008

SOLD

Not many sailors heading out with their sporty vessels these days, but oh,oh,... don't the Dutch love their herring! The owner of that boat has no doubt the responsibility to provide for his family, so foul weather or not, herring is fished! Not too far off the coast, thus safe for his crew and close enough to allow me to capture characteristic details of such a boat. Without my windbreaker, (which is simply a 3 meter diameter parasol, tipped on its side), it would be impossible to set up my easel, on the now barren beach. As I said on my last posting, Dutch skies are always a challenge under these conditions. My secret, close observation and rapid execution. Thus working on location is essential.

Sorry folks, that is not a herring fishing boat, but a boat that fishes for shrimps and flat bottom fish, a crawler I believe.

Winter Seascape # 12/08, South Beach, Den Haag

Study of waves, with heavy wind and rain
oil on canvas
18 x 24 cm
painted on location, Tuesday 18 Nov. 2008

SOLD

I don't think it is officially winter yet, but believe me, it certainly feels like it. The most common activity seems to be dog owners taking their beloved pets for a stroll, and here and there, persons going for a healthy walk. In the water a few surfers, some fishing boats, off in the distance some gargo ships. What catchs my attention is the waves crashing on the shore line, the subtle but present greens and earth tones of the water. Although vague, there is still a lot happening on the surface of the water when it comes to color variation and the sky also always a challenge to represent.

Path in the dunes, Westduinpark # 15/08

Path leading to the North Sea, windy/cloudy conditions
oil on canvas
18 x 24 cm
painted on location, Wed 19 Nov 08

SOLD

This might very well be my last path in the dunes, for this season, who knows?
It has been good to be active again, since being mostly preoccupied in the last three weeks with the relocation of my studio space. This is the third painting since yesterday morning, will post the other two shortly hereafter. Although the water is inhospitable these days, it surely is a wonder to paint. Those lovely soft hues of green, light earthy sand tones near the shore line, and the distant but vague indigo blue horizon, make for interesting subject matter. Seagulls where having great fun, gliding ever so freely in the harsh wind.

The Lone Seagull, North Sea

View of North Sea under influence of rain/storm
oil on canvas
30 x 90 cm
painted on location, June 2008

private collection, Noordwijk Aan Zee

This work looks like it could have been painting in this period, as we have been experiencing this kind of weather, but in fact it was made during the Noordwijkschildersfestival, (painting festival), in the beginning of the summer. I was under the cover of a 3m diameter parasol, fastened on to a container, thus protecting me from the strong winds, and the rain which poured down almost consistantly that morning. As some of you may already know, I've been occupied in these last two weeks with the relocating of my studio, hence the low production.

Breaking Waves, The North Sea, #12/08

High winds with 3 seagulls
oil on canvas
20 x 140 cm
painted on location, Sunday 19 Oct 2008

SOLD

I had to get as low as possible, thus protecting myself and the painting from the ever present wind blowing harshly on this wonderful sunny and bright Sunday morning. Not a saiboat in sight, although these three feathered creatures seemed to be enjoying getting tossed about by the cold gale. Good thing I had my painting gloves with me, allowing my hands to swiftly brush on those multi colored North Sea hues.
A close up for your viewing pleasure.

Breaking Waves, The North Sea, #11/08, XL(repainted)

Footprints in the sand with seashells.
oil on canvas,
50 x 150 cm (anything but small)
painted on location, Thurs 9 and Sat 11 Oct 2008

SOLD
Private collection, Den Haag

Yes this is the same painting as the last one, in fact, it is the painting I sent out on Friday, however as one can see upon closer observation, a few changes have been made. I completely repainted the sand on the beach, and decided to show the effect of the tide, thus you have a large pile of small seashells, middle forground, the gradation of the sand is also effected by the coming and going of the sea. Summer is behind us now, thus the sand takes on a different appearance. Footprints left behind by the many people taking there beloved dogs for walks, are evident everywhere. There was considerable work done on the sky as well, plus one of the sailboats was removed. If you klick on to my blog, you can see the changes for yourself.

Breaking Waves, with surfers, #10/08

The North Sea, Zuiderstrand, The Hague
oil on canvas
30 x 130 cm
painted on location, Monday 6 October 2008

SOLD

As John Constable once, said "light governs everything in nature". With the sun shining, finally after almost 2 weeks of constant rain, I sure did not miss this oppurtunity to add yet another canvas to the breaking waves series. This one got spiced up a little, with 3 seagulls, two sailboats, and two surfers. The waves were in perfect form for these surf enthusiasts. Besides that they were a delight for me to paint. Again as it is difficult to get a sharp picture, a close up for your viewing.

"Atharina", L'Artista di strada.

Street artist scene, Garenmarkt, Leiden
oil on canvas
30 x 24 cm
painted on location, Fri 3 October 2008.

SOLD

It was hard for me to resist this Fellini like image. I was invited to set up my easel and show my paintings as part of the festivities held in Leiden, to celebrate their Liberation Day. It is a carnival like atmosphere, with loads of street artists entertaining the public. For you that don't know Leiden was liberated from Spanish occupation on the 3rd of October in 1572. The fall colours displayed on the smaller tree in front of the subject, add a nice accent to this scene. Atharina balances herself gracefully on this 2 meter ball, which she manages to roll, with her on top, through the streets, creating a fantasy that entrances the audience.

Catamaran Clubhouse, (ZVDH) The Hague, #4/08

Closing up for the Season
oil on canvas
40 x 120 cm
painted on location - thurs 25/sat 27 sept 08

SOLD

It was a pleasure for me to be on location for this painting. The weather was perfect, not a cloud in the sky, hardly any wind to speak of, and the temperature was inviting. As I am writing, there are no more boats to be seen, in a few days the clubhouse will also be broken down. So I made it just in time. I like the way the perspective in this composition reads, it cunningly leads your eye, to the hidden vanishing point. The self standing catamaran, generously helps in balancing the scene. Indeed a fine memory of this quaint strech of beach here in The Lowlands.
Here a little detail, showing the inside of the clubhouse.

Path in the dunes, Westduinpark # 14/08

Path to the Sea, by Strandpavilion Pier 23
oil on canvas,
60 x 110 cm (This is a large format)
painted on location - Mon 22 Sept 2008
SOLD

Here I am at one of my favorite themes, paths leading to the sea. Revisiting a location I have already painted at, only this time with a larger canvas. A funny thing happened, just as I was about to finish, that three mast clipper came floating by, called the Eendracht. Now the last time I was at that location that clipper also sailed into my view, only with full sails then. A very interesting sky to paint, with a refreshing breeze, sweeping gently through the grassy dunes. Just a lovely day to be out there, doing my thing. Again a close up, for your viewing convenience.

XL Breaking Waves, The North Sea, # 8/08

Beach scene with Moon still in view, Kijkduin, Holland
oil on canvas
30 x 160 cm (thus the XL format)
painted on location, Thurs 18 Sept 2008  -  SOLD

Well the soft nice weather is continuing here in the Lowlands, and il pittore is taking full advantage of the situation. I was requested by a potential customer to make this XL panoramic format painting of the Northe Sea. Luckily there was very little wind, although a one point the easel did take flight, but I happened to be right in front of it so was able to prevent it from falling on the sand. As in the other panoramic canvases, it is hard to take a clear sharp picture, thus for your viewing purposes, I have taken two close up shots. I was thrilled to see the almost full moon, still in the early morning sky, thus it was with pleasure that I included it. Don't forget that by klicking on the image, you will get a bigger view of it.

Breaking Waves, The North Sea, #7/08

Soft autumn day on the beach, Kijkduin, Holland
oil on canvas
40 x 120 cm ( a fair size)
painted on location, Wed 17 Sept 2008

SOLD


Man was I happy to be out there on the beach this morning. Just in time to catch those whispy cloud formations, before that wall of purple/grey clouds came floating in. The light reflecting on the sea was most pleasant to the human eye, flickering flashes of those multiple hues of cool blue. Gentle waves making hardly any effort what so ever to spoil their rythmic flow. A feast for the eye of a plien air painter such as I.

Calm and serene breaking waves, The North Sea, #6/08

Panaramic view with three mast clipper on horizon, Kijkduin, Holland
oil on canvas
20 x 140 cm
painted on location - Tues 9 sept 2008


SOLD

There are times that the North Sea can bear a close resemblance to places, say, like the Mediterranean Sea. Again I like to keep the composition simple. It all looks so easy, doesn't it. But remember what Michelangelo the great Renaissance Master said, " What one has most to work and struggle for in painting is to do the work with great amount of labour and sweat in such a way that it may afterwards appear, however much it was laboured upon, to have been done almost quickly and almost without any labour, and very easily, although it was not." A handsome looking 3 mast clipper was on the horizon, the play of light on it was very intriguing, thus I decided to highlight it as a detail.

Breaking Waves, The North Sea, #5/08

Mooi weer, (beautiful weather), at Kijkduin, Holland
oil on canvas
20 x 140 cm
painted on location - Wed. 10 Sept 2008

SOLD

Thank God for we have been having some lovely weather here in the Lowlands. I am now working on a series of this panoramic format view of the North Sea. It is difficult to photograph this without losing a lot of detail, thus I have decided to show a detail, thus affording the online viewer a closer look. A simple composition, most of the action happening on the shoreline, however the clouds are playing a major role as will. Featured in this work is a vintage vessel of some sort, the white boat coming in from the left, which has been highlighted for your viewing.

Breaking Waves, The North Sea, #4/08

The yellow buoy, Southbeach, The Hague
oil on canvas
20 x 140 cm
painted on location, Sat 6 Sept 2008 (early morning)  -  SOLD

Finally the sun! We have been having autumn like weather here now for the past 3 weeks, if not longer. Sun making only rare appearences, now and then. The winds have also been fairly strong, thus conditions for me to make this format painting on location have been somewhat restricted. Not good since I have 6 customers waiting for such a painting. The light breaking through the thickly covered cloudy sky, made for very interesting color reflections on the water. Painting that front part of the water was also quite a challenge, with water clashing in all directions, because of the underlining stone piers and the tide shifting, with strong winds affecting the waves to no end.

Catamaran Clubhouse, (ZVDH) The Hague #3/08

Catamaran Sailing Clubhouse, South Beach, The Hague
oil on canvas
50 x 70 cm ( This is a good size painting, not too big and not small)
painted on location, Sept. 2007, (1st attempt), and 4th Sept 2008.

SOLD

I'm finally glad to have this painting completed. It has been hanging in my studio, for almost a year now, unfinished. Yesterday the situation on the coast was almost the same as last year. As a result of weeks of high winds coming from the sea, sand has piled high near the edge of the dunes, thus the vessels are partially buried in the sand. Two club members, probably just came by to check that all is secure, no doubt hoping that the wind will die down somewhat, thus making it possible to for them to take thier babies out to sea. The surface on this canvas is thick with oil paint, thus was hard for me to get a sharp focus. Details like those two herring fishing boat, are not easy to see, thus this work looks much better in the real.

Entrance to Scheveningen Harbor, with beautiful Dutch sky

Entrance to Scheveningen Harbour, with beautiful Dutch sky
oil on canvas
18 x 24 cm
painted on location, Monday 1 Sept 2008

SOLD

Not a great day to go sunbathing or for a swim in the North Sea, but for a painter a lovely situation to paint. Only problem is finding a place to set up ones easel. With a wind force that is suitable for the kite surfers and seasoned sailors, it was impossible to keep sand from blowing onto the surface of the art work. Painting clouds is not the easiest thing, but with a lot of practice one gets better at it.

A touch of France in Dordrecht

Street musicians, summer 2008
oil on canvas
40 x 30 cm
painted on location, Sat 16 Aug 2008

SOLD

Picture yourself in southern France, in a small hillside village, it's early in the evening, a comfortable warm breeze refreshing your skin, a cloudless king's blue light(koningsblau licht) colored sky, a glass of cool chardenney and some cheeses and bread on the table. Ahh the memories of that lovely summer vaction. Now here you are, back at home, working in the office. Outside it is grey and very green, clouds everywhere. That never ending wall of clouds, blocking that vital sunlight that wants nothing else but to sustain life and make you feel warm and happy. Yes friends welcome back to life in The Lowlands. This painting was made in Dordrecht, but as I had just returned from a 10 day stay in Italy, and was about to set off for southern Spain, I guess I was in a Mediterranean mood when this scene inspired me to paint it.

De Mark, Breda (Ginneken), Nature reserve

Nature reserve, de Mark, Breda, Holland
oil on canvas
40 x 120 cm
painted on location - Sunday, 17 Aug 2008

destroyed (painted over)

Although I like painting the sea, once in a while it is good to go inland, and paint the gentle flat nature scenes, like this one for example. The sky was very active, with sun breaking through the swiftly moving voluminous water bearing clouds. And yes indeed, I got caught in the rain! I saw it coming, but I just had to give it some final touches. Actually am glad that it did pour down, otherwise I would have lost the freshness and spontaniety of this painting. You know it is said that a work or art is never complete, it just stops at an interesting place. I am rather satisfied were this work ended, thus am sharing it with you.

Het Dordste Schefferplein #2

Scheffers Square, Dordrecht,#2
oil on canvas
50 x 40 cm
painted on location, Saturday 16 August 2008

SOLD

Here I am back in Dordrecht, were I am participating with a couple of other plein - air painters in this local art manifestation. Again I chose to paint the staute which has been erected in honor of one of this cities most famous citizens, the 17th century artist, Ary Scheffer. Interesting in this scene is the size difference between the statue of the painter, as compared to the small female ceramic artist. This was done with intention, as I value the painter much more than the ceramic artisan.

Ponte Rialto, Venezia # 2

The most beautiful city in the world

oil on canvas
24 x 30 cm
painted on location 27 july 2007
Reworked in studio 14 aug 2008

SOLD

The weather here in Holland has been somewhat to hostile for a plein-air painter. High winds, raining on and off most of the day, grey cloudy skies. Guess my recent visit to Italy awoken my senses to the estetic beauty of that land. Last summer I found myself in Venice, with an art colleague, to visit the Biennalle, made 2 oils and a watercolor. This was the 2nd oil painting which has been shelfed for most of the time. I feel I have done justice to it, and now I wish to share it with you all.

Beach entrance, Terracina, Italy

Path to the Sea, Made in Italy
watercolour on 200g/m Fabriano watercolour pad (rough)
18 x 12 cm  -  2 August 2008


Welcoming you to this sun laiden beach on the Medeterrainean Sea, at Terracina, approx. 150 klm. N of Naples is this conveniently shaded path. I was a guest at my cousin Claudia's seaside residence. There are homes aligned along both sides of this road for about 100 meters. I was inspired to create this scene, because of the exotic flaura casting this welcomed shade, which contrasts with the area lit up by the sun. Still early, not too crowded, two childern in the water, a sailboat heading out, summer is in full swing.

Children playing at the Sea

Children playing, near entrance to Scheveningen harbor
oil on canvas,
13 x 18 cm
painted on location, Thurs. 24 July 2008, (late afternoon)

SOLD


Yes folks, summer has arrived, and these little people are certainly taking full advantage of the situation. School is out, the water is warming up, fish are jumpin', the tide is low, and the living is easy. Sailors are also enjoying the warm temperatures.

Ingang Scheveningen Haven #2/08

Setting out sailing on a beautiful Day
oil on canvas
24 x 18 cm
painted on location, Thurs. 24 July 2008

SOLD

In the winter, (Feb. 16 2008), I made a painting at the same location, that was a panaromic view. This time I zoomed in on this detail, as I wanted to emphasize the play of light on that pier. It is the start of beautiful summers day, a slight cool breeze, plenty of sunshine, hardly a cloud in the sky, you couldn't imagine a more suitable day for setting off to sea. Believe me, I'm almost positive, that the 2nd inner harbor emptied out this day, as the yatchs were streaming out, one after the other.

Wind force # 5, Wijk Aan Zee

A proud and stalwart flag, Coast line, North Holland
oil on canvas
24 x 18 cm
painted on location, Sat 19 July 2008

SOLD


It was not easy working outdoors on this one. Managed to find a spot that barricaded me from the fierce wind, however had to fasten a large umbrella on my easel, in order to keep the rain from damaging the work in progress. We have been having this kind of weather for more than two weeks now. There is only one person I know who actually is enjoying this weather pattern, and that is my American friend, Andy. He spent the last six weeks in sunny hot southern Florida, were temperatures are soaring around 100 degrees F. In someway this flag represents qualities of the Dutch citizens, resilient and strong. Two seaguls being tossed about by the wind, an oil platform on the horizon and a sky worthy of painting, add some character to this rather simple composition.

Breaking Waves, The North Sea, #3/08

Breaking Waves, high winds at Katwijk beach
oil on canvas, 20 x 140 cm (please note, not a small painting)
painted on location, Thursday 17 July 2008  -  SOLD

Not an ideal summers day, however for me working, 'en plein - air', couldn't ask for a better situation to paint. With the threat of rain, just over my shoulders, I was wasting no time getting the colors on this long narrow canvas. An appropriate size for such a study of waves breaking, wouldn't you agree? The focus is on what's happening at the shore line, thus only one sailboat in the distance,(right from the center), this helps in creating the illusion of depth.

Het Dordtse Scheffersplein

Scheffers Square, Dordrecht, Holland
oil on canvas,
30 x90 cm
painted on location, Sat 12 and Sun 13 July 2008

SOLD

The monument of Arij Scheffer(Dutch painter born in Dordrecht, 18th century), is the focal point of this scene. The square has been transformed into a Monmartre-type situation, with plein-air painters, street artists and musicians, entertaining the Dordrecht public, all thanks to the initiative of Academica, a local insurance company, and the city municipality. I choose to capture the situation at hand, thus opting for a long format canvas, to afford a somewhat panoramic view. Typical of downtown Dordrecht, known to be the oldest city in Holland, are the not so erect buildings. The play of light due to the shadows cast, help in giving definition to this city scape.

Andreaskerk, Katwijk aan Zee

Old church on the Boulevard, (Oude kerk op de Boulevard)
oil on canvas
30 x 24 cm
painted on location, Mon. 7 July and Thurs. 10 July 2008


Een kloddertje hier, een spetterje daar

"Deze week vindt in Katwijk het schilderfestival 'En Plien Air' plaats. Vele kunstenaars leggen op artistieke wijze pittoreske delen van het dorp op doek vast. Zoals de Oude kerk op de Boulevard, dat een fraai decor vormt voor de creatieve uiting. Toch was het geenszins makkelijk werken voor deze kunstenaar, want er stond maandagmiddag een stevige wind, voorzien van de nodige spetters regenwater. Maar onder een afdakje ging het net en kon er toch iets moois op het canvas verschijnen."

WOENSDAGKRANT, Katwijk (9-7-2008)


Will, this posting is dedicated to all my Dutch contacts. I quoted that from a local newspaper. Basically it is refering to a picture which was taken of me working on this canvas. It mentions the painting festival I brought to your attention on the previous posting. That, despite the nasty weather, high winds and drops of rain, I was able to knock off this piece under the protection of an overhanging porch. In fact the weather was so bad I was forced to stop. I returned 3 days later, with continuing bad weather, however, as is evident, with the breaking up of the clouds and some blue sky showing itself, the weather did finally improve. A true wet painting from the Lowlands.

Path in the dunes, Katwijk aah Zee, # 13/08

High winds on the North Sea
oil on canvas
30 x 24 cm
painted on location, Mon 7 July 2008

SOLD


Today is the first day of the Katwijk 'en plein air' schilderfestival. I joined forces with a fine bunch of painters and braved the elements with my easel and a much needed, windbreaker (a parasol 180cm in diameter), which allowed me to set up in the open, on this quaint walking path in the dunes. The light was dramatic, as is evident of the racing clouds, casting all sorts of shades and variations in the lighting conditions. I was racing to finish this medium size canvas, in order to avoid the pouring down of rain. Not to mention the wind, which wanted so graciously to blow my easel away.

Catamaran Clubhouse, The Hague #2/08

The start of a beautiful day, South Beach, The Hague
oil on canvas, 30 x 90 cm
painted on location, Tues 1 July 2008
SOLD

You will not believe what a difference 24hrs could make in the weather, here in The Lowlands. As I'm posting this, the sky is completely overcast and something wet is trying very hard to loosen itself from its hosting cloud. It is still hot, infact the hottest day of the year, thus far. This work with a cool spot light on it, will be indeed a pleasure to look at, and maybe even warm you up, on a cold benelux grey winters day. It is just the start of the day, and it looks very promising. Mostly people walking their dogs, or going for a healthy walk on the beach. The red building (reddingsbergied) is for the publics safety, were young guys and girls volunteer as lifeguards during busy summer days on this strech of lovely beach

Summer evening beach scene, Noordwijk

Beach scene with typical Dutch 'strandpavilion', Noordwijk
oil on canvas
20 x 60 cm
painted on location, Wed 18 June 2008

SOLD


This work was made on the 3rd day of the Noordwijkschildersfestival, (the painting festival I already mentioned earlier). It was the 4th painting I made that day. One could already notice the fluidity of the brushstroke, giving the canvas a fresh and spontaneous feel, a quality that is common with plien-air painting. The Dutch flag with the small orange banner, smack in the middle, more orange banners attached to the strandpavilion, Holland's national soccer team was leading the European Cup 2008 tournament. The whole country was drapped in 'orange'. The conditons were very windy that day, kite surfers were having a ball. Along with about seven other painters, I was positioned next to a beach cafe, protected from the endless gusts of wind.

View of the dunes, with wild horses.

View from Zwolsestraat 259, Scheveningen

oil on canvas
40 x 120 cm
painted on location - 26/27/28/29 june 2008

Private collection, Den Haag
SOLD

Mr. and Mrs Johansson had no doubt that they had a most beautiful view from their living room. As they are about to give up this house and go live elsewhere, they certainly did not want to leave this view behind. So, they commissioned me to bring it to their new home, streched out on a piece of canvas, 40 x 120. You don't notice it on the computer screne, however this painting is comfortably a large size. It took some crafty manoeuvres to bring about a sense of depth in this painting, and getting those pretty horses in the right perspective was challenging, however I believe I did ok. I'm including a detail of the view, in this posting.

Path in the dunes, Westduinpark # 12/08

Path in the dunes, under windy conditions
oil on canvas, 30 x 90 cm
painted on location, 23/24 June 2008

SOLD

Again one of the best views you will get here on the coast in Holland. The play of light has a rather pleasant effect on the colors of the sea. On the most valuble advise of the famous Dutch painter, Vincent Van Gogh, I limited myself to a warm hue on the vegetation and forground of this art work. It was great to be back on my own turf after an intense week in Noordwijk.

The burnt pole

Path to the Sea, (near Noordwijk Aan Zee)
oil on canvas
30 x 60 cm
painted on location, Tues. 17 june 2008

SOLD
private collection, Noordwijk, Holland.

As some of you know, I was a participant of the Noordwijkschildersfestifal, a painters festival held once a year, in Noordwijk, Holland. This is a well known Sea resort here in The Lowlands. I've choosen to blog this piece, as I feel it is most likely, the best work I made, during this week long festival. I made 17 paintings in 5 days, sold all but one. This work has a great sense of depth, the colors blend in harmoniously, and the shadows on the sand are a welcome contrast to the bright light, created by the warm sunlight bathing the whole scene.

Path in the dunes, Westduinpark # 11/08

Path in the dunes, leading to the North Sea,(summer look)
oil on canvas
24 x 30 cm

SOLD

Back to my favorite theme of this year. And actually back to a location which I've painted already for the 3rd time. Yet with the changing of the season one could, on close observation, notice many differences. To begin with the light is not as clear and sharp as the early versions. This has an enormous affect on the color of the sea, for example that turquoise color is unusual, but at this time of year, it happens, ( mind you for only seconds at a time). Then the vegetation is fuller and those cadium yellow spots are representing those lovely wild flowers which grow abundantly, in the our much valued natural dunes. I'm off to Noordwijk tommorrow, to attend the painters festival, (schildersfestival), which will last the whole week. It is a great event for me, I stay there the whole week, and paint at least 3 paintings per day. Wish me luck, thanks.

2nd Harbor Scheveningen, Early morning

Scheveningen Harbor with mist lifting
oil on canvas
60 x 60 cm
painted on location, Mon 2nd - Mon 9th June 2008

SOLD

If you were to go down to the harbor at 6am in the morning, in the summer, on a cloudy morning, with mist, this is more than likely what you would see. Don't worry, you don't have to get out of your comfortable bed to enjoy this view, as I have taken the trouble to do that for you. With hardly any wind, the boats and yachts being fastly moored, not yet making there way out to sea, thus the water is almost comletely still. This was a difficult composition to work out. The art of leaving out, (kunst van weg laten), plays a major role on this canvas. I positioned myself on a location which affords the eye a great sense of depth. It took about 45 minutes to find that spot. I'm in the habit of starting and finishing a painting in one go, in this occasion, not a chance. With all those details to work out, and remember, although tied to there moorings the vessels are always slightly in motion.