Catamaran Clubhouse, (HKZV) The Hague #1/09

Preparing the Cat, on a windy day, South Beach, The Hague
oil on canvas, 30 x 90 cm
painted on location, Sunday 19 April 2009
SOLD

I was on my knees for this baby. Funny being a Sunday, felt like I was in Holy place. For me, this is like being in the house of God, however without walls. Infinity above me, to the horizon, earths grandeur , and Holland over my right shoulder. I make a connection with spirit here....., this is my church. The Almighty creator guides my hand. I do the best I can to get out of the way and let the creative flux from nowhere and everywhere, flow through me. Funny an inquisitive lady came up to me and asked, "Do you do this just for fun and to relax?" I replied, "Yes it gives me great pleasure, thus fun, I suppose, but to relax"!!!!! This activity is anything but that. Mind you if I was just splashing colour around, and not concerned about perspective, and getting all those details correct, then yes, maybe it would be relaxing. But if that was the case I wouldn't dare expect anyone to reach in their pocket and hand over to me 425 euros!

View from South Beach, The Hague #2/09

Lovely spring day
oil on canvas
30 x 80 cm
painted on location, Wed 15 April 2009

SOLD

The tide is low, not a cloud in the sky, a soft cool breeze, is refreshing as the sun is in full splendor. Sailors are enjoying their beloved vessels, a young lady is having fun with her loyal pet dog, and il pittore is on location, yet again visiting his ever so faithful new found mistress, The North Sea. As this picture does not do justice to the painting, I have decide to show you a small detail.

Old City Hall, Markt, Delft

Oude Stadhuis, met markt, Delft
oil on canvas
13 x 18 cm
painted on location - Easter Monday 13 April 2009

SOLD

Sometimes when I'm making a painting it is like I'm fighting a losing battle. Believe me this painting defeated me! It may look like childs play, it may even look like I don't know how to paint, it certainly felt like I didn't know what the hell I was doing. It most likely had to do more with my state of mind,.... oh well, like always, in the end, I come out feeling somewhat better. As at least something gets created. Where in the beginning there was nothing but a blank image, on a quality piece of cotton, through my efforts, and the assistance of a creative force, which I allow to filter through my heart, a result occurs. After all is said and done, who the hell am I to judge? It is well known that most of the artist's of the past, thought much less of their paintings, than the average onlooker of these great art works, hanging now in prominant art collections.

View of South Beach, The Hague # 1/09

First day beach outing for this season
oil on canvas
30 x 90 cm
painted on location, Friday 10 April 2009

SOLD

Yes for a few daring souls, this was the first day they actually stripped down to there bathing suits, some even dared the still extremely cold water of the North Sea. A few days ago I made a very small version of this same compsition. Of course the conditions are never ever the same, the color of the water, the sky, the shifting sands on the beach, so many variables, that's why I never tire from this theme.

Seagulls playing in the rain, The North Sea.

A rainy day at South Beach, The Hague
oil on canvas
20 x 40 cm
painted on location, Wed. 8 April 2009

SOLD

Rain or shine, il pittore is out there capturing what beauty is to be found, even in the most unlikely places. I had to perch myself under a rescue teams container (reddingsbrigade) which are standard on all of the Dutch beaches, to keep dry. With less than 2 meters space between the earth and the bottom of container, I got on my knees to work on this canvas. Funny how it turned out, it seems to have been painted from the height of those two front seagulls. Guess I was seeing with my minds eye, as most of what I do is intuitive anyway. That's why I don't usually give art lessons. How could I teach what I don't know myself? It is a privilidge, and a good state to be in, when I just allow my hand to be guided by some unknown force. Results are surprising to me, and usually quite good.

View of the Marebrug, Leiden

Corner of Oude Vest and Lange Mare, Leiden
oil on canvas
13 x 18 cm
painted on location - Sunday 5 March 09

SOLD

Back in Leiden, to make yet another study for the commission of this scene. I went across the canal this time, and further away. The 1st study I painted in Leiden was made directly underneath that massive iron bridge, just on the other side of that object which forms part of the bridge. Too bad that the original hand drawn cast iron bridge does not exist anymore, I seen paintings of it in that cafe on the corner. It complimented the surroundings much nicer.

Rising fog, Scheveingen Harbor

Early morning view of Scheveningen binnen haven
oil on canvas
30 x 24 cm
painted on location, 5 march - 4 april, (12x)

SOLD

Here I present to you a smaller version of a similar painting I made last summer at more or less this location ( posted 10 june 2008). Beleive me this is not an easy place to make a painting. The boats in themselves have a certain attraction, I suppose, but the fact that there are so many, what a challenge. And remember, they are not perfectly still in their anchored position. I did my upmost to make this scene pleasing to the viewer. I'd appreciate to know what you, one of the many, who are viewing this work think? Why not drop me a line, thanks.

View of South Beach, The Hague

Traces of the new season to a start.
oil on gessoed masonite
9 x 18 cm
painted on location, Friday 3 April 2009

SOLD

We have been having some lovely weather here in The Lowlands. This is the first painting of this scene for the new season, hope to get to this beautiful beach as often as possible. The Catamaran sailing club is that tiny blue spot between the two red structures. The municipality is busy setting up all kinds of signs and garbage containers, thought I'd spare you the details.

Regentesseplein, The Hague #4/09

Ode on Queen Emma, of The Netherlands
oil on canvas
40 x 30 cm
painted on location in 15 settings March - April 2009

private collection, The Hague

Here I am again back in the neighbourhood, painting on one of The Hague's most beautiful squares, the Regentesseplein (funny it is round, yet in English a plein is a square). This scene is loaded with details, that were for me quite the challenge, first off, to get them all in, and secondly, to keep a painterly quality on the surface. Early morning scene, not too many people out and about as yet, however I choose not to include persons because there is already enough information for the viewer to digest.

A cloud drifts over Leiden

View of Rapenburg, Leiden
oil on canvas
24 x 30 cm
painted on location, Monday 30 March 2009

Donated to Charity,
private collection Leiden

Just a lovely early spring like day here in Holland. Back in Leiden making yet another study for the Leiden commission piece. Only one modern building to be seen in this scene, to which I have paid little attention, (just behind and right of the cupola). Hardly a cloud in the sky, yet just as I started painting, that fluffy little charming cloud made its journey across my line of vision.

The yellow buoy, in the North Sea.

Sunny conditions with wind force 6, South Beach, The Hague
oil on canvas
20 x 140 cm
paintied on location - Fri 27 March 2009 -  SOLD

Hey, Hey, finally back on the beach. My small piece of paradise. Even though the wind was blowing hard, thanks to the red brigade container next to the sailing club den haag, I was able to shelter myself. Lovely wave action today. Not even a seagull in sight, guess they have enough sense to wait for the winds to die down. Me I can't wait, because the drama of all those breaking waves is what attrachs me, and makes painting it all, challenging yet fun.

Thought it proper to show you that in fact there is a yellow object floating on the sea surface. You could also get an appreciation of the thickness of the oil paint. The sand is proof that I actually do paint on location!

Once upon a time in Leiden

Street called, Lange Mare, as seen from bridge on Oude Vest
oil on gessoed board
9 x 18 cm
painted on location, Sunday 22 March 2009

SOLD

That title came to me because, something about how this painting developed, and the coloration it ended up with (which almost felt dictated to me), appears as though it could have been made in Rembrant's time. I'm sure that every building you see is more than 400 yrs old. I've been given a commission to paint this scene, so this is study #1. Leiden really is a picturesque place, great for us plein-air painters.

Regentesseplein, The Hague #3/09

Queen Emma Monument as seen from Behind
oil on gessed board
15 x 8.5 cm - (small format)
painted on location, Saturday 21 March 2009

Private collection, The Hague

This composition looks very similar to the first painting I made of this scene, however on close observation you will note that I made this from the opossite side of the square(plein). You could just see the right arm of the female goddess statue holding what looks like an olive leave branch, on the right side of the obelisk, between the top of the trees.

Regentesseplein, The Hague #2/09, Sunny morning

Oil study of Monument to Queen Emma, Small format
oil on gessoed wood,
8.5 x 15 cm
Painted on location, Monday 16 March 2009

SOLD

Finally got the move of my studio out of the way, now more time to dedicate myself to what it is I love to do, paint. Am developing a larger painting of this scene, but had the inspiration to knock off this tiny format of a wide panoramic scene. The play of light made my job interesting and fun.

Fishing boat and yachts, oil sketch, Scheveningen

A small corner(hoekje) of the, 2e Binnen haven
oil on canvas
18 x 13 cm
painted on location, Thurs 5 March 2009  SOLD


I started off painting on a larger canvas of this view, with overcast skies, thus the lighting was much more subdued. Then about half way through, the sun decided make a friendly appearance, thus I decided to knock off this little guy. They say a painting is never complete, it just stops at an interesting point. It could not be more true as in the case of this little oil sketch. At least that's what I feel.

Path in the dunes, Westduinpark #1/2009

A calm and peaceful moment
oil on canvas
18 x 24 cm
painted on location, Monday 2 March 2009
SOLD


A calm and peaceful moment on a lovely soft winters day. What a privilege it is for me to be able to set up and paint in this much valued nature reserve, and all right at my doorstep, practically. Yes, us lucky ones in The Hague, should count our blessings. The sun made several attempts yesterday, to shine its life giving rays on our coastline. I had to work quickly and from memory, as it soon became overcast, and the play of light diminished. On the horizon, in the distance, one can just barely make out the silhouette of the three mast clipper, the 'eendracht'. Take a deep breath, stop whatever you are doing, a brief pause from your busy schedule, and imagine yourself walking down this path, believe me it will do you a world of good!

Biltstraat 208, Utrecht

Painting for Felix
oil on canvas,
50 x 60 cm
painted on location 2x, (finished in studio from photos)

Private collection, Utrecht

Here you have an example of a comission work. It was rather challenging to give this work a fresh summers look, with a dominant play of light, as both times I went on location, it was anything but a summers day. Very grey on the 1st setting, then on the 2nd attempt, the sun did generously make a 45 minute appearance, however I had to deal with scaffolds(steigers) that were built up covering the whole front and side of the subject. The person who gave me the comission was born and grew up in this house, him and 14 other brothers and sisters. I had only a three week period to complete it, however have promised to paint in some family members, when they could come up with a photo from that time, we are talking approx. 50 years ago. Here you have a picture of the scene and a very early stage of the painting.

Regentesseplein, The Hague #1, Sunny winters day

Monument to Queen Emma, Regentesseplein, Den Haag
oil on canvas mounted on board,
30 x 19 cm
painted on location in 5 settings, 21 Jan 2009 - 6 Feb 2009,

SOLD

Well, here it is, the final product. When you go to my blog, (link at bottom of this posting), and scroll down 4 postings you could see the result of the 1st setting of this painting. An inviting scene, however before you step into it, you better put on a warm coat, because it is bitterly cold. Queen Emma, her head is represented on the bronze medalion just above the statue, is the great grandmother if the present day Queen Beatrix of Holland. (I hope I got that right!) This scene is just around the corner from where I live, figured it is worthy of making a painting of. The old timers and locals of this neighbourhood call this the obelisk, 'de naald', which translates to the needle.

Winter Seascape # 2/2009, Misty and raining

Peaceful flight of two seagulls in the rain
oil on canvas
20 x 40 cm
painted on location, (thus in the rain), Tues 3 Feb. 2009

SOLD

Finally back at the sea! My health is restored, I have enough strength to pull my cart across the wet sands, allowing me to set up my easel just 10 metres from the breaking waves of the modestly agitated North Sea. Here I am, facing, who knows, 45 billion litres of bitterly cold salty water. Beneath the surface one could imagine at least 25 schools, thus thousands of various fishes swirling about, looking for some nourishment, in these hospitable murky waters. And me, almost alone, on this beach, being showered by a multitude of ever so gentle droplets of cold water, that the celestial gases, hovering not so far above me, can't seem to hold onto any longer. Do I mind? Yes I do. But then again, when will I ever get a chance to see those varicoloured subtle hues of that almost magical saturated greenish blue? When else will I get to have almost exclusive reign over this empire of stillness and peacefullness? The rest of the world is cought up worried about a finacial crisis. Me, I worry about, how will I ever get those ephemeral hues of earthly tints of greys on my canvas? Does that make the front page of the local newspaper? No, of course not. But it will make the front pages of your heart, when your eyes just have that need to make contact with something real and true. So really, what matters more, what some finacial expert has to say, or what your very essence craves for? You may not know, but, il pittore does, and in certain aspects, il pittore is out there for you. But then again, if I think about it, really, I'm out there for myself, otherwise my life would be too unbearable.

Tug boat, Marine Museum, Rotterdam

Boat Painting # 1, Marine Museum, Rotterdam
oil on canvas
18 x 13 cm
painted on location, Tues 27 Jan 2009

This was made just before yesterdays Red Lighthouse boat painting. One could spend weeks on end painting in this location, as there is a vast assemblage of boats and ships to work from. The play of light made this fun for me to paint. As I was working on a rather small format, I had suffiecent time to record it, before it changed.

Red Light House Boat, Marine Museum, Rotterdam

Boat painting #2, Marine Museum Rotterdam
Oil on canvas
18 x 13 cm
painted on location, Tuesday 27 Jan 2008

SOLD

Yesterday I went on a painting outing with Rene, a plein air daily painter colleague. You could see his work, I have a link on the right coloum. We met in Rotterdam at this marvelous location, which I'll most likely be returning to. Normally I paint wide views of the sea, but now you get a close up of the vessels that use the North Sea. Just a quick sketch of a painting, but enough information to make it work.

In Action: Plein air in The Hague

This snapshot was taken by Etienne Willems, who saw me in action - thanks, and I appreciate your keen eye for composition.
Bye for now, next posting will be the completed painting.
Alberto
PS: even more pictures of me can be found here.

Riding Freedom on The North Sea

Riding Freedom, Bergen Aan Zee, NH
oil on canvas
50 x 40 cm
painted on location, October 2004

365 euros

This painting has been living with me and my family for all this time, not my usual subject, but all the same depicting a scene that occurs with much frequency, especially on desolate strech of beaches. Movement (beweging) is central in this painting. Everything brings forth that idea. Flight of the seaguls, waves breaking, clouds racing across the sky, and of course our lovely pony, says it all.

Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy 2009

To all on my mailing list, thank you all, so much, for your support. Without which I would not have had the success that I am sincerely grateful for.

This picture was taken by someone passing by, while I was set up at one of my favorite locations, in Westduinpark, The Hague.
(March 2008, I think.)

Path in the dunes, Westduinpark, # 17/08

A colorful view of The North Sea
oil on canvas
18 x 24 cm
painted on location, Friday 19 Dec 2008

SOLD


What a difference the sun shining on the landscape or seacsape makes! One of my favorite spots, I like the hieght this location offers. Giving one a majestic view of the sea and sky, while still being grounded on the earth.

Winter Seascape # 14, with descending Full Moon

A magical moment, on the North Sea
oil on canvas
20 x 40 cm
painted on location, Sat 13 Dec 2008

SOLD

I got an email early last week informing me that the full moon on Friday evening(12 dec.), was going to be the biggest and brightest one of the year. On Saturday morning while most people were enjoying the comfort of their warm bed, I was freezing my toes off on the deserted beach, observing and painting my interpretation of this breath taking phenomenon. Aparrently the best time to look is when the Moon is near the horizon. That is when illusion mixes with reality to produce a truly stunning view, and believe me it was amazing. Lucikly there was hardly any wind to hender me, but man was it cold. The Sun, directly behind me, just starting its climb to the zenith, lit up the sky and sea in a most delightful display of warm colors. The sand on the beach is still covered by the shade of the dunes, thus the reason for the dark forground. One could clearly see were the light was coming thru the path leading to the beach, thus casting a rose Naples yellow hue on the shore line(just right of center).

Beach cafe terras view, Noordwijk Aan Zee.

Easy going, evening beach scene
oil on canvas
30 x 24 cm
painted on location, 18 june 2008

Private collection, Switzerland
(This painting is not for sale)

What a pleasure it was to make this painting! Well, at least we have this to look forward to, us unfortunate souls that are habitating in the Northern European countries. Just a quick sketch of a painting, very fresh and spontaneous. One of the 15 paintings I made and sold, during the Noordwijkschildersfestival.

Path in the dunes, Westduinpark, # 16/08

View of Europort, Rotterdam from Beach Entrance/Aanslaag #10
oil on canvas
24 x 18 cm
painted on location, Friday 5 Dec 2008

SOLD

A winter view of the dunes. Here I am back at a favorite location. When one takes the time to look closely, it is amazing how much color is to be experienced, in this nature resort. Of course the effect of light plays the dominate role, without which, everything becomes dule and sombre. We are so fortunate to have this still naturel resort, right at our doorstep, us that live in The Hague. Thursday I went to the Pier in Scheveningen, looking for a spot to set up. I was so uninspired. I guess in the days of Isaac Israels it must have been a lovely blend of nature and buildings. I am referring to the Kurhaus and the pier. Nowadays, in my opinion, it looks like a confused mix of cement, asphalt and glass, doesn't make it unto my canvas, I'm sorry.

ps. please excuse the "blueish" tint of the sky and water, the real painting has much warmer values of grey.

Winter Seascape # 13, View off South Beach, The Hague

Windy, cloudy conditions with Herring Fishing boat
oil on canvas
24 x 30 cm
painted on location, Wed. 26 Nov 2008

SOLD

Not many sailors heading out with their sporty vessels these days, but oh,oh,... don't the Dutch love their herring! The owner of that boat has no doubt the responsibility to provide for his family, so foul weather or not, herring is fished! Not too far off the coast, thus safe for his crew and close enough to allow me to capture characteristic details of such a boat. Without my windbreaker, (which is simply a 3 meter diameter parasol, tipped on its side), it would be impossible to set up my easel, on the now barren beach. As I said on my last posting, Dutch skies are always a challenge under these conditions. My secret, close observation and rapid execution. Thus working on location is essential.

Sorry folks, that is not a herring fishing boat, but a boat that fishes for shrimps and flat bottom fish, a crawler I believe.

Winter Seascape # 12/08, South Beach, Den Haag

Study of waves, with heavy wind and rain
oil on canvas
18 x 24 cm
painted on location, Tuesday 18 Nov. 2008

SOLD

I don't think it is officially winter yet, but believe me, it certainly feels like it. The most common activity seems to be dog owners taking their beloved pets for a stroll, and here and there, persons going for a healthy walk. In the water a few surfers, some fishing boats, off in the distance some gargo ships. What catchs my attention is the waves crashing on the shore line, the subtle but present greens and earth tones of the water. Although vague, there is still a lot happening on the surface of the water when it comes to color variation and the sky also always a challenge to represent.

Path in the dunes, Westduinpark # 15/08

Path leading to the North Sea, windy/cloudy conditions
oil on canvas
18 x 24 cm
painted on location, Wed 19 Nov 08

SOLD

This might very well be my last path in the dunes, for this season, who knows?
It has been good to be active again, since being mostly preoccupied in the last three weeks with the relocation of my studio space. This is the third painting since yesterday morning, will post the other two shortly hereafter. Although the water is inhospitable these days, it surely is a wonder to paint. Those lovely soft hues of green, light earthy sand tones near the shore line, and the distant but vague indigo blue horizon, make for interesting subject matter. Seagulls where having great fun, gliding ever so freely in the harsh wind.

The Lone Seagull, North Sea

View of North Sea under influence of rain/storm
oil on canvas
30 x 90 cm
painted on location, June 2008

private collection, Noordwijk Aan Zee

This work looks like it could have been painting in this period, as we have been experiencing this kind of weather, but in fact it was made during the Noordwijkschildersfestival, (painting festival), in the beginning of the summer. I was under the cover of a 3m diameter parasol, fastened on to a container, thus protecting me from the strong winds, and the rain which poured down almost consistantly that morning. As some of you may already know, I've been occupied in these last two weeks with the relocating of my studio, hence the low production.

Breaking Waves, The North Sea, #12/08

High winds with 3 seagulls
oil on canvas
20 x 140 cm
painted on location, Sunday 19 Oct 2008

SOLD

I had to get as low as possible, thus protecting myself and the painting from the ever present wind blowing harshly on this wonderful sunny and bright Sunday morning. Not a saiboat in sight, although these three feathered creatures seemed to be enjoying getting tossed about by the cold gale. Good thing I had my painting gloves with me, allowing my hands to swiftly brush on those multi colored North Sea hues.
A close up for your viewing pleasure.

Breaking Waves, The North Sea, #11/08, XL(repainted)

Footprints in the sand with seashells.
oil on canvas,
50 x 150 cm (anything but small)
painted on location, Thurs 9 and Sat 11 Oct 2008

SOLD
Private collection, Den Haag

Yes this is the same painting as the last one, in fact, it is the painting I sent out on Friday, however as one can see upon closer observation, a few changes have been made. I completely repainted the sand on the beach, and decided to show the effect of the tide, thus you have a large pile of small seashells, middle forground, the gradation of the sand is also effected by the coming and going of the sea. Summer is behind us now, thus the sand takes on a different appearance. Footprints left behind by the many people taking there beloved dogs for walks, are evident everywhere. There was considerable work done on the sky as well, plus one of the sailboats was removed. If you klick on to my blog, you can see the changes for yourself.

Breaking Waves, with surfers, #10/08

The North Sea, Zuiderstrand, The Hague
oil on canvas
30 x 130 cm
painted on location, Monday 6 October 2008

SOLD

As John Constable once, said "light governs everything in nature". With the sun shining, finally after almost 2 weeks of constant rain, I sure did not miss this oppurtunity to add yet another canvas to the breaking waves series. This one got spiced up a little, with 3 seagulls, two sailboats, and two surfers. The waves were in perfect form for these surf enthusiasts. Besides that they were a delight for me to paint. Again as it is difficult to get a sharp picture, a close up for your viewing.

"Atharina", L'Artista di strada.

Street artist scene, Garenmarkt, Leiden
oil on canvas
30 x 24 cm
painted on location, Fri 3 October 2008.

SOLD

It was hard for me to resist this Fellini like image. I was invited to set up my easel and show my paintings as part of the festivities held in Leiden, to celebrate their Liberation Day. It is a carnival like atmosphere, with loads of street artists entertaining the public. For you that don't know Leiden was liberated from Spanish occupation on the 3rd of October in 1572. The fall colours displayed on the smaller tree in front of the subject, add a nice accent to this scene. Atharina balances herself gracefully on this 2 meter ball, which she manages to roll, with her on top, through the streets, creating a fantasy that entrances the audience.

Catamaran Clubhouse, (ZVDH) The Hague, #4/08

Closing up for the Season
oil on canvas
40 x 120 cm
painted on location - thurs 25/sat 27 sept 08

SOLD

It was a pleasure for me to be on location for this painting. The weather was perfect, not a cloud in the sky, hardly any wind to speak of, and the temperature was inviting. As I am writing, there are no more boats to be seen, in a few days the clubhouse will also be broken down. So I made it just in time. I like the way the perspective in this composition reads, it cunningly leads your eye, to the hidden vanishing point. The self standing catamaran, generously helps in balancing the scene. Indeed a fine memory of this quaint strech of beach here in The Lowlands.
Here a little detail, showing the inside of the clubhouse.

Path in the dunes, Westduinpark # 14/08

Path to the Sea, by Strandpavilion Pier 23
oil on canvas,
60 x 110 cm (This is a large format)
painted on location - Mon 22 Sept 2008
SOLD

Here I am at one of my favorite themes, paths leading to the sea. Revisiting a location I have already painted at, only this time with a larger canvas. A funny thing happened, just as I was about to finish, that three mast clipper came floating by, called the Eendracht. Now the last time I was at that location that clipper also sailed into my view, only with full sails then. A very interesting sky to paint, with a refreshing breeze, sweeping gently through the grassy dunes. Just a lovely day to be out there, doing my thing. Again a close up, for your viewing convenience.

XL Breaking Waves, The North Sea, # 8/08

Beach scene with Moon still in view, Kijkduin, Holland
oil on canvas
30 x 160 cm (thus the XL format)
painted on location, Thurs 18 Sept 2008  -  SOLD

Well the soft nice weather is continuing here in the Lowlands, and il pittore is taking full advantage of the situation. I was requested by a potential customer to make this XL panoramic format painting of the Northe Sea. Luckily there was very little wind, although a one point the easel did take flight, but I happened to be right in front of it so was able to prevent it from falling on the sand. As in the other panoramic canvases, it is hard to take a clear sharp picture, thus for your viewing purposes, I have taken two close up shots. I was thrilled to see the almost full moon, still in the early morning sky, thus it was with pleasure that I included it. Don't forget that by klicking on the image, you will get a bigger view of it.

Breaking Waves, The North Sea, #7/08

Soft autumn day on the beach, Kijkduin, Holland
oil on canvas
40 x 120 cm ( a fair size)
painted on location, Wed 17 Sept 2008

SOLD


Man was I happy to be out there on the beach this morning. Just in time to catch those whispy cloud formations, before that wall of purple/grey clouds came floating in. The light reflecting on the sea was most pleasant to the human eye, flickering flashes of those multiple hues of cool blue. Gentle waves making hardly any effort what so ever to spoil their rythmic flow. A feast for the eye of a plien air painter such as I.

Calm and serene breaking waves, The North Sea, #6/08

Panaramic view with three mast clipper on horizon, Kijkduin, Holland
oil on canvas
20 x 140 cm
painted on location - Tues 9 sept 2008


SOLD

There are times that the North Sea can bear a close resemblance to places, say, like the Mediterranean Sea. Again I like to keep the composition simple. It all looks so easy, doesn't it. But remember what Michelangelo the great Renaissance Master said, " What one has most to work and struggle for in painting is to do the work with great amount of labour and sweat in such a way that it may afterwards appear, however much it was laboured upon, to have been done almost quickly and almost without any labour, and very easily, although it was not." A handsome looking 3 mast clipper was on the horizon, the play of light on it was very intriguing, thus I decided to highlight it as a detail.