Ingang Scheveningen Haven #2/08

Setting out sailing on a beautiful Day
oil on canvas
24 x 18 cm
painted on location, Thurs. 24 July 2008

SOLD

In the winter, (Feb. 16 2008), I made a painting at the same location, that was a panaromic view. This time I zoomed in on this detail, as I wanted to emphasize the play of light on that pier. It is the start of beautiful summers day, a slight cool breeze, plenty of sunshine, hardly a cloud in the sky, you couldn't imagine a more suitable day for setting off to sea. Believe me, I'm almost positive, that the 2nd inner harbor emptied out this day, as the yatchs were streaming out, one after the other.

Wind force # 5, Wijk Aan Zee

A proud and stalwart flag, Coast line, North Holland
oil on canvas
24 x 18 cm
painted on location, Sat 19 July 2008

SOLD


It was not easy working outdoors on this one. Managed to find a spot that barricaded me from the fierce wind, however had to fasten a large umbrella on my easel, in order to keep the rain from damaging the work in progress. We have been having this kind of weather for more than two weeks now. There is only one person I know who actually is enjoying this weather pattern, and that is my American friend, Andy. He spent the last six weeks in sunny hot southern Florida, were temperatures are soaring around 100 degrees F. In someway this flag represents qualities of the Dutch citizens, resilient and strong. Two seaguls being tossed about by the wind, an oil platform on the horizon and a sky worthy of painting, add some character to this rather simple composition.

Breaking Waves, The North Sea, #3/08

Breaking Waves, high winds at Katwijk beach
oil on canvas, 20 x 140 cm (please note, not a small painting)
painted on location, Thursday 17 July 2008  -  SOLD

Not an ideal summers day, however for me working, 'en plein - air', couldn't ask for a better situation to paint. With the threat of rain, just over my shoulders, I was wasting no time getting the colors on this long narrow canvas. An appropriate size for such a study of waves breaking, wouldn't you agree? The focus is on what's happening at the shore line, thus only one sailboat in the distance,(right from the center), this helps in creating the illusion of depth.

Het Dordtse Scheffersplein

Scheffers Square, Dordrecht, Holland
oil on canvas,
30 x90 cm
painted on location, Sat 12 and Sun 13 July 2008

SOLD

The monument of Arij Scheffer(Dutch painter born in Dordrecht, 18th century), is the focal point of this scene. The square has been transformed into a Monmartre-type situation, with plein-air painters, street artists and musicians, entertaining the Dordrecht public, all thanks to the initiative of Academica, a local insurance company, and the city municipality. I choose to capture the situation at hand, thus opting for a long format canvas, to afford a somewhat panoramic view. Typical of downtown Dordrecht, known to be the oldest city in Holland, are the not so erect buildings. The play of light due to the shadows cast, help in giving definition to this city scape.

Andreaskerk, Katwijk aan Zee

Old church on the Boulevard, (Oude kerk op de Boulevard)
oil on canvas
30 x 24 cm
painted on location, Mon. 7 July and Thurs. 10 July 2008


Een kloddertje hier, een spetterje daar

"Deze week vindt in Katwijk het schilderfestival 'En Plien Air' plaats. Vele kunstenaars leggen op artistieke wijze pittoreske delen van het dorp op doek vast. Zoals de Oude kerk op de Boulevard, dat een fraai decor vormt voor de creatieve uiting. Toch was het geenszins makkelijk werken voor deze kunstenaar, want er stond maandagmiddag een stevige wind, voorzien van de nodige spetters regenwater. Maar onder een afdakje ging het net en kon er toch iets moois op het canvas verschijnen."

WOENSDAGKRANT, Katwijk (9-7-2008)


Will, this posting is dedicated to all my Dutch contacts. I quoted that from a local newspaper. Basically it is refering to a picture which was taken of me working on this canvas. It mentions the painting festival I brought to your attention on the previous posting. That, despite the nasty weather, high winds and drops of rain, I was able to knock off this piece under the protection of an overhanging porch. In fact the weather was so bad I was forced to stop. I returned 3 days later, with continuing bad weather, however, as is evident, with the breaking up of the clouds and some blue sky showing itself, the weather did finally improve. A true wet painting from the Lowlands.

Path in the dunes, Katwijk aah Zee, # 13/08

High winds on the North Sea
oil on canvas
30 x 24 cm
painted on location, Mon 7 July 2008

SOLD


Today is the first day of the Katwijk 'en plein air' schilderfestival. I joined forces with a fine bunch of painters and braved the elements with my easel and a much needed, windbreaker (a parasol 180cm in diameter), which allowed me to set up in the open, on this quaint walking path in the dunes. The light was dramatic, as is evident of the racing clouds, casting all sorts of shades and variations in the lighting conditions. I was racing to finish this medium size canvas, in order to avoid the pouring down of rain. Not to mention the wind, which wanted so graciously to blow my easel away.

Catamaran Clubhouse, The Hague #2/08

The start of a beautiful day, South Beach, The Hague
oil on canvas, 30 x 90 cm
painted on location, Tues 1 July 2008
SOLD

You will not believe what a difference 24hrs could make in the weather, here in The Lowlands. As I'm posting this, the sky is completely overcast and something wet is trying very hard to loosen itself from its hosting cloud. It is still hot, infact the hottest day of the year, thus far. This work with a cool spot light on it, will be indeed a pleasure to look at, and maybe even warm you up, on a cold benelux grey winters day. It is just the start of the day, and it looks very promising. Mostly people walking their dogs, or going for a healthy walk on the beach. The red building (reddingsbergied) is for the publics safety, were young guys and girls volunteer as lifeguards during busy summer days on this strech of lovely beach

Summer evening beach scene, Noordwijk

Beach scene with typical Dutch 'strandpavilion', Noordwijk
oil on canvas
20 x 60 cm
painted on location, Wed 18 June 2008

SOLD


This work was made on the 3rd day of the Noordwijkschildersfestival, (the painting festival I already mentioned earlier). It was the 4th painting I made that day. One could already notice the fluidity of the brushstroke, giving the canvas a fresh and spontaneous feel, a quality that is common with plien-air painting. The Dutch flag with the small orange banner, smack in the middle, more orange banners attached to the strandpavilion, Holland's national soccer team was leading the European Cup 2008 tournament. The whole country was drapped in 'orange'. The conditons were very windy that day, kite surfers were having a ball. Along with about seven other painters, I was positioned next to a beach cafe, protected from the endless gusts of wind.

View of the dunes, with wild horses.

View from Zwolsestraat 259, Scheveningen

oil on canvas
40 x 120 cm
painted on location - 26/27/28/29 june 2008

Private collection, Den Haag
SOLD

Mr. and Mrs Johansson had no doubt that they had a most beautiful view from their living room. As they are about to give up this house and go live elsewhere, they certainly did not want to leave this view behind. So, they commissioned me to bring it to their new home, streched out on a piece of canvas, 40 x 120. You don't notice it on the computer screne, however this painting is comfortably a large size. It took some crafty manoeuvres to bring about a sense of depth in this painting, and getting those pretty horses in the right perspective was challenging, however I believe I did ok. I'm including a detail of the view, in this posting.

Path in the dunes, Westduinpark # 12/08

Path in the dunes, under windy conditions
oil on canvas, 30 x 90 cm
painted on location, 23/24 June 2008

SOLD

Again one of the best views you will get here on the coast in Holland. The play of light has a rather pleasant effect on the colors of the sea. On the most valuble advise of the famous Dutch painter, Vincent Van Gogh, I limited myself to a warm hue on the vegetation and forground of this art work. It was great to be back on my own turf after an intense week in Noordwijk.

The burnt pole

Path to the Sea, (near Noordwijk Aan Zee)
oil on canvas
30 x 60 cm
painted on location, Tues. 17 june 2008

SOLD
private collection, Noordwijk, Holland.

As some of you know, I was a participant of the Noordwijkschildersfestifal, a painters festival held once a year, in Noordwijk, Holland. This is a well known Sea resort here in The Lowlands. I've choosen to blog this piece, as I feel it is most likely, the best work I made, during this week long festival. I made 17 paintings in 5 days, sold all but one. This work has a great sense of depth, the colors blend in harmoniously, and the shadows on the sand are a welcome contrast to the bright light, created by the warm sunlight bathing the whole scene.

Path in the dunes, Westduinpark # 11/08

Path in the dunes, leading to the North Sea,(summer look)
oil on canvas
24 x 30 cm

SOLD

Back to my favorite theme of this year. And actually back to a location which I've painted already for the 3rd time. Yet with the changing of the season one could, on close observation, notice many differences. To begin with the light is not as clear and sharp as the early versions. This has an enormous affect on the color of the sea, for example that turquoise color is unusual, but at this time of year, it happens, ( mind you for only seconds at a time). Then the vegetation is fuller and those cadium yellow spots are representing those lovely wild flowers which grow abundantly, in the our much valued natural dunes. I'm off to Noordwijk tommorrow, to attend the painters festival, (schildersfestival), which will last the whole week. It is a great event for me, I stay there the whole week, and paint at least 3 paintings per day. Wish me luck, thanks.

2nd Harbor Scheveningen, Early morning

Scheveningen Harbor with mist lifting
oil on canvas
60 x 60 cm
painted on location, Mon 2nd - Mon 9th June 2008

SOLD

If you were to go down to the harbor at 6am in the morning, in the summer, on a cloudy morning, with mist, this is more than likely what you would see. Don't worry, you don't have to get out of your comfortable bed to enjoy this view, as I have taken the trouble to do that for you. With hardly any wind, the boats and yachts being fastly moored, not yet making there way out to sea, thus the water is almost comletely still. This was a difficult composition to work out. The art of leaving out, (kunst van weg laten), plays a major role on this canvas. I positioned myself on a location which affords the eye a great sense of depth. It took about 45 minutes to find that spot. I'm in the habit of starting and finishing a painting in one go, in this occasion, not a chance. With all those details to work out, and remember, although tied to there moorings the vessels are always slightly in motion.

Breaking Waves, The North Sea, #2/08

Breaking Waves, windy conditions with sailboat, South beach, The Hague
oil on canvas
24 x 30 cm
painted on location, Fri. 30 May 2008

SOLD

Lovely soft Dutch light being played out in this scene, captured late in the afternoon, on a fairly secluded beach. That sailor was having the time of his life, that front sail taking in just about as much wind as it can handle, that baby was on the move. The transparency of the large wave about to break worked out quite well, wouldn't you agree?

Breaking Waves, The North Sea, #1/08

Breaking waves with seagulls, Zuiderstrand, The Hague
oil on canvas
30 x 60 cm
painted on location, Fri 23 May 2008

SOLD

"Painters, go look at the sea. There you will see the marvels of color and light, the sparkling sky. You will feel the poetry of the sands, the charms of the air, of the imperceptible hue. You will return from there stronger and full of great accents.
Poets, go and see the beach. You will have to sing the mystery of infinity.....
Musicians go listen to its harmony. All of you, finally, who are tired of wordly life, all of you who are oppressed by the weight of days,... go and breathe in the strength and faith of fertile nature, our mother and friend."

Odilon Redon ( 1840 - 1916 )

Now you know why I never get tired of painting this subject! Don't I know about those imperceptible hues , it would take the challenge out of it , if it was otherwise.

Path in the dunes, Westduinpark # 10/08

Path in the dunes, Bright sunny day, Westduinpark, The Hague
oil on canvas
50 x 60 cm
painted on location, Wed 21 May 2008

SOLD

Here I am back to the same spot were this series all began, on the 4th of April 2008. It feels good to be back on this theme. The dunes, as you can see have gone through a major color transformation since then. The paint is layed on so thick that you could most likely could smell it, even on your screen. Seeing this in the real is much better.

Arrivederci,

The Smallest house in Delft

The smallest house in Delft
oil on canvas
40 x 30 cm
painted on location, (on several occasions from june 2007 - 20 May 2008)


SOLD
Private collection, Wassenaar, Holland

No joke. This is really known as the smallest house in Delft. Historically this house is known to have been the residence of the private Doctor of Hollands first offical Political leader, Prince Willam Van Orange. Who by the way, was assassinated just about 80 meters down the street. (I guess the Dr. was out playing golf or posing for the statue of him which is shown on the pink wall, typical isn't it.) Back to serious business, I like the orchestration of all those angles on the facades of these buildings, and the way the light hits them, causing the reflections on the windows.

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.