A Winter's Seascape #5

Scheveningen op Winters dag met surfers

oil on canvas - 25 x 100cm  

painted on location -  Wed 02 Feb 2022

€975

What a unique situation to paint. In all my years working on location, I have never seen such a thick mist covering almost the entirety of that massive Pier, and as you can see the Northly part of the Boulevard. Waves were still crashing on the shore from the aftermath of days of heavy winds and rain. What made it advantages for me to paint, was the wind factor was pretty well non-existent.  As you can see a favorite location for surfers. A passerby generously shared this picture she made of me while working, I felt it had captured the situation I just described so here you can have a look for yourself.

The whispering wave.

The whispering wave.

oil on canvas - 50 x 120 cm

painted on location - Tues  18 Jan 2022 

€ 1650

I love painting on these misty days, when the fog is so thick, visibility is reduced just to your immediate surroundings. The atmosphere becomes at once mysterious and still, in a positive way, mind you. That I believe is due to the light. Often one gets in a peaceful mood, experiencing a deep sense of tranquility.  Luckily for me on this day there was hardly no wind to speak about, thus I took advantage of that, and after I finished Seascape #3, I dashed back to my auto, to get this 50x120cm canvas. Thus creating two paintings in one paint out session.   

A Winter's Seascape #3

 

Winters Zeegezicht #3

oil on canvas - 25 x 100 cm

painted on location - Tues  18 Jan 2022

SOLD

On this cold misty morning, I was inspired by a scene so full of tranquility that just by looking at it, I felt a calmness, whilst listening to the whispering gentle waves rolling in, I was transfixed and summoned to paint it. What you see above is how I represented it in oils on canvas. While mixing the colors on my palette, the odd cry of seagulls wisping by would catch my attention.  What lies beyond all that visible mist is an immensity so vast and grand, I leave it to your imagination to fill.

Baby, the fog must lift...

Schat, de mist moet optrekken,

oil on canvas - 30 x 120 cm

painted on location - Thurs 10 June 2021

€ 1250

On one of my latest painting excursions to South beach, The Hague, wasn't much happening, just usual  sunlight, was contemplating packing up, but something, a feeling said to me, just wait. Close your eyes meditate a bit and wait. Well that voice served me well! In came this thick fog, rolling up from the sea and totally filled the atmosphere with mystery  and intrigue. Now that was worth painting. Quickly as possible set my gear up and within minutes was laying the paint on to create this scene. I imagine the sailors ready to sail out in their cats, possibly one of them was on his mobile talking to his wife, saying "Schat, de mist moet eerst optrekken".. 

The Lifting of the fog, Westduinpark, The Hague

Kwartelpad, Westduinpark in de mist
oil on canvas - 50 x 150 cm
painted on location - thurs. 5 Dec 2019

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This must be the 8th or 9th time i make a painting from this location. And after a long wait, I finally got a chance to paint this scene with mist. Characteristic of coastal environments, the mist is a commen occurence.  However to paint it can be difficult, as it is always either coming or going. I found a solution, and it allows me to paint it with accuracy. A close up below for better viewing.

The Quiet Beach awakens

Het Stillestrand wordt wakker 
oil on linen - 90 x 150 cm
painted on location - Fri. 22 March 2019

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The cold Winter season has ended, slowly the Spring begins to usher in a lusher palette of colour, as Nature takes delight in the warmth and extra sunlight. It is not too uncommon to come across such a view of this beach, especially in the early morning hours. The fog slowly lifting, during the time whilst I was creating this painting.  I worked with a hasty pace, getting on the linen as much information as possible, by the time I had decided to put my signature on this piece, the sky was entirely blue!   Below a close ups for your viewing pleasure.

                                                 

The Entrance is free

de toegang is gratis,
oil on canvas - 50 x 70 cm
painted on location - Thurs. 31 Jan 2019

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Here I have decided to revisit a theme that has inspired me for several years now, 'paths to the Sea'. A misty damp winters day, very little wind, thus ideal circumstances to be on location. Sometimes we need a break, time to reflect, to think things over. Well where better place to go than on such a natural solitary beach, were all you are confronted is the Sea, calm and respective of your mood.  You won't be disturbed by crowds of people, only the odd dog with her owner might pass you by.  Plenty of room to move about, both physically and psychologically. All this and more, and the entrance is for free!

What lies beyond.

wat ligt erachter
oil on linnen - 80 x 160 cm
painted in studio - Nov/Dec. 2018
SOLD


Beyond those two breakwater lighthouses at the furthermost tip of the harbour entrance at Scheveningen one really has the feeling to be at the threshold of a mysterious place, especially under these atmospheric conditions.

This almost has the feeling of being a 'dreamscape' and not a seascape.

This is a large version of a painting I made on location, December 2017.

here under a couple of close ups, as it has proven to be almost impossible for me to get a decent picture for digital purposes.

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

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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.

The Red Lighthouse series #4

De Roode Vuurtoren # 11
oil on canvas - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Friday 16 March 2018
SOLD

The mist so characteristic of the Sea. Envelops everything and ushers in feelings of calm also melancholy maybe. Gives a chance for us to take rest, decrease activity, stay indoors, as one can feel the moist about to drop from the sky, in the form of rain. As quickly as possible I got this painting made and yes, the fluid drops did show up. Had to use an umbrella to protect the painting, myself I was clothed properly, and stayed dry. BTW that is the Eendracht manoeuvring on the water.

De Roode Vuurtoren # 12
oil on canvas board - 13 x 18 cm
painted on location - Tues. 20 March 2018
SOLD

This little guy was made, as a study for the painting below (#13). Obviously the weather had changed when I worked on the larger piece.

De Roode Vuurtoren # 13
oil on canvas - 50 x 60 cm
painted on location - Wed. 21 March 2018
SOLD

The colour of the water is so surreal in this atmospheric condition,  almost hard to believe, unless you see it for yourself. Started with heavy clouds, by the time I finished the painting, it was a crystal clear blue sky. Not nearly as dramatic as the sky I opted for to represent in this work. A few months later, in the studio I added the people.

De Roode Vuurtoren # 14
oil on canvas - 30 x 40 cm
painted on location - Monday 26 March 2018
SOLD

Painted at the beginning of this week, here is thus far the latest work made in this series. Inspired by that fishing boat heading out, I painted in a fisherman's wife, (clothed in the traditional Schevenings'  attire), with child. I have seen this woman walking on that path 2 weeks ago, thus with that memory was this scene composed.

even on a gloomy winters day

zelfs op een sombere winterdag
oil on canvas - 25 x 150 cm
painted on location/and in studio - Dec.2017/Jan 2018

SOLD

You know I truly believe in the saying, "there is beauty all around, just a matter of seeing it". For me it is in the details that one must pay attention, in order to see that beauty. Let me explain, in regards to this art work.  Starting with the rhythmic action of the rolling waves, bathed in all the shades that an emerald green light has to offer. Or look to that warm glow through the mist, on the horizon.  Casting light on objects and buildings mysteriously coming and going, like one might recall, in an almost forgotten distant dream. Is it any wonder that while I was working on this painting on location the professional and amateur photographers alike were to be spotted, clicking away. capturing the moods of this soft and peaceful morning at Scheveningen Boulevard.   Yes all this and more can be found, even on a gloomy winters day.

Schevening Harbour in the Mist

Het stille strand, slaapt
oil on board - 20 x 30 cm
painted on location -  Wed. 20 Dec 2017
SOLD

Zuidelijk Havenhoofd (Southern Harbour Head)
oil on canvas - 30 x 50 cm,
painted on location - Wed 20 Dec 2017
SOLD

Buitenhaven Scheveningen
oil on canvas - 40 x 80 cm  (larger than the above painting)
painted on location - Fri. 22 Dec 2017
SOLD


These are the last seaside paintings made in 2017. Very much a winters atmosphere,  I rather enjoy painting in the mist. At least I don't have to deal with the wind, which can cause all sorts of problems.  For those of you who don't know these works were made in the same area, the above two, same spot, different views. 
What I like most of these type of scenarios is the mystical nature they bring forth. One could very well view these as thresholds to Infinity, not quite knowing what may lay beyond what is visible. Also worth mentioning is the meditative stillness represented in these works,  leaving one with tranquil feelings, inducing calmness.

Soft clouds and seagulls

Zachte wolken en zeemeeuwen
oil on linnen - 90 x 150 cm
painted in studio - Oct 2017

Painted over

Sometimes as the saying goes, Less is more. In a busy world, were everything seems or is in fact fast paced, does the eye not take solace in such  a view? The mind can fill in what the eye cannot see. The imagination can drift away, to places far beyond, soft clouds, three seagulls and shimmering on the horizon.  Indeed, the mysteries of the Sea are many. Is it any wonder what brings you and me to meditate by the Sea.

Scheveningen, misty and Beautiful.

Scheveningen, wat kan ze zo mooi  zijn.
oil on canvas - 25 x 150 cm
painted on location - Tuesday 29 August 2017
SOLD

What a pleasure it is for me to be on location on such days as this! The Sun shines, brightly yet gently, as the morning is in full swing, yet the Sun is at a distance comfortable for our sensitive skin. People, the crowds, are still at a tolerable level. From this point Scheveningen can be digested and appreciated, as the skyline doesn't dominate the overall scenery. It is no wonder hundreds if not thousands of Nederlanders daily make a walk to Wassenaarseslag, on such days, and who could blame them really!

Solitude and Quietness at Sea

 Eenzaamheid en Rust op Zee

oil on canvas - 70 x 50 cm

painted on location - Sat. 3 June 2017

SOLD

Imagine being on that sailboat and waking up to this situation. Everything is still, very gentle movement of the water, hardly noticeable, except for the distant cries of a few seagulls now and then, not a sound to be heard. In a country like Holland this situation is almost nowhere to be found., and lucky are the few that can experience it. Finding myself on the Island Vlieland, i was witness to this scene, and believe you me didn't waste any time in getting this situation on canvas. On the horizon barely visible is the island Texel. I was just in time to get these gentle nuances of colour recorded,  an hour later the sky broke open, creating a whole different scenario. Below a small work made as a study for this painting.

Studie voor Eenzaamhied en Rust op Zee

oil on canvas - 18 x 13 cm

painted on location - Sat 3 June 2017

SOLD

Blind Faith and The North Sea

Blind vetrouw series #4
oil on canvas - 20 x 50 cm - (8 x 20 inches)
painted on location (Wassenaarseslag) - Tues. 4 April 2017

SOLD

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Blind vetrouw series  #5
oil on canvas - 30 x 40 cm - (12 x 16 inches)
painted on location (Wassenaarseslag) - Tues. 4 April 2017

SOLD

You can hear the whispering sounds of the gentle rolling waves, and feel the cool freshness of the soft sea breeze. You don't see it, but you trust that it is there, the mighty North Sea. It seems to be resting, after days of hard work. Moving all those tiny particles of sand, that the Dutch trust will reinforce their coastline, thus making the already high stalwart dunes even more higher.....Oh no ladies and gentlemen, the Dutch will not allow the unforgiving North Sea to invade and swallow up their flat and for a good part under sea level self made land. They learned their lesson back in the 16th Century, and will not allow that to take place, ever again!

Scheveningen Beach in a winters fairy tale

Scheveningen strand en boulevard als een Sprookje
oil on canvas - 30 x 150 cm
painted - Sun 12/Mon 13 Feb 2017

SOLD

What's there to say, but that I am so grateful that we finally had a downfall of that fluffy white stuff here on the coast of Holland! Everybody was excitingly happy, especially the little ones. And me I was really happy that i had the opportunity to get on location, and re work a painting that I made in December 2015 of this scenery! Thus the composition was already complete when I started on this painting.  You know it's funny, how some days one could paint better than on other days! I guess it is the same with anything one does. For me this was a day were the juice was flowing, fast and powerful, and what resulted is what you see. By the comments people were making as they stopped to have a look, and there were many people, as it was a soft winters sunshiny day, I felt I had accomplished a painting which will give much pleasure to the viewer. And that my dear friends, is a gift, from The Creator to me and from my hands to you. Here below a fine picture of me working on this painting taken by Maurice Haak, from This is The Hague, Tourist Information Centre. 

                                      (If you wish to have a better look at this painting,send me an email)

A magic winters moment at Scheveningen

Een winters magisch moment op Schevening

oil on canvas - 20 x 140 cm

painted on location and studio -  Jan 9-11 2017

SOLD

I have been waiting a long time to make this painting. To capture the unique Scheveningen Boulevard and Pier under the influence of mist. It didn't come easy as I started this work on location were i had to contend with wind and now and again light rainfall. As a matter of fact had to quickly pack up my gear and get out of the rain as, it was starting to cause havoc with the oil paint. Worked on the painting in two settings in the atelier, until this result was attained.

Misty path to the Sea

Pad naar Zee met Mist
oil on canvas - 30 x 50 cm
painted on location - Wed 28 Dec. 2016

SOLD

I was on my way to the beach to make another wave painting, when this scenario was just too difficult to resist painting. Even though I've painted this view many times, this is the first one with a mysterious atmosphere. Upon finishing the painting I felt it needed something to make it somewhat interesting..luckily there happened to pass by this man with his dog, thus that was the finishing touch. Here a picture of me just getting started on this painting.

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.