Beach Entrance #10, Westduinpark, The Hague

Strandslag 10, Westduinpark, DH

oil on canvas - 30 x 40 cm

painted on location - Sun 28 April 2024

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A bit too windy for me to be making a painting on the beach, so the next best thing to do was make a painting leading to the beach! The colors were fantastic thanks to the sunlight and shadows created on the water of partially cloudy sky. While I was working, a wild dune rabbit dashed across the road leading to the beach, right in front of me,  thus that inspired me to paint him in, checking me out in his still stance. 

South Beach, the quite beach, the nicest beach 5 times

Zuiderstrand op een mooie nazomersdag

oil on canvas - 30 x 150 cm

painted on location -  31 Aug 2023

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Zuiderstrand op een mooie nazomersdag avond #1

oil on canvas - 30 x 150 cm

painted on location -  23 Aug 2023

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Zuiderstrand op een mooie zomersdag in de ochtend

oil on canvas - 30 x 150 cm

painted on location -  17  Aug 2023

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Zuiderstrand op een mooie zomersdag in de avond

oil on canvas - 30 x 150 cm

painted on location -  17  Aug 2023

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Zuiderstrand op een mooie nazomersdag avond #2

oil on canvas - 30 x 150 cm

painted on location -  7 Sept 2023

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Have embarked on a series of works from this beach scenery. Always fun to do, especially when there are so many people coming by to have a look and strike up a conversation. Most painters don't like that but I rather welcome it, as one never knows  i might be talking with a potential customer. 

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

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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!

The Hofvijver on a warm summers morning, The Hague

 

De Hofvijver op een warme zomersochtend (#17 in de series),

oil on canvas - 50 x 150 cm (20"x 59")

painted on location on several occasions - June - Sept 2020

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As you can see I have been further developing this series. It is always a pleasure to be on location at his spot. The security staff at the Museum (The Hague Historical Museum) just across the street from where I sit up usually welcomes me with a warm cup of coffee, and because I have a Museum Card, I have always access to the toilet. This is very handy for us outdoor plein air painters. The scene depicted in this painting is packed with detail, take your time and have a close look, you'll know what I'm talking about.

Parents and children at the beach #3

Ouders en kindren op het strand #3
oil on canvas - 40 x 120 cm
painted on location - Tues 4 Aug 2020

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This subject seems to be developing into a series. I love the fun aspect of this subject. Kids having the time of their lifes. They feel safe, Mom or Dad is always nearby, and they make friendss instantly. Often they come and ask what am I doing. Or one of the parents or gaurdians bring a child nearby to have a look and explain what I am doing. Furthermore in thesse troubling times I feel this is an image that can bring delight and happiness intoyour household

Hofvijver, The Hague during the golden hour

S' avonds bij de Hofvijver  (#16 in de series)
oil on canvas - 50 x 150 cm
painting on location on several settings - April/May 2020

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Here i have returned to this series, this time with the evening light and with the largest format to date. It is worth mentioning that this work was made during the lockdown to prevent spreading of the corona virus. Thus have left out signs of people moving about. This is the seat of the Government, here in Holland, that tower shaped building, second object from the left, is the office of the Pime Minister. In my own insignificant way, i thought it was a good idea to make this painting especially in this period of reflection and decision making by members of Parliment. Here below two details of this work.

The Mauritshuis, The Hague, NL

Het Mauritshuis en Torenje - (Hofvijver series # 15)
oil on canvas - 40 x 50 cm
painted on location - 9/17/22/23 April 2020

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Again found myself working on the series from the Hofvijver. This time decided to focus on this picturesque corner, featuring the Mauritshuis and the tower were the Prime Minister of Holland has his office. Upon studying the subject I concluded that the evening light would be the best time to make this painting, thus you have the buildings well lit from a warm Sun light. Strange painting on location in these days with the corona virus situation. Luckily for me we are not experiencing a complete lock down and most of the people are spending more time indoors than usually. 

The gentle rolling wave

De zacht rollende golf
oil on canvas - 40 x 120 cm
painted on location - Wed 15 April 2020

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Here in The Lowlands we are having lovely sunny days, notwithstanding the still cool windy breeze at the Sea, which makes for a very healthy combination! Luckily we have huge wide beaches, so people can still get out, staying healthy and still practice social distancing.  For safety during these uncertain times due to this nasty virus in circulation.  In that respect I am lucky as a plien air painter, I mean all the space available.  Here below a detail of the signature, on the bottom right corner.

Free at last

eindelijk vrij
oil on canvas - 50 x 100 cm
painted on location - Monday 6 April 2020

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I feel this painting is true to the expession, less is more. Doing my best to bring the Sea in focus. A close up view of a gentle rolling wave, a sailboat off in the distance, a cloudless blue sky with some haze on the horizon, and God only knows what lies under the surface of the North Sea.  A simple view, yet it affords soo much space and freedom, at times just what we need, to pass the time of day. 

The Hofvijver, The Hague # 14

Een mooie winters dag bij de Hofvijver, Den Haag
oil on canvas - 40 80 cm
painted on location - Wed. 4 March 2020

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Here I am yet again further developing this Hofvijver series. If you want to know what inspired this view, just take a look at that sky! However, not only those lovely clouds floating about, but the light fall was very captivating for me. I have exaggerated the colors a little in order to give it a fresh happy look, which happens to be one of the reasons I paint, to bring some happiness into peoples lives.

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 Duin pond # 5

De duinplas nabij De Savorin Lohmanpad #5
oil on canvas - 40 x 40 cm
painted on location - Fri 8 March 2019

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I find this format works well for this subject. Keeping the emphasis on the elegance of the tall trees. Funny how it is that every time i make a painting of this scene, it never is the same twice!

The duin pond 1,2 & 3

De duinplas, nabij De Savorin Lohmanpad #1
oil on canvas - 50 x 70 cm
painted on location - Fri. 15 Feb. 2019

Reworked please visit posting of 21 May 2021. 

Inspired by the composition, yes, but with the sunlight, this view becomes for me, magical! It then transforms into an array of warm tones, it's all about the colours. As subtle as they are they're still there, which for making a painting of this scenery help tremendously.

De duinplas, nabij De Savorin Lohmanpad #2
oil on canvas - 60 x 70 cm
painted on location - Sun. 17 Feb. 2019

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Here the second result of painting this romantic natural location. Of course as a painter one has the freedom to do what one fancies. Thus an exaggeration on the colour scheme, and then you get something like what I have recorded, with a much vibrant palette. Transforming this scenery in an Expressionist mode, rather than an Impressionist type painting.

De duinplas, nabij De Savorin Lohmanpad #3
oil on canvas - 40 x 40 cm
painted on location - Mon. 18 Feb. 2019

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Again having fun with the colours here.  Which actually are there to be seen in the bright sunlight, only I amplify them to a much higher level. And why not? I mean this work is meant to be hanging in someones living quarters, not some scientific laboratory where precision is the order of things, so yes I could and take pleasure at making it more pleasing to look at. 

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!

The Hofvijver, The Hague Series - # 8, 9, 10 and 11

The Hofvijver Series # 8
sprookjes achtig gezicht - winter 2019
oil on linen - 20 x 115 cm
painted on location - Sun/Mon 20/21 Jan 2019

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Developing this series further, I decided to make this panoramic view, which was inspired by a picture I saw by a local photographer, Bosz De Kler. What I found interesting is the triangular shape of the composition. Kandinsky referred to this as the "spiritual triangle", which has a subliminal effect on the viewer. The onlooker has simultaneously an entrance (far left) and an exit (far right), to and from the painting. But if one chooses you could stick around for a while, by make a left turn at the end of the street on the right, and head toward the church tower of the Krote Kerk.  The pond was almost completely covered with a thin layer of ice, as the temperature dropped to below freezing. Below a picture of me working taken by a passer by. While the sun was out it felt good, however still extremely cold!

1st day on location

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The Hofvijver Series # 9
Eindelijk de magie van de winter (1st schilderij)
oil on canvas - 20 x 40 cm
painted on location - Tues. 22 Jan 2019

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As was predicted by the weather man we finally got hit by that fluffy white stuff, which is so characteristic of winter in most in the Northern Hemisphere, yes it finally snowed! And of course yours truly was on hand, first thing in the morning. Represented here are the two paintings I managed to create in the 5 hour period that I could withstand the cold. After which my toes started to feel a little numb, thus time to pack up and call it a day.

The Hofvijver Series # 10
De magie van de winter (2de schilderij)
oil on canvas - 20 x 60 cm
painted on location - Tues. 22 Jan 2019

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A painters dream come true, to work in the snow. Think it has something to do with the tonal range of all the subdued colours, due to the atmospheric hazy quality. Gives the landscape a mysterious mood.

Below a shot of me working on the 2nd painting,  #10 in the series.

on location

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The Hofvijver Series # 11
De magie van de winter (3de schilderij)
oil on canvas - 30 x 60 cm
painted on location - Thurs. 24 Jan 2019
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Will almost all the snow has melted, but the pond is still very much covered with a thin layer of ice, as the temperatures are still quite low. This painting was started in the mid afternoon, and finished just before the darkness set in. The warm tones in the sky are caused by the setting Sun, which was taking place behind me. That's why you have orange/yellow being reflected in the windows of the buildings.

What lies beyond.

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

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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

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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