View off the Pier in Scheveningen, (looking towards Noordwijk)

oil on canvas
30 x 90 cm.
painted, Tuesday 17 July 2007, in the evening.

SOLD

Finally back in action after a prolonged break. Partially due to poor weather conditions, but also have been busy with the purchase of a used Renault Trafic camper, and, being on a few art markets, have kept me away from my outdoor painting.
This work was started at about 8.30pm as the sun was making its descent, thus a hint of warm colors in the sky. A nice format to use for this subject. Assisting the eye in making its way to the vanishing point are the wiggly shore line and the grassy dunes.

Bye for now,

South view Katwijk Aan Zee, Holland

oil on canvas,
40 x 120 cm - 16 x 47 inches
painted on location - 28/6/07 - late morning till mid afternoon.

SOLD


First time I've made a painting on this beach and let me tell you, won't be my last. This seaside fishing village has been a source of inspiration to artists since the last two hundred years, if not even longer. The characteristic church tower, the low robust square light house, and the typical beach huts all add interest to the quaint beach scene. The wind was exceptionally strong today, packed up this huge parasol that I have, laid it on its side, on the sand, tied it up to a pole and set myself up comfortably out of the wind. There was enough room for two other painters, thus was joined by Jurgen Liepert and Piet Gronendijk, two extremely good painters. No sailboats, and not too many people on the beach, but plenty adventurous kite surfers and regular surfers. In the distance above the water line you get a glimpse of The Hague, Scheveningen, and Hoek van Holland. Morning sunshine helps create favorable play of light and shadows on building structures. Enjoy the sunshine, I know the Dutch do.

Send me the correct number of the Holland national flag on this painting, and I'll give you an il pittore ArtMile.

Ciao,

A beautiful moment, Noordwijk aan Zee, Holland

oil on canvas,
30 x 90 cm - ( 12 x 35.5 inches )
painted; on location, Tuesday, 19 June 2007

Private collection, Holland


This painting was included in yesterdays mail out, however I felt to share it with my audience in a more appropriate way. You can now see the details a lot clearer, especially the couple engaged in a tender loving embrace, hence the reason for the title. I am very happy with the perspective and ample space this canvas captures. This work was sold shortly after being exhibited, in a temporary space constructed for the painters festival in Noordwijk, located right next to that white lighthouse on the right hand side of painting.

Today I started yet another ; Catamaran Club House, Den Haag, painting which I will finish tomorrow, as I was forced to pack up my gear due to unfavorable high winds.

Bye for now,

Busy...

Dear reader,

I have been very busy... Made a painting Sat. 16 juni at Antwerp Cricket Club, then Sun 17 on a wine tasting fair in front of Kaurhuis Schiveningen (see photo), invited by the owner of La Galleria. Tomorrow starts Noordwijk schilderfestival (June 18-24, 2007), I expect not to be posting perhaps for a short while.

Best regards,

Alberto Il Pittore.

PS: You are kindly suggested to have a look at:

• Untitled by Jane Walker - a painting friend of mine


• Art Party - Art-party has been established to promote, sell and show art and acts at several events and locations

Jogging through the dunes, Westduinpark, The Hague, Holland

oil on canvas
35 x 45 cm ( 14 x 18 inches)
painted on location, Tues. 13/6/2007, late morning

SOLD

 
Today's painting is a second attempt at a dune scene which I already painted back in April. That painting was called Cycling through the dunes.We are not having the greatest weather conditions, but then again, this is Holland, renowned for its clouds and rain. I particularly like the flow of the path and the twist in the jogger's body as she takes the curve. Wild roses and all sorts of flowers are in full bloom. They not only look pretty, they also emit sensual fragrances. The now famous Catamaran clubhouse is just on the other side of the dunes, you can see a few masts sticking up on the right hand side of the scene. Your comments are appreciated.

Catamaran Clubhouse # 7, Kijkduin, Holland

oil on canvas
30 x 90 cm, ( 12 x 35.5 cm )
painted on location, thursday 7 june 2007 in the afternoon

SOLD



I present to you the seventh catamaran clubhouse painting. Done on a rather long format size canvas, this usually works will when painting a beach scene. As is evident, there is not much activity at the clubhouse. It was quite a misty day, thus the visibility was limited. Not a problem as it provided for a different flavor, in this series of paintings. Not to many people on the beach, however this young family were kind enough to place themselves not too far from were I was set up and made for a good addition to the composition. I like the feeling that this art work transmits.

Don't forget to take advantage of the il pittore ArtMiles. Information under links.

Il Pittore ArtMiles List / Lijst

(English)
This is how it works, you send me an email address of some one who would like to be on my mailing list. Thus you have to ask your contact if they wish to be on my list, Wet Paintings from The Lowlands.

For every address you give me you get an, ilpittore ArtMile. Accumulate your ArtMiles and when you purchase a painting from me you get a discount equivalent to the number of miles you have. For example, if you have 15 ArtMiles and you buy a painting for 100 euros, then you get that art work for 85 euros.

Maximum value of this offer is 300 euros. That means if you have 100 ArtMiles and purchase a painting for under 300 euros, you get it absolutely free. A painting more than 300 euros, then you pay the difference, example; cost is 425 euros, you pay only 125 euros.

(Nederlands)
Het werkt als volgt: U vraagt aan uw kennissen of ze op mijn mailinglijst “Wet Paintings from The Lowlands” willen staan. En dan stuurt u aan mij hun emailadres op en ik zet ze op de lijst.

Voor elk emailadres dat ik van u ontvang geef ik u een il pittore ArtMile.

Spaar deze ArtMiles op en wanneer u een schilderij van mij koopt dan ontvangt u een korting die afhankelijk is van het aantal ArtMiles dat u hebt. Dus als u 15 artmiles hebt gespaard, en u koopt een schilderij van €100, dan betaalt u daar slechts €85 voor.

De maximale tegenwaarde van de ArtMiles is 300 euro. Dus als u 100 ArtMiles gespaard hebt dan krijgt u een schilderij tot en met 300 voor niets, en voor een schilderij van €425 euro betaalt u slechts €125

List of persons saving for a painting

• Jan en Henriette - 15 ArtMiles
• Jane Walker - 10
• MJ Rivard - 5
• Engeltje - 2
• Joline Koch - 1
• Sophie - 1
• John DiNovo - 1

Laurie Henderson - 1

View of the North Sea from on high, Westduinpark, Holland

oil on canvas
70 x 100 cm - ( 27.5 x 39.5 in.)
painted on location, wed 6 june 2007

SOLD



Here you have today's effort, and what an effort it was, let me tell you! Set up on a high point in the dunes near Kijkduin, with the wind coming off the sea, made for a precarious condition, even for a seasoned plein-air painter. What made it even more challenging was that I decided to paint on a rather large canvas. The surface of the canvas would not keep still even for a second and was constantly flapping about. Notwithstanding these uncomfortable conditions, I feel I put together a decent sequence of colours, mixing the paints with great care to try to render the exact colours of the scene in front of me. This painting will soon have to undergo some fine tuning in the studio, as I work strictly from memory; the horizon line, for example could be straightened out, plus one or two other minor details. Please let me know what you think.

Catamaran Clubhouse # 6, Kijkduin Beach, Holland

,
oil on canvas,
40 x 70 cm (16 x 27.5 in.)

SOLD



Here you have today's wet painting, I said I was going to make 12 works of this subject, am one step closer to that number. A very beautiful day in Holland today, it was great to be on the beach making this work. I started this canvas quite early, 8.30 am, so I wanted to retain that early morning feel of the work, by the time I finished it was almost 12 pm, there was a lot more activity, but I kept it to a minimum. I however did record one interesting detail, if you look closely, just in front of the clubhouse, is a tilted catamaran, you should be able to make out the mast going into the sand. I guess they were about to give it some sort of maintenance job. I also painted in two dogs, one is quite obvious, the other, let me know if you find it, I promise to give you an il pittoreARTMILE.


Ciao,

End of May at Kijkduin Beach, Holland

oil on canvas,
30 x 90 cm (12 x 35.5 in.)
painted on location, wed 30 and thurs 31 May 2007  -  SOLD


It has been a while, and I'm glad to be back, doing what I love to do. Had to take care of business, these last few days; framed approx. 35 art works, in preparation for two exhibitions. One officially opened yesterday at Kijkduin on the boulevard, La Galleria Italian restaurant. The other one will open soon, but the works are already hanging at that location as will. So I have been busy.
Today's work represents a stretch of the beach which I've painted for the first time. The restaurant I'm showing at is directly above this view. All the landmarks, poles, dunes and shore line send the eye cunningly to the vanishing point, then the eye has chance to view the vague distant skyline, which is symbolic of the wealth of this small yet industrious country. Floating on the water is a fishing vessel from Scheveningen. The people represented on the bottom of the canvas form a line which leads the eye into the sea and off into the unseen continuation of the water, helping to create even greater depth than which is already quite visible.

Save up on ilpittoreARTMILES and get great discount on a painting! Ask me for info, when interested.

Ciao,

Painter and Model

Painter and Model

oil on canvas 40 x 70 cm - ( 16 x 28 in.)

SOLD

Hello Everyone,

Like almost every Friday, I'm in the studio having a life drawing/painting session, with a real life model. Here you see the painter being reflected in a mirror. This makes for an interesting
composition, as the viewer can imagine him/herself looking over the shoulders of the artist. Reflected in the mirror are paintings of Jane Walker. This actually is a detail of a larger painting, which you will not ever know, unless you make it to my studio before I crop it down.

Bye for now,

Alberto, il pittore Valentini

Catamaran Club House, Kijkduin, Holland # 5

oil on canvas,
60 x 50 cm - ( 24 x 20 in. )
painted on location, Wed 23 May 2007, late morning

SOLD


Like I said, I'm going to paint 12 versions of this club house. I'm still not half way there, and my familiarity with the subject is beginning to make my job a little easier. The club house was closed, but it still is a nice scene to paint. The sky was crystal clear today, the visibility of industrial terrain on the horizon line was quite sharp, actually toned it down a bit, but I was generous with the smoke arising from some sort of boiler, heaven knows what is going on there? Had a nice female sun bather as a model, she and the two men checking her out, helped me in filling this somewhat empty beach scene. Which was intentional, as to give the illusion of a large area. Need to create space in your compact living room, this baby will do just that. Just think, within a few months, we will be experiencing those Benelux greys, looking at this will certainly brighten up your day!

If you know anyone who likes to receive this email, pass on their address to me and get an Il pittoreARTMILE, for great reductions on an eventual purchase.

Ciao,

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.

In love at Kijkduin, Holland ( Catamaran Beach House # 4)

oil on canvas,
40 x 70 cm - ( 16 x 27.5 in.)

SOLD


The wind is starting to get ingrained in my DNA, thus am getting better at painting it. This work is alive with movement, everything seems to be coming at you, yet at the same time it is also sucking you in to the scene, delivering you express to the vanishing point. Movement is also happening across the given space. This brought about by the indication of the wind's direction, and the eye following the beach houses, catamarans, and finally the sail boat in the distance. I'm very happy with the colors in this work, not entirely true to life, but then art does not have to be, because we artists re-invent nature, not copy it.

Bye for now.
Pass on some of your email addresses to me and save up Il PittoreARTMILES. For info contact me.

Catamaran Club House, Kijkduin, Holland. # 3

oil on canvas,
50 x 60 cm - ( 20 x 24 in. )

SOLD



Here it is, # 3. I know some of you are waiting to see this series develop. I mentioned that I will make 12 oils of this subject, will I'm being true to my word. I must have been crazy to be on the open beach with an easel and let's face it, not a small canvas either. I weighed my gear down as best I could, I pulled through the ordeal, ok. Hopefully, you get an idea of how hard the wind was blowin', just by looking at the sand formations on the beach. Flat by the water, then piled high towards the dunes. You will notice that the featured catamaran is being engulfed by sand. It is actually on a wheeled mechanism, used to transport it into the water. Not the best conditions for catamaran sailing, or outdoor painting, however the kite surfers where getting quite a work out ! I'm going to have to make a small adjustment on the horizon line, it seems to have a slight hump in the middle. Otherwise am satisfied with results.

Catching the wind on The North Sea

oil on canvas
30 x 40 cm ( 12 x 16 in.)
painted on location, thurs. 17 May, late afternoon

SOLD


Today's painting shows what the reflections on the water look like when the sun begins its evening descent, and a beautiful blue sky it turned out to be. Only a few hours earlier, the sky was overcast, thus it was wise for me to wait until the afternoon. The spatial distinctions between the catamaran and the distant sail boat help define space and create a sense of depth, in this great open space, all contained on this relatively small piece of stretched cotton. Upon close examination you will see the enthusiastic sailor commanding great authority over his light weight colorful vessel.

The coastline at Domburg, Holland

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

SOLD


Yesterday I drove down to Domburg, as there happens to be a painter's festival going on. Went to meet some friends and the organizer of that event. While there I knocked off two paintings, this was the second one. Found on this beach are these characteristic rows of poles used, I imagine, to break the waves, otherwise the whole coastline would eventually get washed away. I may be wrong, you are welcome to correct me. However, I feel I got the painting right, and that is what matters to me. By the way those little white spots, happen to be algae, floating around.



Remember with Il pittoreARTMILES, you could get this painting for free! Contact me for info.

Ciao,
Il pittore

Sisters (Zusjes)

oil on canvas
50 x 80 cm ( 20 x 31.5 in.)
painted on location, Wijk aan Zee, Sunday 13 May 2007

SOLD



Today's painting is a rather large seascape, showing the North Sea calmed down, after days of high winds and storm conditions. I was busy for a week on this location, and this is the last painting made. Holland, as some of you know, is famous for its light. Working at the sea, I can testify to that. The reflections on the water, from the sky are forever shifting. Just in the hour while I was working, I must have noticed at least 8 or 9 totally different color configurations. A plein-air painter has to work fast, otherwise he is in deep trouble. Working from memory, even whilst on location is essential. Everything is in movement, the clouds in the sky, waves breaking on the shore, people walking in and out of the area being painted. The sand is about the only aspect of the work that is fixed. So if you think for a moment, that this is easy, forget about it. I spent one hour on location, and made some touch ups in my studio yesterday.

Bye for now,

Windforce 5, Wijk aan Zee, North Holland

oil on canvas,
30 x 60 cm ( 12 x 24 in.)
painted on location, Thursday 10 May 2007

SOLD



Today's painting was made thanks to the protection of a caravan stationed right in the middle of the beach. What it was doing there? Don't ask me. It would have been impossible to make this painting on location, otherwise. You will notice some sand on the canvas. This, due to the wind blowing about furiously. Most of it will come off, once the paint dries. This, if nothing else, is prove that I actually do make my works on location!

Wijk Aan Zee, is not too far from Holland's International Airport, Schipol. That explains the plane, making its descent, on the top left corner. The pilot is taking full advantage of the wind, off course.

I appreciate your comments. Do drop me a line.

Il pittore.

High westerly winds on the North Sea, Wijk aan Zee, N.Holland

painted on location, this morning, next to 2 large garbage containers
(shieling me from wind)

oil on canvas,
40 x 90 cm - (16 x 35.5 in), somewhat large

SOLD


Here you have a look at the Dutch coastline under near storm conditions. You could see by the stiffness of the flags, it is not a light wind. All that yellow stuff on the shore line is some sort of algae, as I found out, by a local snack bar vendor, who generously offered me a coffee after yesterday evening's painting.
The row of beach houses is unique in this part of the country. You also may note here why the dunes are rather an important natural resource in this little low lying country of pleasant folk. You guessed it, protection!


Bye for now,
Alberto, il pittore
The Hague, The Netherlands.

South entrance, Wijk aan Zee Beach, Holland

Sat. 5 May, early afternoon,
oil on canvas,
30 x 40 cm ( 12 x 16 in.)

SOLD


I am posting this today, however the painting was made last Saturday, 5 May. I am particapating in a painters festival, in Wijk Aan Zee, that is a coastal town, just North of Haarlem. This work captures the situation, early afternoon, nice and sunny, but quite windy. Check out the wind rustling through the flags.

Enjoy, and do post a comment, if you like.

Beach Pavilion, De Kwartel, Kijkduin Holland

oil on canvas,
24 x 30 cm ( 9.5 x 12 in.)
painted on location, late morning, early afternoon
SOLD

I'm getting my act together, baby! Finally nailed this situation. I roasted in the meantime, but it was well worth it. I'm saying this because two weeks ago I made a little painting of this beach cafe, from another angle, which did not work out. Didn't bother posting it. Unbelievable that this whole situation disappears in the winter months. We are having fantastic weather here, as is clearly visible, on this little oil painting.

Bye for now, and welcome to the newcomers. Don't forget about the Il pittore ARTMILES. Anyone signs up on my mail list as a result of you inviting them to do so, you get an ARTMILE. Accumulate them and get fantastic discounts on eventual purchases, from il pittore.

Until the next painting.

Catamaran Club House, Kijkduin, Holland. # 2

oil on canvas, 38 x 46 cm ( 15 x 18 in.)
Painted on location,
Sun. 29 April 07, 8.35 am - 12. 45 pm
SOLD



Another fantastic day here in Holland. This morning I went back to the same place as last Sunday, my intention being to make a series of 12 paintings from this one location. I'll be setting up from other vantage points, thus the compositions will vary. Today I got a little closer to the club house, and added more detail, including, three visible persons: one making some adjustments to one of the boats, the other on the terrace, and a distant figure walking on the beach with her pet dog. The texture on this canvas is interesting. I've painted over an earlier painting, made in 2003. The middle surface is covered in beach sand, which I just incorporated into the texture.


here I am in action with my lovely daughter Selena.

Bye for now, and thanks to those of you who share this blogspot with others.



Alberto, il pittore
The Hague, The Netherlands.

Progressive Nude Series # 8

Oil on canvas,
150 x 120 cm - ( 59 x 47 in.)
(a large painting)

price - 400 euro ( $ 550 US)


As most of you know, Friday is my day in the studio, painting directly from the nude model. Today we worked from a top model, a young contemporary dancer from Germany, Ljdea. She managed to come up with and sustain some great poses, a true source of inspiration. Since it appears we are in the middle of summer, temperatures here in Holland are soaring, by the day, (sorry Al Gore, re Global Warming, I personally find this a life envigorating experience, and am not at all worried), I decided to use these happy, cool and warm color combinations. Your comments are appreciated.

Bye for now,

Alberto, il pittore
The Hague, The Netherlands.

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.

Keukenhof, Holland (an intimate corner)

Keukenhof, Holland (an intimate corner)
oil on canvas, 30 x 40 cm, ( 12 x 16 in.)

painted on location, Wed. 25 April

SOLD


Hello Everyone,

Well let me tell you, it wasn't difficult to find a location to paint, in the world's most beautiful spring garden, the only problem was making a decision. It was so crowded, I had to take into consideration, not blocking the footpaths. Found this quaint little body of running water, featuring varied levels, and an interesting combination of colors to paint. The trickling sound from the tiny waterfalls was indeed, very soothing, on a hot, sunny day.

Alberto, il pittore

Evening Glow, Kijkduin, North Sea

20 x 40 cm ( 8" x 16" )
oil on canvas
painted on location, (like always), mon. 23 April, 6:30 - 7:45pm



Hello Everyone,

Usually I get the painting done first thing in the morning, not today, as I had to pick up my sister - in - law, at the airport and have a family day.
After dinner we went out to the beach, my daughter, Selena also joined us. I featured them in today's work. They assembled a fine collection
of sea shells. This work was done in a short time, the light situation changing by the minute. I quickly painted in the sky and sea, sticking with
that warm soft glow from the descending sun. That is what inspired me to make this work, in the first place. The horizon line is actually perfectly level, it appears in a sloping position, because the photograph was made by an amateur, me.



Enjoy the work. And don't be shy to share it with friends or family.

Ciao,

Alberto, il pittore
The Hague, The Netherlands.

Purchasing instructions found under links, just to the right on this page.

Catamaran Club House, Kijkduin, Holland. # 1

oil on canvas, 35 x 65 cm ( 14 x 25.5 in.)
Painted on location,
Sun. 22 April 07, 8.45 am - 12. 45 pm

SOLD

Last week, Sunday morning, I painted a view of the dunes with the tops of these masts showing and the Dutch flag. Today I decided to tackle this somewhat complicated scene, with a whole row of stationed catamarans. I was making good progress with this painting, about 3/4 way through, somehow the canvas was tossed face down on the ground. Upon picking it up, I discovered that almost 1/3 of the surface was covered in sand! I painstakingnly, removed the sand as best I could, then carried on painting until it was completed.

By the end of the painting, I was just placing in people walking on the beach, when I realized, something was wrong with the composition. With almost everything happening on the left side of the painting, some drastic measure was needed to compensate. To my amazement, one of the catamarans that was at the beginning of the row, near the clubhouse, was transported to the waters edge, where it was stationed for about 15 minutes. Just what I needed to balance out this composition. It was a beautiful morning, still comfortably fresh, with nice cool breezes coming off the North Sea.

Enjoy the work. And don't be shy to share it with friends or family.

Ciao,

Alberto, il pittore
The Hague, The Netherlands.

Model in lilac And Model and painter in studio

18 x 24 cm (7 x 9.5 in.)
oil on canvas
SOLD


18 x 24 cm (7 x 9.5 in.)
oil on canvas
SOLD



As some of you know by now, Fridays is my day in the studio. Today we had the model, Koosje, a dancer by profession. She carries herself will, always a pleasure to work with her. I've been painting life from models ever since I decided to learn to paint. As a matter of fact, it was a cold winters day, in Toronto, Canada, back in November 1979, that I first stepped into a life drawing/painting class.
In the works presented today, the painter is actually being reflected in a mirror, set behind the model on an angle. I find this ads an interesting element to the composition. Besides showing you what is going on, it also creates a sense of depth. I've priced these to sell, I want to get the ball rolling!


Until the next painting.


Alberto, il pittore
The Hague, The Netherlands.

Antique and Boeken Maarkt, Early morning, The Hague

46 x 55 cm ( 18 x 21.5 ins.)
oil on canvas   -  NO LONGER EXISTS

A good size canvas, not at all small, with the proper framing, will add a elegant taste of Holland in your surroundings. I especially had fun with the roofs of the buildings in this painting. Take a close look at that Royal Dutch Crest, (with the two lions holding up a Shield). This building has something to do with the Ministry of Defense, I believe. I also like the movement in the few people that I have painted, check out the couple, she with red pants he with white pants, walking towards the viewer, she has a nice flow in her gesture. Someone stationed the bicycle right in front of me, just long enough for me to paint it in. As everyone knows, Holland is one of the only countries that has more bikes than cars.


Your comments are always welcome.


Alberto, il pittore
The Hague, The Netherlands.

Walking through the dunes, Westduinpark, The Hague

oil on canvas, 30 x 40 cm ( 12 x16 in.)

SOLD



This is a good one, folks. Located just above the beach pavilion, De Kwartel. I first made a small 10 x 15 cm seascape, which was ok, but not worthy of posting just yet, will have to work on it. The sky was so typically 'Hollands' (Dutch for Holland), that I couldn't resist painting this scene. I always carry some extra canvases with me, one never knows when inspiration calls.
The dunes offer great vistas of the North Sea. However, as is evident in this work, depending on the light situation, vistas of the dunes, (which by the way happens to be one of Holland's most valued Natural Resources), are in themselves spectacular.

Let me tell you how I came to this title. You might ask, I don't see anyone walking, why give it that title? Answer. I was just finished, clearing my palette, packing up to go, when a couple stopped and struck up a conversation. They liked the work quite a lot, the man asked the price, told him, then he offered to buy, on one condition. That I paint him and his wife on the path. My response, no. Not on this one. When a work of art is at a good point, one must stop. Most painters have problems with this. They carry on until they over paint the subject at hand, the wonder and magic of the work being lost forever! Thus upon reflecting on this work, I'm going to place them on the path, only they are standing where you, the observer is, thus with your imagination you can step right into this scene. Therefore everyone looking at this work becomes the person 'walking through the dunes'.

Do enjoy this visual treat, and if you know anyone else who would, do forward them this blog address.

Speaking about forwarding my emails,
Let me give you an incentive. When a contact of yours agrees to join my mail list (this is important, otherwise you do not get an art mile), I will give you one, IL PITTORE ART MILES. Save up your art miles and I will give you a discount on a purchase of a painting. It works like this, I will keep a record of how many persons you have referred to and agree to join my mailing list, this will be posted on my blogspot, http:/ilpittor.blogspot.com . If and when you want to purchase an art work from me, you get a discount of the same art miles you have accumulated. Example, you have sent me the email addresses of 40 persons, who are agreeing to receive a daily, Wet painting from the Lowlands email, just like the one you are getting. You then are entitled to a 40 % DISCOUNT off the price for one or more of my paintings. I will explain this in greater detail on a future posting on my blog. Any questions for now, just email me.

Bye for now,

Alberto, il pittore
The Hague, The Netherlands.

Delft, Oost Einde, with view of Nieuwe Kerk tower

oil on canvas, 24 x 30 cm ( 9.5 x 12 in.)
This painting has been reworked. See tuesday 16 april


Here you have today's painting, a favorite street scene of mine in Delft. Take note that I positioned myself in the shade.
This was absolutely necessary with this unexpected heat wave we are presently experiencing here in Holland. For painting,
it is also better to not be in direct sunlight as it affects ones ability to make color choices.
I'm going to have to take a better picture of this as this one seems to have a hazy quality, which is not on the original artwork.

Best regards,
Alberto Valentini, "il pittore".
The Netherlands, The Hague.

Purchasing an Art Work

French Cows grazing in North Holland, Bergen NH, 2006
oil on canvas, 70 x 90 cm (27.5 x 35.5 in.)
SOLD

• When you are interested in a painting, contact me, or phone me, 06 24507473, or from outside The Netherlands: 0031624507473 .
• Prices are posted in Euros. For the price in your currency I have added a link to a Currency Converter (look under Links).
• For shipping and handling to overseas buyers, the costs will vary according to the size of the work.
• Payments can be made directly on line via Paypal (I will send you instructions), or via my bank account (giro) for local buyers. (Rabobank account number 35 76 02 978 van Alberto Valentini te Den Haag)
• I could imagine it is not always easy to make such a purchase simply by seeing a picture of a painting on a website. Most of the time the actual painting is far superior to the photograph. Sometimes the colors or not exactly true.
  Of course when you live nearby, you are always welcome to view the work in question at my studio in Den Haag.
  For customers from abroad, I will offer to send detailed photos of the art work, thus you get a better idea of what you are about to purchase.
• On receiving the art work, if for any reason you are not happy with the painting, I promise to reimburse you the full cost of the artwork (shipping and handling not included).

Kind regards,
Alberto Valentini, il pittore.

View of Delft from Wateringsweg

oil on canvas, 60 x 80 cm ( 23.5 x31.5 in.)
SOLD

Here you have today's painting. A lovely view of Delft as I've been seeing it for a long time, on my many approaches to that picturesque city.
It is certainly not the first time I've made a painting in Delft, but this is the first from this view, and it won't be the last! The reflections on the water, the coloration of the blooming trees, three church towers, one of which, the famous Old Jan, as they call it here in Holland, - it actually really does lean like that - what more can a painter ask for? Sunlight. That as you can see I had plenty of. I'm actually beginning to get some good color on my face, since I've started this one painting a day activity.

Enjoy this visual treat, and please let me know what you think.

Until tomorrow, by for now,

Alberto, il pittore.

In action

Hi Alberto,

I made these attached pictures of you this morning, near Delft. Feel free to do whatever you want with them, and keep up the nice work! I've posted them on my online photo portfolio, hoping you don't mind.

Ciao,
Eelke Dekker

Kati in two two minute poses

ink/pastel on brown/grey sketch block paper,
25 x 15 cm ( 10 x 6 in.)

price - 25 euro each/ 45 for both +s/h

Today is my day in the studio, working directly from the nude female model. Usually in a life/drawing session with a model we begin with very short poses then gradually build up to longer poses. I put a lot of emphasis on the movement of the gesture, economizing as much as possible with the ink brush, thus allowing for your eyes to fill in the left out lines. In Dutch they call this, "de kunst van weg laten", the art of leaving out.

You might say ... "two minutes ... he has balls to charge so much for such a small effort ..."My answer to that: Two minutes and 26 years of painting experience, that is how long it took to make!

Thanks for your time,

Alberto, il pittore

Surfer, Kijkduin

20 x 60 cm (8 x 23.5 in)
oil on canvas
painted on location, late afternoon

SOLD


Sorry about the crop of the photo. If I went too far into the painting the horizon line wouldn't be horizontal. And we can't have that can we? Not on a seascape. Otherwise it would make you dizzy. Look closely and you will see a surfer, with his board, waiting for the coming wave. He and his buddies, actually stopped and had a look at my painting before hitting the waves. Besides the billions of liters of water represented in this painting, only the surfer, a piece of a dike, breaking the waves on the left, and an incoming sail boat about to rest in Scheveningen harbour are contributing to the components that hold this piece together. Something else is also playing an important role. Look closely and you will see something way off in the distance, located on the horizon line to the extreme left, right at the edge. It is an oil platform. That my fellow art lovers, is what is called the vanishing point. That grounds this composition giving your eye a place to go , in this immense space. All that captured on a surface of a canvas relatively small, and who says paintings are boring?

Time to send this out, it is already 9.30pm (21.30hrs)
until tomorrow,

Alberto, il pittore

Recent work Daily mailing list

Hi,
My name is Erik and I am helping Alberto with his digital explorations on the Web. In this post I would like to invite you to join the 'Google Group' that we will be using for sending out new Paintings. The group is called 'Recent Work'.

You can join by entering your email address in the top right box above this page. After that:

• you will receive an email from Google requesting the confirmation of your request to become a member of the 'Recent Work' Group.
  Please press the link in that email to activate your membership.
  After that you will receive a confirmation email from Alberto or me, and your set up.
  
• You can unsubscribe at any time by sending an email to recentwork-unsubscribe@googlegroups.com

Using the group is the most convenient for Alberto, and gives you the best control about your membership.

You address will not be shared with anyone.

Please send me an email if you got any questions.

A sweet home in Rijswijk, no. 3

wed 11 april 2007



A sweet home in Rijswijk, no. 3,
oil on canvas, 30 x 40 cm ( 12 x 16 in.)
painted on location (as all my paintings are)

SOLD

Hello Art lovers,

Here is todays painting, and am I ever happy to have had the privilege to have made this...

This is my third painting of this subject, within the last week. If I do it again it will be early in the morning, thus capturing a different light situation.
I spiced this scene up with the young lady having a few words with her pet dog who seems to be saying, "just let me rest here for a moment.."
It's early spring, the trees are just starting to sprout, the flowering tree is in full bloom, just a postcard situation, wouldn't you agree?

Why am I painting this house anyway? Could it have something to do with the fact that just 5 months ago, my father had to vacate the house I grew up in as he is unable to manage in his old age alone. He now lives in a retirement home. Still having the feeling that something is missing, I
guess one gets used to such things. A home represents, stability, safety, a place to remove your shoes and chill out, family, love all that beautiful stuff.

Tomorrow it is back to the sea, beginning to miss it, thank God I literally have it on my door step. The light in this work has worked exceptionally well, enjoy.

Don't forget that you can publish and thus share your own comments on this and any other painting I have posted on my web blog spot

Bye for now,
Alberto, il pittore

Il Pittore at work

This 'action' photo was taken by a passing by young photographer. Under the easel you see the little kart that I use for cycling around my gear. Here is the painting I was working on.
Regards, Alberto

Neighbourhood Cafe, St Joris, The Hague

tuesday 10 april, early afternoon



Neighbourhood Cafe, St Joris, The Hague
oil on canvas board, 18 x 24 cm (7 x 9.5 inches)

price - 135 euro

Here you have todays painting. As my car was in service, had to go by bike to this location not far from were I live. This is the smallest work made thus far in the Wet Paintings ouvre. A familiar sight in Holland, a local pub/cafe, just about to open its doors to the public. This is not the first time I've painted this location. Have made already a larger 40 x 50 cm oil painting, which is now in a private collection in the US. Also six pastels on paper of various sizes.

A lot of detail to pack into such a little area, believe me I left out quite a bit, leaving room for the viewers eyes to fill in areas, such as the outdoor terrace, with all its chairs and tables. The for sale sign pasted on the top window was a bonus, helping me in creating harmony and balance in the color configuration.
Have a nice day,
I'll be meeting you again tomorrow.

Alberto, il pittore

Path leading to Sea, Early morning light

Path leading to Sea, Early morning light. Westduinpark
oil on canvas, 30 x 40 cm (12 x16 inches)

SOLD


Hello Everyone,

Most people are taking it easy on Easter Monday morning, me... well I took a day off yesterday, that was more than enough. Besides this is not work for me. This is just being who I am, and when I'm not doing that, then I run into trouble, resulting in struggle and a general feeling of
uneasiness.

I've been walking down this path going to make my seaside paintings on many occasions in the past two years. Always I've had the thought this seen is worthy of painting, will today that thought finally materialized. I'm happy with the results. I'll most likely make more paintings of this scene, and then in a panoramic view. The play with color works very will in this painting. Naturally a bit of imagination fills in a lot of the spaces, but then again when it comes to paintings
I once read, artists tell lies to get to the truth. And the truth about this view of the dunes is that it has a beauty not easily recognizable.
That is were the artist in me comes in.

Bye for now, we meet again tomorrow...

Alberto, il pittore

Food for thought

The way to go is to maintain one's courage and keep plugging away.
Vincent van Gogh

Two sweet houses in Rijswijk

Two sweet homes in Rijswijk, (II)
oil on canvas, 30 x 40 cm (12 x 16 inches)
Price - 185 euros

SOLD


If you look closely at this painting, you will see why I came up with the title.... Need a hint? Look at the blackbird on the grass, now take your eye slowly above her, see that little dot on the tree trunk?

Rijswijk is a small city, bordering on The Hague. It is very green, with many parks and trees. This time of year the fruit trees are in a lovely state of blossom, thus am inspired to paint this subject. For me the main character in this composition is the flowering tree to the left of the house. Had that not been there I most likely would not have made this or Thursday's painting.

bye for now,
Alberto, il pittore

A perfect day at Kijkduin

A perfect day at Kijkduin
oil on canvas, 30 x 60 cm ( 12 x 23.5 inches)
SOLD


Hello fellow art lovers,

Positioned next to the beach pavilion "De Kwartel", together this time with my friend Frits de Groot, I made this work. There was hardly any wind, a great day to take a stroll on the beach,
just as this young lady is doing with her pet dog, who seems to be enjoying getting his paws wet.

It is not easy to create a successful seascape, especially when there are few elements that go to make up the composition. Apart from the gently rolling waves breaking on the shoreline, leaving
a then layer of water reflecting the crystal clear blue sky, not much is happening. So in this work the pole on the bottom left corner is playing a major role, together with the young lady and
tilted yellow buoy, seen in the distance, go to form a triangle, creating the illusion of depth.

So, there you have it, I'm giving all my secrets away!

Have a happy Easter weekend,
Alberto, il pittore

A sweet home in Rijswijk

A sweet home in Rijswijk,
oil on canvas, 30 x 40 cm (12 x 15.5 inches)
painted on location, Thursday 5 april 2006
SOLD

Dear Friends and art lovers,

Here is today's painting. Trees in blossom in a city park grounds, not far from my studio. Although I love painting seascapes, I also indulge in other gender outdoor paintings. It was late in the afternoon, so the geese were taking it easy, they were good models. I love the combinations of colors, and the spontaneity of execution of brushwork on this painting

Bye for now,

Alberto, il pittore

Path to the Sea

Path to the Sea
oil on canvas, 24 x 30 cm (9.5 x 12 inches)
painted on location, Westduinpark, The Hague, wed 4 april 2007

SOLD

Here is todays effort. Sorry about the quality of the picture, however it is very close to the colors of the original, only it is not as sharp as I would have liked. In the original you could see texture of brush work. I'll get it right one of these days. On my screen, if I tilt it upwards, and look from underneath I could see the clouds floating in the sky like in the original painting.

Holland is famous for its light, something special about it, very crisp, very bright. Today was no exception. As you can see it was rather windy, I was positioned on one of the highest points in the dunes, the cold breezes got to me eventually after 2 hrs of painting hastily. I'm not complaining, it was good to be in the sun.

As it was a rather cloudy day, the dark blue/green parts of the water are shadows cast by the never ending motion of the fluffy clouds. As the water being quite agitated by the wind it had a rather strange yellow/green/brownish tint, depending on how strong the sun light was bouncing on it. A great day to be sailing, I suppose. I couldn't help but thinking, " man if I'm cold here, they must be freezin' there buts off, on those sailboats." They must have special clothing for that sport.

Well bye for now, do remember to pass me on to friends, or simply mail me their email addresses.

Ciao,
Alberto, il pittore

This is what I do...

Return from a good day Sailing, Weesp, Holland (just under Amsterdam)
oil on canvas, 70 x 90 cm (27.5 x 35.5 inches)
painted on location, 24 sept 2006

This is what I do...
I find a location inspiring to paint, set up my easel, my oil paints, medium, turpentine and do what I do best.....paint, ...... oil colors on an empty canvas. Within a couple of hours I am almost
complete, this work took about 3.5 hrs. Pretty large for an outdoor painting. I take no pictures, so very seldom I have to return to location to finish the work. I see with my eyes and what comes through my hands and fingers as they control the brush, only God knows. I paint with a certain amount of control, yet it is in surrendering to the creative force, which I believe is infused in all of living matter, that the work begins to unfold before my eyes. I don't get it right all the time, I don't have a step-by-step, fool prove technique. but when it does click, magic happens. A small miracle takes place.

My paintings won't put you to sleep, that is for sure. My paintings say,......." Yeah you, look at me, I'm here..."

This painting is still available, when your interested. Check it out on my website, www.albertovalentini.nl

Alberto, il pittore

High winds off the North Sea

oil on canvas, 20 x 50 cm (8 x 20 inches)

SOLD

Hello Everyone,

Welcome, to the newcomers! My list is growing slowly but surely. Just last week there were only 37 on it, as of today 117. Thanks to the persons who are passing on the mail to friends and family.

What a difference a day makes. Yesterdays painting looked like it could have been made in Italy, today there is no mistaking were it was made. Waves breaking furiously, color of water brown as the earth it bathes, this my friends, is the North Sea, on cold, bitter windy day. One of the advantages these conditions have is the clarity of vision, the smoke and industrial area in the background is a good 40 kilometres away.

I like this composition, with the vanishing point a little of center to the left, a great sense of depth is result.
When you want to create some space in a corner of your office or working area in your home, this baby will do just that.

The tiny spots you see on the surface was a gift from nature, thus the owner of this work not only gets an image of the scene, but gets a few hundred particles of beach sand.

Alberto, il pittore.