Summer scenes of South Beach

Gezicht op Scheveningense pier 
oil on canvas - 20 x 50 cm
painted on location -  6 July 2016
SOLD

I made this painting as a study for a larger commission. Often these smaller works have a more accurate rendition of the situation at hand, as it is more likely to be completed in one sitting. The evening light brings on soft warm tones casting a golden hue on the sand and in general warm tones overall.

S'ochtends op Zuiderstrand,
oil on canvas - 30 x 150 cm
painted on location - 13 July 2016
SOLD

It is the start of a nice summers day. We here in The Lowlands are really enjoying this time of the year, as summer has finally made its appearance.  Kids are out of school, families are packing up their gear, to get ready for a holiday. Most people are heading to a country on the Mediterranean. However for us that have stayed behind, a little trip to the coast is all it takes to have a relaxed and fun time. Plenty of space is guaranteed, and the usually ice cold water has warmed up a few notches, making it somewhat tolerable.  

The Cumulus shuffle above South Beach

De Stapelwolk shuffle boven Zuiderstrand. DH
oil on canvas - 40 x 80 cm - 15 x 31 inches
painted on location -  Thurs 9 June 2016
SOLD

Yes ladies and gentle, not the Harlem Shuffle by Bob & Earl 1963, (made popular by the Rolling Stones cover), but the Cumulus shuffle, as these warm fluffy clouds dance across the sky on a lovely sunny morning here at South Beach, The Hague. This view dominated by warm tones, buildings catching the suns warm rays, just a pleasure to be able to bring to you the viewer this special moment.

The last cloud meets the light

De opklaring, s' ochtends vroeg
oil on canvas - 50 x 100 cm (19 x 39 inches)
painted on location and in studio - May 2016
SOLD

A special moment in time. The morning light is painting on the sky a symphony of warm pastel colors.  Most people are still catching their last dreams of the night, while these sailors are about to meet the calm North Sea. Of course il pittore is also on location, making sketches and taking pictures of this magical fleeing moment. The painting was further advanced in the studio, as such a size canvas is almost impossible to finish on location.

The Lone Seagull

De Eenzame Zeemeeuw
oil on canvas - 13 x 18 cm
painted on location - Sunday 10 April 2016


The seagull finds herself flying over de Stille strand (the Quiet beach) and she likes it. She is going to stay and make some friends. Nearby is the busy harbor Scheveningen where she can always get a good meal from the haring ships leftovers. A quaint little painting of this beach,  probably, when you are a local,  your favorite beach.

The Soft Light Series 3 & 4, 2016

Zuiderstrand, de nieuwe "look".
oil on canvas - 30 x 80 cm
painted on location - Sunday 10 April 2016
SOLD

Zuiderstrand s ochtend , 11/04/16
oil on canvas - 50 x 70 cm
painted on location - Monday 11 April 2016
SOLD

Fine to see things starting to pick up here at South Beach, for the 2016 season. The same view, but as I say, time after time, never once the identical situation, thus each painting is unique. Leo from De Fuut, always proudly hanging the Dutch flag. You might have noticed, the blue building (The Hague Sailing Club) as changed format, compared to what it looked like in my previous paintings of this view. Here below a detail of the above work.

Promises of Spring with the Rolling Waves

beloften van de lente met de rollende golven
oil on canvas - 20 x 140 cm
painted on location - Friday 1 April 2016
SOLD

Yes ladies and gentlemen, promises of spring. The water slowly warms up as the Sun now stays with us much longer. Activity begins to increase both on and off shore, as you can see on the horizon line of the above panoramic painting. Below a picture taken the very moment the work was completed.

Sailing the turbulent North Sea

varen op de woelig noordzee
oil on canvas - 40 x 30 cm
painted on location - Monday 21 March 2016
SOLD

Not every bodies cup of tea, but for the hard core sailors of this gutsy North Sea, it certainly will put some hairs on your chest! The wave action was so worthy of being painted that day I decided to set up right at the waterfront. Making order out of chaos, that was my task, on this surface of linen. After several repaints of the waves crashing, I finally was satisfied with the result you see.

The Soft Light Series

A SOFT LIGHT FINDS MY BEACH

Westduinpark vanaf strandslag 10
oil on canvas - 30 x 120 cm
painted on location - Thurs 17 March 2016
SOLD

On that sign nailed to the blue pole, is written, "verboden toegang", in English, forbidden entrance. Perched on the sign is a black bird. She does have permission to enter the dunes, we humans don't. Thank God not everybody is a Dutch Civil Servant working in The Hague, and in most Natural Reserves around the world, us humans are allowed access. Oh well, your eyes do have access, and so do mine. Thus I paint for you the beauty of these majestic dunes.

Zuiderstrand met Zacht licht
oil on canvas - 40 x 120 cm
painted on location - Thurs 10 March 2016
SOLD

The 1st large beach scene I have made thus far for this new season. Personally I love finding myself on location on these days with mist and fog influencing the scenery. Something mystical yet intriguingly inviting about this voluptuous atmosphere.

Homage to the Quiet Beach

Hommage aan het stille strand
oil on canvas - 70 x 210 cm - (27 x 83")
painted on many sessions in the studio - Dec 2015 t/m March 2016
SOLD

I am forever being asked to make a huge painting of this beach, so finally here it is. Painted on several sessions in my atelier, from paintings I had made previously, and of course from the way I see this beach, as I have been actively painting here for 9 years now! It is called "het stille strand",  the quiet beach. Most likely in reference to the very busy beach, just due North, and that being the popular Scheveningen  Beach. But also in reference, I think to the Nature Reserve (Westduinpark) one has to walk or bike across, to get at this beach.
I have chosen to show the viewer of this painting a moment in time when the fog lifts. Thus some light bouncing of the dunes to the far left. The seagulls in a playful flight pattern, coming towards the viewer, two persons walking on the beach and further right a barely visible yellow buoy, and finally on the horizon, an oil tanker.
To really appreciate this painting it must be seen in the real. However if you can't make it to one of my markets or a studio visit, I have added  some extra pictures.

On the Path 8 & 9

                                                                   Op Pad 8 - Zusters met de Jackie
                                                                         oil on canvas - 18 x 24 cm
                                                                painted on location - Mon 7 March 2016
                                                                                         NTK.

Op Pad 9 - Morning has broken (to quote Cat Stevens)

Oil on canvas - 18 x 24 cm

painted on location - Tues 8 March 2016

SOLD

The same location 9 times, every painting a little different. I will stop for now, and most likely re-visit this theme in the middle of spring. Sometimes just the silence of this Nature reserve to have for yourself is more than enough, thus have not always painted people in them. The light is never quite the same thus every work is unique and since they were freely painted the elements in the composition vary slightly. 

On the Path 5/6/7

The Encounter (de ontmoeting)
oil on canvas - 18 x 24 cm (7 x 9.5")
painted on location - Mon 29 Feb 2016
SOLD

On the path, encounters are made. Why, even life long friendships can find their births. In this little scene, you get the feeling that something is going to develop between these two!  

Afternoon ride,  (Middag rid), Westduinpark
oil on canvas - 18 x 24 cm (7 x 9.5")
painted on location and studio -  Wed 2 March 2016
SOLD

Inspired by the Haagse School painter Anton Mauve's Moring ride on the beach. I decided to add these riders on this painting. Normally you would not see riders on this path, as there are special designated trails for horse riders in these dunes. Hey, but as an artist I am free to express and make up stories in my own creations. Thus this work was born.

The flight of two seagulls and the Rabbit chase.

oil on canvas - 18 x 24 cm ( 7 x 9.5")

painted on location - Thurs 3 March 2016

SOLD

Sometimes as the saying goes, "less is more". Thus in this painting I decided to keep it simple and put the focus on a few heavenly creatures, that inhabit these dunes. And I did my best to show detail of the flora and fauna in Westduinpark.

On the Path - 3 & 4

Op Pad # 3 - The conversation (het gesprek)
oil on canvas - 18 x 24 cm (7"x 9.5")
painted on location - Mon. 22 Feb 2016
SOLD

Op Pad # 4 - Mother and daughter
oil on canvas - 18 x 24 cm (7"x 9.5")
painted on location - Wed 24 Feb 2016
SOLD

Same size as the first two, same location, same fence poles, same trees and bushes, same dunes. Different people, different sky, different light, different coloration, different themes.  That's what is going to make this an intriguing series. At least that is my aim, to make it interesting. And of course to touch you the viewer in a way that words fail to do so. Hope you to are also enjoying the developments of these little oil paintings.

On the Path, 1 & 2

Op pad no. 1, (met hond)
oil on canvas - 18 x 24 cm (7" x 9.5")
painted on location - wed 17 Feb 2016
SOLD

Op pad no. 2, (de omhelzing) 
oil on canvas - 18 x 24 cm (7" x 9.5")
painted on location - Fri 19 Feb 2016
SOLD

In case your not Dutch, this one is simply called, the hug. A lot of things happen when one is on the path. One sees much. One experiences much. Why one even feels much.  I think I'm gonna like this series. Staring with this location, will get out there often and every painting will have a different story to tell.  For me this location is full of beauty. Maybe it is the path fading away in a downward curve to an unseen vista. Or perhaps the tonal range of the colors present in the dunes this time of the year. Not really sure and quite frankly, I don't even care. I just know that something summoned my attention and being myself on the path,  I was compelled stop at this very spot,  in the Westduinpark, The Hague, and put my craft to practice.

The Power of The North Sea

 

                  

                                 

                                                

           
De Kracht van de Noord Zee​

oil on canvas - 20 x 60 cm - (8" x 23") 

painted on location - Thurs. 11 Feb 2016

SOLD
​

Above you have a painting I made last week, on a very cold, yet sunny day. The wind factor was comfortable for me to set up in the open air, as you can see in the thumbnail picture below. I had the challenge before me of capturing the ever changing light effect on the sea. Often passers by made the comment to me, "I don't see no green water". In Dutch of course. And my reply would be, stick around for a while and when the Sun light gets blocked by a passing cloud, then you will see it! I'm sure most of you are familiar with this colouration of the Sea. Especially on a cold winters day. A sailboat on the horizon and three seagulls closer by, help in defining the perspective.

The Lone Jogger

​
De eenzame loper

oil on canvas - 30 x 50 cm

painted on location - ​ Thurs 28 Jan 2016

SOLD

The place is the quiet beach, but believe me, it is not at all quiet in these days. Why just the sound of the wind blowing anything that is not fastened to the ground, will make your ears beg for peace and stillness. This work was made just in time, while Poseidon was still hanging around.  But as is clearly visible in the sky, something was brewing up, the wind playing with the clouds like they were tennis balls. Why Zeus himself must have gathered his team and decided to give those government coastline planners something to rejoice about. Aeolus, Zephyrus, Boreas, Notus and even little known Eurus have been summoned and the dunes are growing a mile a minute. You even have to climb sand piles 5 to 10 meters high at the entrances to the beach just to get on it. Oh well, you most likely don't have the time to check this out, so that's were I come in. Immortalising these unique moments on Zuiderstrand on linen, for your eyes only!

Until next week, hasta la vista   

Carnivale 2015 - Visits The Hague 2

These seven paintings and the three works from the previous posting are my complete selection of works made for this colorful and unique Carnival which we are fortunate to have right here in The Haque.

 1.

 2.   3.

Scenes from the nightly Burlesque show
oil on canvas - 18 x 24 cm each (7 x 9 inches)
painted in the studio from pictures - 12 - 15 Jan. 2016
SOLD



For the 1st time in Carnivale history, artistic burlesque show for the adult crowd.  The entertainment was light, humors and very creative.  A joyful experience for the dancers and crowd alike. Thanks to some fine photography from Ray Hartman I was able to create this little series.


                                     ___________________________________________

Scenes from Carnivale 2015 - 1/2/3/4

oil on canvas - 1. 13 x 18 cm (5 x 7 inches) .......   SOLD

                             2. 30 x 50 cm (12 x 20 inches) ....... SOLD

                               3. 24 x 30 cm (9.5 x 12 inches) ...... SOLD

                              4. 30 x 60 cm (12 x 23.5 inches) ......€450

painted on location - 27/28/29/30 Dec 2015

Wout, the strongest man in the world. He certainly managed to convince all the kids that were amazed at his ability to lift 400 kilograms! And then there was the 1.5 million volt man, who together with his assistant put on a very eerie show, drawing full attention from the spectators who were for the most part, hoping that nothing would go wrong.  

Carnivale 2015 - Visits The Hague 1.

Old fashion Merry-go-round, Day version

oil on canvas - 30 x 80 cm

painted on location - 28 Dec 2015

SOLD

Old Fashion Merry-go-round, Night Version​

oil on canvas - 40 x 80 cm

painted on location - 27 Dec 2015

SOLD

Here you have something a little different. I have been fortunate to be selected the official resident painter of this marvellous and magical vintage style, Carnival event. It takes place at Huijgenspark in The Hague, during Christmas and New Years Eve, (unfortunately not every year). I made a total of 10 works, most of which were made on the spot.  I present here the works which concentrated on the merry-go-round (draaimolen). Mainly because of the kids shouts of joy, gave the whole atmosphere really a gay merry feeling. Also the colours and lights of the object itself was a delight to put on canvas. Below you see me getting started on the Night Version.

The gentle roar of The North Sea

de zachte ruisen van de Noordzee
oil on canvas - 30 x 60 cm
painted on location - Monday 23 Dec 2015

SOLD

The gentle roar of the North Sea. A sound that even seasoned sailors respect and closely listen to, for as to navigate its water soberly. Surfers also listen to it messages, as they to are constantly in the hands of her mercy, never daring to dishonor her temperament. The wind carries her howl to far reaches, knocking over objects not stalwartly rooted. Nothing can stand in her way, as she meanders over and around all obstacles. How does one meditate on this roar? Will I've presented a solution. By immortalizing the moment, in space and time, in a visual feast of color and movement.

Road to the center, The Hague

De weg naar het centrum, Den Haag
oil on canvas - 40 x 50 cm
painted on location - Wed 24 June 2015


A painting made sometime ago, however only now posting on my blog. The work shows the popular terrace of St. Joris Cafe on the Koningsplein, the road then leads into Prins Hendrikstraat, after crossing the Waldeck Pyrmontkade.  Thousands of bicyclists use this path to reach the city center daily. It is good for the environment and a good way to stay in shape. Painted late in the afternoon, the low Sun is casting necessary shadow to create contrasts in the composition. Below....Dimitris Voyiazoglou, Leon Holmes, and me working on location.

South Beach with mist

Zuiderstrand in de mist
oil on canvas - 20 x 140 cm
painted on location - Sunday 01 Nov 2015
SOLD

A busy day yesterday on the beach, as the temperature was rather high for this time of the year, and there was absolutely no wind. Luckily I was on location early enough to miss the big crowds, but by the time this painting was completed, the beachfront was a mass of people and dogs having a ball, I rather like the effect the haze had on the view being shown here, blurring out all that mass of concrete objects on the horizon (Scheveningen Peir and boulevard).                                            

Race of The Classics, View off South Beach, The Hague

Race of The Classics, Gezicht vanaf Zuiderstrand, DH
oil on canvas, 30 x 150 cm
painted on location, Friday 16 October 2015
SOLD

 As if I was lead there by some unseen force, it was my destiny to be at the right place at the right time, to immortalise this very rare view, off the coast of Scheveningen, Holland.  I was not planning to be painting that morning, Actually I went to collect my parasol, at the beach, and low and behold, this happening was just getting started, they were still leaving the harbour.  I immediately ran back to my car, drove as quickly as possible to my studio, grabbed my gear and was back on location. I couldn't believe my eyes, there must have been what seemed like 30 or more of these babies, circling, manoeuvring in all directions.  Everybody on the beach was mesmerised, all making films on their mobiles. I'm pretty sure I was the only painter making a painting, and that my dear friends is what makes this work truly unique. Does anybody know someone who works for archival department, city of The Hague, am sure they would be interested!

View of Scheveningen from Wassenaarseslag

Gezicht op Scheveningen vanaf Wassenaarseslag,
oil on canvas - 20 x 50 cm
painted on location - Fri 7 Aug 2015
SOLD

For some reason I didn't post this work back in August. This is actually the study I did for a 80 x 200 cm commission. Characterised by high dunes and a wide beach this is one of the most natural sections of our coastline here in Holland. A stretch of beach and dunes that is frequently used by hikers and bicycle enthusiasts.

Indian Summer visits Zuiderstrand 3x

Mooi na zomers ochtend
oil on canvas - 30 x 150 cm
painted on location - Mon 21 Sept 2015
SOLD

The morning that this was painted it was actually quite cold, yet due to hardly any wind force, it was possible for me to set up and work.  For many it invites one to want to check out this beach, we have here in The Hague. In fact I feel I am doing the Gemeente Den Haag a great service. Surely I must be getting people excited about coming to the coast and going for a walk, or just chilling out on this stretch of Earth.

Zuiderstrand met wind en wolken

oil on canvas - 60 x 80 cm

painted on location - Mon 28 Sept. 2015

SOLD

Well, not too many days left for me to offer such breath taking scenery for the searcher of Beauty and Space. As in Holland "Space", has become a luxurious commodity, afforded to the wealthy, and in some cases, even the wealthy find it hard to come by. A small overcrowded country it is, our beloved flat land, with beautiful skies, and lovely flowers.  This country also has the capacity to breed genuine people, past and present. In fact featured in this painting is one of the present day "genuine"persons. His name is Theo Janssen, and you can clearly see him hunched over one of his so called, "strandbeesten", (literally translates to "beach beast").  His days are also numbered here on South Beach for this season, as his beach studio will be folding up and along with all the other buildings on the beach, will be closing down for the winter. 

Zuiderstrand, The Big Picture
oil on canvas - 60 x 120 cm
painted on location - Wed 30 Sept 2015
SOLD

This is the first time I made a painting from this vantage point. Before you is the stretch of beach were people like to let it all hang out, "the nude beach". In fact if you zoom in on that person laying next to the wind screen, you will see he is wearing nothing but a hat! It was not so crowded most people were hanging out at the beach cafe. The sky is what crabbed me the most, and inspired me to give my best shoot at this view. A rather windy day, as you can see by the beach surface and the clouds, and believe you me, by the end of this plein-air session I was exhausted!

In Homage to HKZV

Hommage aan HKZV
oil on canvas - 70 x 50 cm
painted on location - Friday 11 Sept 2015
SOLD

Yes folks, take a good look, because this will be probably the last time you see this cobalt blue landmark on our beloved stretch of Earth, known as Zuiderstrand. Next season it will be replaced with a lower object and from what I hear, not right up against the dunes. Over the years I've made at least 3 dozen, if not more paintings, which feature this exclusive clubhouse. It is situated next to the beach Cafe/Restaurant, De Fuut, which has a cadmium yellow light hue finish. Together they sparkle like a diamond in Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry box.  Another unique quality of this work, is that it is most likely the last hot summer look scene of Zuiderstrand I will be painting this year.

Indian Summer on the beach

Moeder en kind naar strand bij "Zuid" (Nieuwe versie)
oil on canvas - 40 x 80 cm
painted on location - Tues 9 Sept 2014 (re-worked in studio 3 Sept 2015)
SOLD

Almost exactly a year later I decided to re fresh this warm beach entrance scene.It is the start of a warm Indian Summers day. This Mom is treating her daughter to a day of fun at the cool waters edge, were indeed most Haagenaar folk like to go when it gets up in the mid 20's celsius. One of the hot spots for the young crowd, this beach house is simply called Zuid, which means South.


The painting here under is MUCH, MUCH bigger than the above work, just this weblog formatting does not give that appearance.

Wijds gezicht op Zuiderstrand bij ochtend licht,
oil on canvas - 70 x 140 cm (let op!)
painted on location - Wed 9 & Thurs 10 Sept. 2015
SOLD

I waited patiently for almost 2 weeks for some good sunny weather to make this and 3 other paintings in the past 3 days. A scene I never get tired of painting, and now working this size, on location, really gets my inspiration juices flowing. Can't wait to exhibit this on my next art market, just to hear the reactions from the on lookers.

The Golden hour finds Scheveningen

Het gouden uur vindt Scheveningen
oil on canvas - 20 x 140 cm (8" x 48")
painted on location 5x - 06 Aug - 21 Aug 2018
SOLD

Finding myself getting ready for Art markets in Scheveningen I decided to make yet again a painting of this scene, however this time with the warm tones of the Golden hour. This refers to that time of day when the Sun is anxiously making its way to kiss the horizon. Fortunately for me, this time of year it takes a good hour and a half.  Lots of sport activity takes place on this beach. Featured on the bottom right is glimpse of  the world class beach volleyball stadium.

As most of you know these panoramic format paintings are difficult to represent digitally on line, thus 2 close ups for your viewing pleasure.

Summertime and the living is easy

Intimate beach family scene
oil on canvas - 13 x 18 cm (5 x 7 inches)
painted on location -  Sun 2 August 2015
SOLD

Holiday season is in full swing, and people in Holland are taking full advantage of the nice weather! Here is a close up of one families situation. The kids are refreshing themselves in the water, the baby is staying fresh under the parasol, while the adults are preparing a snack and drinks! Yes, as parents, were better a place can you bring your kids to let loose and have fun. Just a warning of caution, be careful, because the Sea although life giving, can sometimes take it away.

Invitation to fun and adventure
oil on canvas - 60 x 120 cm - (24 x 47 inches)
painted on location - Sunday 9 August 2015
SOLD

This scene is always an inspiration for me to set up and paint. Over the years have done it at least 2 dozen times, in all weather conditions, but in my opinion this situation works best! Hell life is tough enough. You come home from a stressful day at the office, or wherever. You take off your hat and shoes, the misses has a warm dinner sizzling in the oven. You crack open a cool beer, sit yourself down, you look up. Now would you not rather be looking at this scene and not a stormy wind blazing savage Sea. Who knows it might even entice you to fancy those curves your wife so proudly displays, for your eyes only!