Sailing the North Sea

 

Zeilen op de Noordzee,

oil on canvas - 30 x 150 cm

painted on location - Sun 18 April 2021

SOLD

For a sailor, when sailing, all that matters is the sea and the sky, the land doesn't concern him. Thus I dedicated this painting to only the sea and the sky. Enough going on in that sky to keep any painter busy for hours, at least. An ideal day to be sailing, plenty of wind and plenty of Sun. If you look closely you will see many variations of green on the water, the sun light determines what color the water will be, clouds of course have an influence as well.  

Ode aan Scheveningen

2de binnen haven met mist
oil on linnen - 60 x 90 cm
painted on location and re-worked in studio - Dec 2018

SOLD

Here you have an example of artist's free interpretation of a painted scenery, altered to his/her fancy and delight. Below you have the painting in its original form, that is to say with sunlight and much harsher distinct details. Upon hours of  reflection I decided to make the scene quieter and much calmer. Fortunately for me, I didn't have to go back on location, to do this. As the composition remains true to the original, only the surface has changed. I feel it is an improvement, but of course that's only my opinion. Do you have an opinion, feel free to share it with me, thanks.

Mr Cumulus Cloud and his refelection

Deheer Cumulus Cloud en zijn reflectie
oil on linen - 40 x 40 cm
painted on location - Tues. 19 Sept 2017
SOLD

September skies can be very dramatic,  challenging to paint, as at times the views of the cloud formations are so spectacular. The effect of the Sun light bursting through them, especially when the Sun is low, often produces beautiful scenery that words can't even describe.   On this particular inspiring September morning I was fortunate enough to witness an unusual phenomenon, which lasted but a few moments,  the reflection of a fully top lit low lying cumulus cloud on a rather calm Sea. Will, above the results of my effort. 

Autumn skies over Scheveningen

Scheveningense Haven uitgang/ingang I
oil on linen - 30 x 30 cm
painted on location - Fri. 15 Sept 2017

SOLD

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Scheveningense Haven uitgang/ingang II - The Departure
oil on linen - 50 x 70 cm
painted on location - Fri. 15 Sept 2017
SOLD   


Autumn skies for a painter are really a treat to look at, but oh what a challenge they are to paint. Swiftly they are ushered by the wind, in whatever direction it may be blowing. Thus my secret, work fast, get that brush loaded with the right pigments and apply it on the surface. Working quickly, even that 's not fast enough, but at least you will have a start, the rest is going to depend on how good a memory you have!  I'm sure the old masters had a better technique, but to be quite frank I simply don't have the patience they had.

For me this scene, has a rather symbolic significance. The outstretched arms of the harbor, made of monumental cement blocks, with the two stripped lighthouses, at times, must be for the Seafarers a comforting site to see. Just like the outstretched arms of a Mother on her knees, to the eyes of her tender child in destress, flinging to attach herself to the warmth and solace of her makers bosom. So too these ships coming in from hostile incalculable waters, must indeed find comfort on the still waters of the inner harbor.

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!

De Gazelle, Amsterdam

De Gazelle van Don te Amsterdam,
oil on canvas - 35 x 75 cm  (14 x 30 inches)
painted on location and in studio - Dec 2013/Jan 2014
(private collection - Amsterdam)

Was indeed a pleasure for me to work on this characteristic old vessel that was originally designed as a cargo ship for the North Sea. Now used for living/dwelling by its owner Don, who can be seen on the deck.
The play of light was most important, thus on location in the morning! Left out all the modern buildings on the other side of canal, as desired by the present owner of this work.

Oh were, oh were has the Sun gone to?

Panoramisch Zeegicht # 4 -2013, 

oil on canvas, 20 x 140 cm

painted - Thurs 25 April 2013

                                                                            SOLD

Gezicht op Noordwijk Aan Zee vanaf strand Katwijk

oil on MDF, 16 x 23.5 cm

painted - Thurs 25 April 2013

                                                                          SOLD

Better late than never, as the saying goes! Made almost a month ago, I have decided to post these two works made on a paint out with Sonja Brussen and her mate Ernst. Starting off as overcast day with clouds hovering about, however  the Sun's rays evaporated them gradually as the hours past. Started with the smaller work, then decided it was a charming enough situation to make it worthy of capturing yet another gentle breaking waves at the shoreline scene.

                                               

                  Here I am working on the panoramic seascape from this posting, Thanks Ernst for taking the picture.

Panoramic view of the North Sea #3 -2013

Panoramische uitzicht op de Noord Zee #3 - 2013, Zuiderstrand, DH
oil on canvas, 20 x 140cm
painted on location - Wed 27 March 2013
SOLD

Hard to believe it is Spring here in The Lowlands. Plenty of Sun, yet low temperatures and a fierce wind, probably directly out of some obscure corner of Siberia,  has been making getting out somewhat uncomfortable for most of us. With the protection of my trustworthy 3m diameter parasol, used as a windbreaker, it was possible for me to tackle this size canvas, en Plein Air. Have a good look at the detail below (by clicking on image you get a better look),  you will see evidence of on location painting!

Homeward Bound

Gezicht op Nijmegen vanaf  de Waalhaven,
oil on canvas, 50 x 50 cm
painted on location-Mon 11 March 2013
SOLD

Some folks on that Intercity are Homeward bound.  Some may be going to visit friends and family, and still some are going away from home, only to return, soon. This painting was made just prior to the small street scene of the last posting. On a bitter cold morning, with the wind factor just high enough to make being outside uncomfortable, I finally found a spot, next to a parked Nissan.  Getting down as low as possible, thus on my knees,  I managed to lock in this view, and keep the wind  to a minimal. As the cold was too unbearable, after approx. 2hrs my colleague, Rene PleinAir and I decided to call it quits, thus I took a snap shot and finished the detail work on those boats in the comfort of my studio!

Rower's, Reeuwijkse Ponds

Roeiers, Reeuwijkse Plassen, Klein Elfhoeven, vanaf Korssendijk, 
20 x 40cm, oil on canvas
painted  - Wed 6 March 2013


The painting was made right after I finished the 3 little studies from my previous posting. What inspired me was the reflections on the water. It was just past mid afternoon, the sky had  cleared up a bit, the Sun well into its descend, casting those soft warm hues.....what else could I do but get it on canvas!  As happens quite often, some Higher Intelligence, throws in a little visual treat, like those rowers passing by, thought it was a nice compliment to this scene, thus painted it in.

Coasting along the North Sea

Freewheelen langs de kust
oil on 5 wooden panels, 15 x 50cm
22 August 2012 SOLD 

Inspired by the 2 mast sailboat, by chance, passing by while I was set up working on a larger peice (next posting), at Wassenaarseslag, I decided to quickly make this smaller format panormic Seascape. Below is a close up where you can see the vessel splashing and being tossed about, by the waves. As it was rather close to the shoreline I managed to paint the flag and other details, usually not visible on the sailboats featured on most of my seascapes.

The 3 mast gaff schooner, 'Minerva'

't 3 mast gaffelschoener 'De Minerva', Scheveningen
oil on linnen, 30 x 60 cm
Tues 5 & Thurs 7 July 2012    
SOLD

Built in Germany in 1935, this 49 meter work of true craftsmanship is proudly on display at the Inner Harbour Scheveningen, here in The Lowlands.  I have been contemplating painting this lovely three mast schooner ever since my eyes first made contact with it some years ago. As tomorrow is Vlaggetjesdag (Flag Day) here in Scheveningen, a festival to celebrate the new season of the harring fish, I finally set up my gear, and made this painting.  I will be showing this and a fine selection of about 15 sea scapes at an art market on a stall approximately 20 meters from were I made this painting!  Come and say hello if you  happen to be in the area.

Winter canal scenes, Amsterdam

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

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.



View of Montelbaans tower
oil on canvas board
18 x 24 cm  -  7" x 9.5"
painted on location - tues 17 Jan 2012
SOLD


This painting was made from the bridge shown on the above posting. In fact was painted shortly after I finshed the above work.  I decided to make it into a true winters scene by adding snow and ice on the waters surface!



View of Montelbaans tower study #1,
oil on wood
10 x 15 cm  -  4" x 6"
painted on location - Tues 17 Jan 2012
SOLD

This oil study was made on the bridge featured on yesterdays posting. I worked on 3 small panels at the same time, thus building up the paintings simutaneously. Robert Henri once said, that a painting is never finished it just stops at an interesting point. I concluded that this little guy had enough information on it. Besides the historical tower, that cast iron draw bridge in the distance, was of interest to me




View of Montelbaans tower study #2, 
oil on wood panel
10 x 15cm  -  4" x 6"
painted on location - Tues 17 Jan 2012
SOLD

Same view as above work, only style of painting much loser, and well, quite impressionistic, if you ask me. Was a pretty productive day for me, wouldn't you agree?

A very pretty Dutch boat, Markdal, Breda

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

SOLD

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!

Anna Maria IV, Menetreol-sous-Sancerre, France

A sunny day on the Loire Canal, France
oil on canvas
30 x 90 cm
painted on location, 26/27 june 2009

SOLD

Along with 11 other plein air painters, I was a participant on a week long painting trip sponsored by Old-Holland Classic Oil Colors, a company that has been producing high quality oils for artists since 1664. This was our 2nd port-of-call, a quaint village, just under Sancerre, which some of you may know, as it is renowned for the famous Sancerre and Poully Fume wine. Two of the best white wines produced in France. I was inspired to make this portrait of the vessel it took place on. Something about the color scheme, that drew my attention. The pale blue of the Anna Maria against the endless orchestration of warm hues of the village, called out to me and my palette. It is mid afternoon, everyone is out painting, the couple that run the boat are taking a rest in that room were the curtains are drawn. Usually this vessel is hired for bike tours, that explains why there are so many fastened on the top. Featured in the close up below is the city hall, in French it is called the "Mairie".

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.

Quiet day on the North Sea

oil on canvas
10 x 15 cm - ( 4 x 6 in.)
painted on location - Monday 7 May 2007

SOLD


Today I was occupied with administration work, and preparation for 3 up and coming exhibitions. So I decided to properly show this little seascape painted at Wijk aan Zee, two weeks ago. How says you can't work outdoors in the rain? This painting was made under such conditions. It helps to find a spot where you can stay dry. I find I can make more emotionally suggestive works in these circumstances. when the atmospheric conditions are not so clear.

The lone sailor

oil on canvas,
15 x 10 cm ( 6 x 4 in.)



This little, yet highly suggestive seascape, was created in my studio this afternoon, far away from the sea in the physical, but not in a metaphysical sense. I actually painted over a painting that was made two years ago. We are having hot hazy days here in Holland, maybe that is what brought me to creating this scene. Even though it is barely visible the water has depth and distance, the horizon line is convincingly far off. Not a perfect situation for sailing, but perhaps this sailor knows that's just what he wants. A little peace and tranquility.


Alberto, il pittore
The Hague, The Netherlands.