Beach Scene, cloudy sky, Domburg

Beach scene with cloudy sky, Domburg
oil on canvas
70 x 50 cm
painted on location, Sat 3 may 2008

SOLD

This will be the last posting from my recent trip to Domburg. This portrait format canvas, is rather unusual for a seascape. I did this purposefully so one could get an appreciation for the renowned Dutch light. The swiftly moving clouds are also a dominant feature in this composition. ( Take note of the shadow created by one of them on the sand.) The beach and dunes here are naturally very untamed and beautiful. Check out the gradation of the sand from were it meets the sea to the base of those amazingly high dunes.

Beach scene, Zuiderstrand, #1/08

Summer beach scene, Zuiderstrand, The Hague
oil on canvas
24 x 30 cm
painted on location, Sun. 11th and Wed. 14th May 08

SOLD

The sun has left us here in The Lowlands, after two weeks of crystal clear blue skies and an abundance of warm soothing sunrays. The painting I'm sending today is a testimony of just what I'm talking about. This is a view of the beach that we are lucky to have here in the nation's capital. Most people think that this city is known for its political status, but any "Haagenaar", will tell you the best thing about this city is what you are looking at right now.
Tell me the exact spot were I made this painting and you get a 10% discount.

Beach scene with children playing.

Small beach scene, children playing, Domburg
oil on canvas
13 x 18 cm
painted on location, Fri 2 May 2008

SOLD

Another typical view of the beach in Domburg. You can clearly see the effect of the declining tide on the beach. Children love to play in the pools of water that the uneven level of the sand on the beach capture for a short time.

Late afternoon, Beach scene, Domburg

Beach scene, Domburg, Zeeland
oil on canvas
17 x 22 cm
painted on location, Thurs 1 may 2008

SOLD

This is the second painting I made while in Domburg last week. The beach here is very distinguished with these charateristic rows of poles that jetty out into the sea. A few months ago I painted the same composition, only then it was a winter storm condition, the colors then were grey and green as compared to these indigo and light sky blue color schemes.

View of Delft, with White flat boat

View of Delft from 'Delftse Schie'
oil on canvas
40 x 50 cm
painted on location, from Feb. 2008 - 7 May 2008

SOLD
Private Collection, Wassenaar, Holland

The inspiration to make this painting is because this is more or less the spot were Johannes Vermeer, ( 16th century) painted his famous, View of Delft, which can be seen in the Mauristhuis Collection, ( Hollands National Art Gallery). Also that lovely flat white boat, made this scene a must for me to paint. It took me longer than I expected to complete this piece. Went on location at least seven times, had to set up on a days with the same conditions, clear cloudless sky, and within the same time frame, 10.30am - 1.30pm. The details in this composition, were driving me crazy, it was quite a challenge to simplify them, like the reflections on the water.

View of the beach, Domburg, Zeeland

Beach Scene, Domburg, Zeeland
oil on canvas
24 x 30 cm
painted on location, Thurs 1 May 08

SOLD

It's the middle of the afternoon. The sun is in full glory, however the temperature is still not above 20 degrees celsius. Tomorrow it's going above 20, there will be at least 175 people occuping the space depicted on this canvas. There is a lady looking over my left shoulder. She says something that sounds like 'schoon', she talks in German, I look at her and say, sorry I'm not German or Dutch. She speaks English, so we strike up a conversation. She says something to the effect, " I like it because it has depth and you are not painting all the people". I say to her, " thank you, when someone living in a big city, has this painting hanging on their wall, they will appreciate the serenity that this scene offers".

Path in the dunes, Domburg

Path in the dunes, Domburg, Zeeland
oil on canvas
30 x40 cm
painted on location, Fri 2 May 08

SOLD
private collection, Westkapelle, Zeeland

Have not been posting since last week because was on a painting holiday with four other plein - air painters in Domburg, Zeeland. This area of Holland is very well known for its sharp and clear light. The sky is particularly interesting to paint, the clouds seem to float about in a haphazard but yet, rhythmic order. Have not seen this anywhere else but here. The next six postings will all be from this painting excursion. Note the height of these dunes as compared the Westduinpark series.

The Hague Sailing Clubhouse, #1/08

The Hague Sailing Clubhouse,(Southbeach/Zuiderstrand,Den Haag)
oil on canvas
13 x 18 cm
painted on location Sat 26 April

SOLD

This little gem of a painting will fit comfortably almost anywhere. Hang it together with a grouping of small format paintings, or give it a prominent space on your office desk on a baby easel. For me this is the most interesting scene to paint, on this stretch of beach. The colors of the two building structures are complimentary and enhance one another. I'm still going to work on the Paths in the dunes series, but just thought to show you were all these paths are leading to.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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,

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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,

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.