Saturday, 26 April 2008

Path in the dunes, Westduinpark # 9/08


Path in the dunes,(entrance to beach/ingang naar strand),Westduinpark, The Hague
oil on canvas
30 x 40 cm
painted on location - Fri 25 April 08

SOLD

By popular demand, and of course more importantly, from inspiration I get for this theme, I have painted yet another metaphor for invitation and adventure. Definitely in this case, because sailors walking down this path, then turning left and going 100 meters, are face to face with their darling catamaran. I have never been on one, but would imagine with some wind and choppy waves, you are into an exciting adventure.

Wednesday, 23 April 2008

Path in the dunes, Westduinpark # 8/08


Path in the dunes, (full spring colors) Westduinpark, The Hague.

oil on canvas
24 x 30 cm
painted on location Wed 23 April 08

SOLD

The path less travelled. This path is only available to walkers, joggers, dogs and horses. As you may note, it is unpaved, with fine stones and crushed seashells on the forground and sand after a few meters. If you have not yet walked through the dunes, you might miss this lovely orchestration of colors. I might have exxagerated a little, but not by much. Again, give me the exact location, and you get a 10% reduction for this painting. Don't forget if it is your first purchase, you get a 15 euro discount. Maybe a nice idea for a Mothers Day gift!

Monday, 21 April 2008

Path in the dunes, Westduinpark # 7/08


Path in the dunes,(beach entrance/ingang naar strand), Westduinpark, The Hague
oil on canvas
50 x60 cm
painted on location, Sunday 20 April 08

SOLD

I had so much good feedback from the painting #5/08 in this series, that I thought, why not attempt it again. And probably will make a few more, as I like the symbolic nature of these scenes. As my colleague, painter Jane Walker says, "A metaphor for invitation and adventure." Entrances to the Sea. I'm sure the young folks on that clipper in the distance, must certainly be having an adventure.

Thursday, 17 April 2008

Path in the dunes, Westduinpark # 6/08


Path in the dunes, (View of The North Sea),Westduinpark, The Hague
oil on canvas
24 x 30 cm
painted on location, Thursday 17 April 2008


SOLD

Here I am back at one of my favorite spots in the dunes. The light today was very soft, with clouds covering the sun most of the time. However the view of the sea was inspiring as usual. I have been having a lot of fun painting these lovely Dutch clouds, which are common here in The Lowlands.

Wednesday, 16 April 2008

Path in the dunes, Westduinpark # 5/08


Path in the dunes, (at the sea,aan zee), Westduinpark, The Hague.
oil on canvas
30 x 40 cm
painted on location, Wed 16 April 2008

SOLD

Today the weather was so lovely, I couldn't resist getting as close to the sea as possible, yet still working on the path in the dunes series. Locating myself just about 15 meters from the beach. Thank God it wasn't the weekend, otherwise there would have been bicycles locked up along the poles. If you like this series or have anything you would like to say about it, please let me know. I'm offering again, a 10 % discount if you can give me the exact location of this scene.

Ciao,
il pittore

Monday, 14 April 2008

Path in the dunes, Westduinpark # 4/08


Path in the dunes, (to the sea/naar zee), Westduinpark, The Hague
oil on canvas
24 x 30 cm
painted on location, Sunday 13 April 2008

SOLD


Another beautiful sunny morning, somewhat cold, you can see it on the water, a perfect day for sailing and for us plein - air artists, painting. Again the shadows created by the rising sun and the drifting clouds, give definition to this quaint scene. I managed to capture the renowned Dutch Light, which comes across quite handsomely in this inviting seascape.

Wednesday, 9 April 2008

Path in the dunes, Westduinpark # 3/08


Path in the dunes, (to the Sea/naar zee),Westdunepark,The Hague
oil on canvas,
18 x 24 cm
painted on location, Tues 8/April/08

SOLD

Continuing on this series of paths, I present to you this quaint little oil. One of my favourite locations in this park. It offers one of the most spectacular views of the North Sea along Hollands coastline. Again another lovely sunny day here in The Lowlands, with these voluminous fluffy clouds hovering in the celestial blue sky, casting ever shifting shadows on these earthy toned frigid waters.

Sunday, 6 April 2008

Path in the dunes, Westduinpark, The Hague. # 2/08


Path in the dunes, with joggers, Westduinpark, The Hague. #2/08
oil on canvas
30 x 40 cm
painted on location, Sunday 7 April 2008

SOLD

Sunlight, shadows, color due to growth of plants, and a view of the sea, what more can a plein - air painter expect, early on a Sunday morning? The reason I head out so early, is to get those shadows painted in, otherwise the light becomes to saturated, which makes my job the more difficult for you the viewer to enjoy this scene. The shadows cast by the overhanging clouds created lovely effects on the earthy toned water.

Friday, 4 April 2008

Path in the dunes, Westduinpark #1/08


Path in the dunes # 1/08, Westduinpark, The Hague.
oil on canvas
24 x 30 cm
painted on location, Fri 4 April 08

SOLD

Finally the winds calmed down, and my condition of St. Anthony's fire (wond roos) has also cooled down. What inspired me to make this painting, apart from the fantastic view, was the new growth of the vegetation in the dunes. Color is reappearing slowly but surely. Check out the effects of the strong winds from the sea on the bushes at the bottom left. Do you know exactly where I was sit up for this painting? If so, you are entitled to a 10% discount.

Saturday, 15 March 2008

Winter Seascape # 11, South Beach, The Hague


View of South Beach, The Hague
oil on canvas,
20 x 50 cm
painted on location, Sat. 15 March, early afternoon

SOLD

There was a very special light at the sea this afternoon. The mild weather must of had a big influence on this. Gentle rolling waves, a very hazey cloudy sky, sunlight struggling to make its appearance, the sea stealing and reflecting all the light it can, made for optimal conditions for any plein - air painter to set up and give it a go. The range of hues and values of color in the water were absolutely breath taking. I positioned myself right at the start of the beach next to Scheveningens harbour entry. The silhouetted buildings at the end mark the beginning of Kijkduin Beach.

Sunday, 9 March 2008

Winter Seascape # 10, Sailing the high winds.


oil on canvas
16 x 24 cm
painted on location, South Beach, The Hague.
Sat 8 March, afternoon

SOLD

Again thanks to the building of the beach pavillion "De Kwartel", I was able to position myself out of the wind. I like the way I captured the sailboat in action. I had a sailboat already painted, but it was not to convincing. Thank God this sailer was calling it a day, thus returning to the shelter of Scheveningen harbour, I had just enough time to record his actions.

Thursday, 6 March 2008

Winter Seascape # 9, Mother and daughter playing.


oil on canvas
13 x 18 cm
painted on location, Wed 5 March(early afternoon)

SOLD


A sign of a promising shift in the weather. Although it was cold and windy the sunshine inspired this mother to spend some quality time with her daughter near the sea. Could not resist capturing this scene, as the aditional colors were a delight to paint.

Wednesday, 5 March 2008

Winter Seascape # 8, Surfing the High Waves.


oil on canvas 24 x 30 cm 
painted, 5 March, morning 
SOLD

A beautiful winters day. Somewhat windy, but found a spot next to a container, as beach houses are already starting to be constructed. The subject of this painting is the North Sea with the typical Dutch sky, full of lovely majestic clouds. The surfer just adds a nice spice along with the yellow bouy (top right). The effect of the wind on the sand was also interesting.

Monday, 3 March 2008

Trompestraat, Delft


oil on canvas,
16 x 24 cm
painted on location, Mon 3 March


Probably the most picturesque city in Holland, Delft is a most welcome location for a plien-air painter such as myself. The play of light on that tiny hotel at the end of the street was what attracted me to set up and make this todays wet painting.

Thursday, 28 February 2008

Winter Seascape # 7, View from on High, Westduinpark


oil on canvas
16 x 22 cm
painted on location

SOLD

Here is a view from what I beleive is South Hollands(Zuid Holland) highest point. Painted almost a year ago, this work was originally 40 x 100 cm. It didn't work out at that size, so I decided to keep the most interesting part of the painting and touch it up a little.

Sunday, 24 February 2008

Winter Seascape # 6, Sailing on a mild winters day


oil on canvas
24 x 30 cm
made on location, Sun 24/02/2008

SOLD



When this work was started, the sky above me was covered with cool grey clouds. You could see them floating across the top. A wind which was just tolerable, pleasantly stirred up the sea, causing it to give off those soft green hues, a delight to look at and paint. It wasn't easy to keep painting what I had started as the situation changed drastically when the Sun decided to make itself visible. By the time I finished the sky was completely blue, creating a totally different scene!

Saturday, 16 February 2008

Winter Seascape # 5, entrance to Scheveningen harbour


oil on canvas
16 x 24 cm
painted on location, Sat 16 Feb (mid-afternoon)

SOLD

No, this is not S. Tropaz or some port in sunny Cyprus. This is sunny and cold Scheveningen, Holland. Positioning myself only meters away from the opening to the outside harbour(buiten haven), thus no people walking, but sailboats and sailors returnig, to the shelter of this port. Despite the cold, it was fine to be on location, doing my thing.

Monday, 11 February 2008

Winter Seascape # 4, A beautiful day on the Northe Sea



oil on canvas
30 x 40 cm
painted on location Sunday 10 Feb. (early afternoon)

SOLD


Hardly what one would expect for a winter view of the North Sea! Mild temperatures, no wind (will I suppose some slight gusts out on the sea), and plenty of Sun. The only signs that give this scene a winters feel, is first those colors of the sky's horizon at mid - day, and seondly the shabby look of the sand.

Thursday, 7 February 2008

Winter Seascape # 3, with herring (haring) fishing boat


oil on canvas,
20 x 50 cm
painted on location, Thurs. 7 Feb.(morning)

SOLD


A good place to go to think things over, get a breath of fresh air, and strech your legs. If its winter and you are going to stand still and make a painting, you better put some warm clothing on and sit yourself up somewhere out of the wind. One can never get bored of painting the sea, as you never get the same situation before your eyes twice. Light, which is constantly changing, effects everything, this is most evident at sea, especially the North Sea.

Saturday, 2 February 2008

Winter Seascape # 2, (Domburg, Zeeland)



oil on canvas board, 15 x 20 cm
painted on location, Thurs. 31 Jan 08

SOLD


This quaint little painting was made next to a closed beach cafe allowing me and three other colleages protection from extreme storm conditions with heavy winds and rain. Domburg is known for its favorable light conditions, commonly refered to as the Dutch Light. This is plain to see in the lovely reflections of soft emerald greens, even under these inhospitable weather conditions. Can't wait for the weather to improve!

Saturday, 26 January 2008

Winter Seascape view, North Sea. #1


Oil on canvas
20 x 50cm
painted on location, Wed 23 Jan 2008

SOLD


Il Pittore is back in action! After a three week period of laying in bed due to catching the flu, l finally felt confidant to tackle an outdoor, au plien air painting. Positioning myself next to the dunes, at an entrance to the beach near Kijkduin, managing to avoid the cold bitter Northly wind. It wasn't sunny but the clouds were high enough to allow for this lovely soft emerald green color to appear. Just the thing a painter like me can appreciate. Not too much activity on the beach, except for the odd person taking their pet dog(s) for a healthy stroll. The dog featured here is taking a break, while the owner is probably asking her to go fitch the ball, just slightly visible a couple of meters in front of them.

Tuesday, 8 January 2008

Cycling through Dunes, Westduinpark ( re-painted).


oil on canvas,
30 x 90 cm,
painted on location, 15th April 2007,
repainted in studio, 7 Jan 2008

SOLD



Here is a lovely scene in the dunes, which protect The Hague, from the Sea. This being one of the few paintings I still have in my possession, as I had a fantastic season, re sales. I decided I wasn't all that happy with the color of the scheme of the painting. Thus I present it once again. Should you be interested in this painting, I am offering a 10% discount to anyone who sends me an email listing minimal 3 changes I've made. To see the original painting go to my posting 0n 15 April 2007.

Once again Happy New Years.

Bye for now,

Saturday, 5 January 2008

Prinsengracht, Amsterdam - II


oil on canvas
40 x 50 cm
painted on location, Fri 28 Dec 2007

This work no longer exists


As I stated in my last email, here you have the oil painting version of the same scene in Amsterdam. This is an oil painting sketch, rather than a completed oil painting. Working on location, with the light changing by the minute, as it was getting late in the afternoon, this piece maintains its character of a sketch. The main advantage of this kind of painting is that it is not overworked, things and objects are suggested rather than shown in detail. Not everybody's cup of tea, but personnally I like looking more at the sketches from the Masters than the completed works.

Thursday, 3 January 2008

Prinsengracht, Amsterdam



soft pastel on pastel board
30 x 40 cm
made on location, Friday 28 Dec 2007
SOLD

Today I present to you a typical winter scene of a canal in Amsterdam. Finding myself with a group of artists who asked me to join them, we decided to set up at this location. Looking south on the Prinsengracht were it meets with the Leidsegracht. It was a dull grey overcast day, so a bit of imagination with the colors brings some life into this otherwise boring situation. This work is made with soft pastel I then carried on to make an oil painting which will be my next posting.

Wednesday, 19 December 2007

Regentesse Plien, Den Haag (The Hague)



Pastel/Charcoal on brown paper
24 x 60 cm
painted on location, Nov 2007
SOLD

A scene from the neighborhood I live in. This time of year is rather difficult for me to get out and make paintings on location, so rather than not post anything I've decided to show a selection of plien - air works from the past. Here you have an early evening view of this monument dedicated to the Grand Mother of the present day Queen of Holland. Bicycles are very common in this country, thus the rider shown here is more than likely making his way home to a warm meal, after a day at the office.

Saturday, 8 December 2007

Cozy Cafe Scene # 1


soft pastel on sand paper
25 x 30 cm
made on location, Thurs 6 Dec 2007

SOLD


The Dutch have a beautiful sounding word for cozy, and that is gezellig. Outside it is raining, has been pretty will everyday, since the last two weeks. Starting to get depressing for an outdoor painter such as myself. Don't like and refuse to work from pictures. The solution? Get warm and comfortable in a cafe that has a welcoming atmosphere. Just like that group, sitting around that table. The location is, Cafe The Wijnhaven in Delft.
I've been thinking about what subject to paint on these dull Benelux winter days. Doing cafe interiors has crossed my mind. So when a colleague, Albert Dolmans, suggested that we meet for a coffee and chat in Delft, I accepted. He took along his sketch pad, I took my pastels. I'm grateful that he did, otherwise this work would not have happened.
By the way, to clarify materials used, pastel sand paper, is a very grainy type thick carton paper, it is made specially for soft pastel. Expensive but worth it, as it permanently keeps the pigments from the pastel on the surface of the support.

Monday, 26 November 2007

View of the Nieuwe Rijn and Vismarkt, Leiden


oil on canvas,
70 x 90 cm
painted on location; tues. 30 Oct & thurs 22 Nov 2007

SOLD

The size of this painting is what forced me to go back on location to further work on it. The trees are practicully bare of their foliage, however the sun at times was caught by these naked branches and this lovely pinkish red color filled those otherwise boring areas. Alot of information for a plein - air painter to digest, from this balcony situated on the third floor of an old C & A department store, but believe me I reduced it down as much as possible. Central Leiden still maintains much of its original character, notwithstanding an almost totally devastating fire at the beginning of last century. Rembrandt van Rijn was born, if I'm not mistaken, just around the bend to the left about 700 meters up the river Rhine (Rijn)

Sunday, 18 November 2007

View of the Nieuwe Kerk, Delft, Holland


faber/castell soft pastel
on specially prepaired pastelboard,
30 x 40 cm
sketched on location, Sun 18 nov 2007

SOLD

I guess I am lucky to have Delft, just around the corner from my studio. Here you have a quaint cold late autumn scene. I am somewhat familiar with picturesque locations in this pretty small city, (which was once home to the famous Jan Vemeer). However the mother and daughter depicted on the bridge probably have come across this scene for the first time, thus I was afforded a moment to fit them in and give this already perfect view that all important, human element.

Tuesday, 13 November 2007

Model with artist reflected in mirror.


pastel on paper
50 x 65 cm
sketched - mon. 12 nov 2007
SOLD

Seems like this subject has become my latest series. The weather being what it is, there isn't much inspiration to go outdoor painting. With a great model, such as the one represented in this delicate pastel drawing, who wouldn't choose to work at the easel, in the comfort of a warm, well let studio. In the forground lies the model, in a lovely flowing gesture. Directly behind her, the composition is made up of mainly reflected scenery. The sofa, parts of the model, windows, and the artist at the easel, all taking place in the same space as you, the viewer are made to occupy, whilst visually taking in this quaint scene.

Bye for now.

Monday, 5 November 2007

Revised version of Catamaran Club house, The Hague, # 8


oil on canvas
13 x 40 cm
painted on location, wed 27 june 2007
cropped in my studio, thurs 1 nov 2007

SOLD

Here you have an example of artistic freedom! The original painting was 30 x 60 cm. You can see it,(for the time being), on my blog posting of 2 July 2007. Feedback from others and my own choice about the composition persuaded me to give this a more panoramic type look. I think I succeeded in making the work interesting by reducing it to this size. The natural sun light works much better in this format. Contrasted with the grey/blue clouds in the background, this creates a tension that intrigues the eye. Your comment would be appreciated.

Sunday, 4 November 2007

Market Scene, Bergen NH, The Netherlands


oil on canvas,
75 x 90 cm - ( 30 x 35 in.)
painted on location, Sat. 3 Nov 2007 / Sun. 28 Oct 2007 / 19 Oct 2006.

SOLD

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Here I present to you a typical Dutch autumn village market scene. Bergen is located in north Holland, near Alkmaar. A popular tourist attraction surrounded by beautiful natural wooded dunes, with the sea only 7 klm away. Almost the whole of Bergens center contains monumental type buildings, quaint and characteristic to Holland, these scenes are worthy of being painted by plein - air artists such as myself. As a matter of fact, about a hundred years prior, many well known Dutch artists made this village their place of residence, they where consequently named the "Bergse school".
When this painting was started, it did not have in place the flower stall, luckily on my last attempt to finish it, I had this situation in front of me. Just what I needed to make the scene lively and interesting.

Friday, 26 October 2007

St. Servaasbrug, Maastricht, Holland



oil on canvas,
30 x 70 cm
painted on location, Wed 24 Oct 2007

385 euro


These last few days I found myself, along with my American artist friend, Andy Wolf, getting acquainted with the many squares and endless cobbled streets of this most picturesque city of The Netherlands, Maastricht. This famous landmark bridge, with a view of that magnificent churh and the surrounding hills, which gently embrace this colorful valley, it was not difficult for me to pick this scene as the first subject painted at this location. The coloration of the trees due to the autumn season bring a pleasing flavor to the whole and played a big part in helping me with the overall color scheme of this painting.

Sunday, 14 October 2007

The North Sea, (gentle rolling waves). #1

oil on canvas,
40 x 120 cm, ( 16 x 47 inches)
painted on location, Wed. 10 October 2007

SOLD

Here I present to you a large format work of what apparently seems to be an easy subject. Yeah, right! When is the last time you stood in front of the sea with an easel and oil paints? To begin with, the light is constantly changing, thus the reflections on the water are never quite the same. Hues and values shifting like the frames of a motion picture. The waves present yet another challenge, that is one of somehow arresting continual motion. This painting went through many phases before I found I had anything worth permanetly fixing. The title of this work has a number one attached, this means I plan to tackle this subject a few more times.

Tuesday, 9 October 2007

Artist and model


50 x 65 cm
pastel on paper
Ocober 2007

SOLD


Back in the studio working on my favorite subject, the female nude. Here you have the model in a lovely flowing gesture. Seen in the mirror is her reflection and the artist at work. The strenght in this work lies in the positioning of the model, slightly off center, anchoring the rest of the composition in an elegant fashion. The colors pay hommage to the tender emotional state of the model.

Wednesday, 19 September 2007

Catamaran Clubhouse, The Hague, Holland # 10


oil on canvas
20 x 50 cm
painted on location, Sunday 16 Aug 2007
SOLD

Back on this theme yet on more time. As I mentioned after making the first painting in this series, I hope to get in another 2 paintings of this picturesque area of the beach in South Holland, (ZH). Interesting in this work is the reflections in the windows. Not only do you get a glimpse of the inside of that lovely cobalt blue structure, reflected on the first glass are masts of the vessels which are merely hinted at on the bottom left hand corner. The colors on the sea where particularly fun to paint.

Bye for now.

Sunday, 16 September 2007


Earlier this month I was in Zundert with my friend Frits de Groot, to paint the preparations of the Zundert Flower Corso and the event's photographer was so nice to make quite some pictures of me us action. Please see more of me in action.

Today I went to the beach again - I hope to post it's result soon.

Bye for now, Alberto

Monday, 10 September 2007

Dahlia pickers (plukkers), Zundert, Holland


oil on canvas,
70 x 90 cm,
painted on location-  Saturday 1 sept 2007 (repainted Aug 2012)
SOLD 

This is the second large format work I painted on the Zundert Schildersfestival. Made in the early afternoon, at the same dahlia field as yesterdays Wet Painting, (only from a different view point). Luckily for me there came along flower pickers, as it was the last day to prepare the floats for the famous blomen corso. They added a nice accent to the composition, The horizon line was also made interesting due to the wind effect on the trees. Painting the amazing Dutch sky was also a challenge as the clouds were definitely in a hurry to get somewhere.

Saturday, 8 September 2007

View of Zundert, from a dahlia field



oil on canvas - 70 x 90 cm
painted on location - Saturday 1 Sept 2007
SOLD

This is one of six paintings I made of this subject, during the ZundertSchildersfestifal 2007. Painted early in the morning, the warm colors in the sky blend in perfect harmony with the colors of the dahlia flowers fields. Holland's most well known painter, Vincent Van Gogh was born in a house about 25 meters to the left of the church tower on view in the middle of this painting.

Tuesday, 4 September 2007

Path to the Sea, (Pad naar Zee), Westduinpark, The Hague, Holland



oil on canvas,
70 x 90 cm, (thus not small)
painted on location, Wed. 22 August 2007. (finishing touches done in studio, 23/8/07)

SOLD

Working on location with a canvas this big, was not the easiest thing. Even though I weighed down the easel with heavy stones, i had to have one hand on the easel almost the whole time while painting! But believe me, there is just no other way to get the results that I got any other way. Just look at the color of that sea, not even in your wildest dreams could you imagine such colors. Positioned where I was, only if you were color blind, or had a cheap pair of sunglasses, would you not have been able to see those colors, stirred up by a wind force, that not even a seasoned sailor would dare. Of course getting those hues on the canvas is another matter. That is where 25 years of painting comes in handy. Because the texture on the canvas is so thick at places it is hard for the camera to get a good focus, thus sorry for the unfocused picture.

Thursday, 23 August 2007

Dagje uit op strand, (Day out on the beach)


oil on canvas,
20 x 50 cm,
painted on location, Tuesday 21 August 2007 (mid afternoon)

SOLD


It wasn't the most beautiful sunny day, but the weather was warm enough, and the winds calmed down, making it suitable to spend a few hours on the lovely natural beach we are lucky to have here in The Hague. This is exactly what these young mothers decided to do. Pictured is also a man with his dog and to the right of them is a lady with a young child at the waters
edge.

Wednesday, 8 August 2007

Catamaran Clubhouse Den Haag, #9


oil on canvas,
50 x 60 cm - 20 x 23.5 inches
painted; Tues. 7 aug 2007, morning

SOLD


It is good to be back working on this picturesque subject, (especially when the sun is shining). In the last two weeks have been out of the country on two occasions. Once to Venice, Italy and the following week to Southern France to a little village near St. Etienne.
I really enjoyed painting the sky on this canvas. Also, the composition is made interesting with the catamaran boats stationed on the beach. I'm not entirely sure, but I think the boat nearest the sea is upside down.
Your comments are a appreciated.

Ciao,

Saturday, 28 July 2007

Ponte di Rialto, Canal Grande, Venezia, #1



oil on canvas,
24 x 30 cm
painted - Saturday, 21 July 2007 (early morning)

SOLD


This painting is being sent to you from The Lowlands, but was actually made in Italy. Went there to visit the Biennalle di Venezia with an artist colleague. Of course I took with me what painting equipment necessary to make this small yet quaint scene. I positioned myself at the end of a tiny pier, sitting on the side of a barge which was tied to a pole. Thus not being entirely stationary, made it somewhat of a challenge.
The temperatures were soaring will into the 30's, thus decided to get working as early as possible. As the light changes rapidly before 9am, had to return on a second occasion in order to complete this typical Venetian scene.

Wednesday, 18 July 2007

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,

Monday, 2 July 2007

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,

Wednesday, 27 June 2007

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,

Wednesday, 20 June 2007

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:

Wednesday, 13 June 2007

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.

Sunday, 10 June 2007

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.

Saturday, 9 June 2007

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
  • Wednesday, 6 June 2007

    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.

    Saturday, 2 June 2007

    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,