In action!

Path from the North Sea, #1 2009

Beach entrance/strandslag # 10, Early evening
oil on canvas
30 x 40 cm
painted on location, Sunday 7 June 2009(finished in studio Thurs 11 June)
SOLD

It has been raining quite alot these days here in Holland. Suddenly, while everything was still very wet, the clouds burst open and wow, the clearest of blue skies and a blinding light. Il pittore wasted no time, within 20 minutes I was sitting up my painting gear on the beach. What interested me most was the effect the now warm light created on the dunes, and more specifically on that newly installed wooden fence. ( Which if you go back 4 postings, 2nd June, on my blog, you will see the effect of the morning light on this very same fence.) It's getting late, just after 8.30pm, time to retire for that little girl.

La Charite sur Loire, France

View from west side of de Loire river.
oil on canvas
50 x 60 cm
painted on location, Thursday 28 May 2009
SOLD

The 7th and final canvas made on my five day sojourn on the France painting trip. This picturesque quaint city came as a surprise with its mix of various colored and shaped roof tops. With the cathedral rising high above the other structures, resting proudly on its designated hill top, this scene was crying out to be painted. The well lit overcast sky made for a dramatic and intriguing backdrop, thus enhancing the river, bridge and buildings.

Anna Maria IV, Menetreol-sous-Sancerre, France

A sunny day on the Loire Canal, France
oil on canvas
30 x 90 cm
painted on location, 26/27 june 2009

SOLD

Along with 11 other plein air painters, I was a participant on a week long painting trip sponsored by Old-Holland Classic Oil Colors, a company that has been producing high quality oils for artists since 1664. This was our 2nd port-of-call, a quaint village, just under Sancerre, which some of you may know, as it is renowned for the famous Sancerre and Poully Fume wine. Two of the best white wines produced in France. I was inspired to make this portrait of the vessel it took place on. Something about the color scheme, that drew my attention. The pale blue of the Anna Maria against the endless orchestration of warm hues of the village, called out to me and my palette. It is mid afternoon, everyone is out painting, the couple that run the boat are taking a rest in that room were the curtains are drawn. Usually this vessel is hired for bike tours, that explains why there are so many fastened on the top. Featured in the close up below is the city hall, in French it is called the "Mairie".

A beautiful day in Leiden.

Op terras aan de Lange Mare, Leiden
oil on canvas
70 x 100 cm
painted on location in 10 sessions,(25 April - 01 June 2009)

private collection, Leiden, Holland

Will here it is, the Leiden commission, finally! Some paintings just take a little longer to make, especially when one has to work more or less in the same lighting conditions. I'm going to miss this location, as it turned out I became rather fond of the place. Friendly people, mostly university students, approached me, one dweller generously offering me coffee on a few occasions. This has to be one of the most picturesque places in all of Holland, just check out that cupola, engulfed by all those slightly tilted 16th century Dutch regal homes. Details have been minimalizing in this somewhat complicated compisition, however enough has been included to liven up this lazy hot Sunday afternoon. For you the viewer three close ups to get a good look.

Path to fun and adventure, on the North Sea

Beach entrance (Strandslag) # 10, South Beach, The Hague.
oil on canvas
30 x 40 cm
painted on location, Sunday 31 may 2009

SOLD

Fresh back from a week long painting trip in France along the Le Loire Canal/River, were I produced 7 paintings which will soon be posted. It was a great experience, to be painting next to some of the top plien air painters from Holland and Germany. Early Sunday morning I took advantage of this interesting play of light, on my way to a favorite painting location. Down the path to the left, one finds the Catamaran sailing club, which is the hottest spot to paint on this beach. The shadow cast by the dunes on the newly constructed fence, and the shadows on the path, made this a must paint situation.

View of South Beach, The Hague, #4/09

Windy conditions with Scheveningen's Pier in the distance
oil on masonite
10 x 15 cm (postcard size)
painted on location Saturday 16 may 2009  -   SOLD

A little price to pay for such an expansive view. Just a quick sketch done in oils. Sometimes the less you do, the more you get accomplished. The bottom half of the beach was done with one broad brush stroke, the upper portion shows the prepaired ground I painted on. The sun was shining on the pier for only a few minutes at a time, now and then, during the duration of my recording this scene. Sorry about the sand, I guess Mother Nature wanted to add her part. It will come off eventually, once the paint is good and dry.

View from South beach, The Hague #3/09

Flying high with typical Dutch Sky
oil on canvas
30 x 40 cm
painted on location Saturday 16 May 2009

SOLD

Dutch skys are not renowned for nothing. Many a painters have made the pilgrimage in order to paint the celebrated Dutch skies. Claude Monet from France, Robert Henri from America, just to mention two. It feels good to be back at my favorite spot, on the beach. Even though it was a haphazard weather situation, the wind was cooperating with me in keeping those threatening clouds up and moving. That seagull also appreciated the wind, as it carried her about in a most gracious manner. Love to hear from you, why not drop me a line or two.

The Old Haven, Gouda

Gouda Oude Haven
oil on canvas
40 x 30 cm
painted on location, Thursday 23 April 2009

Destroyed (painted over)

Can't get more Dutch than this. I even put in two Dutch flags, of which one is also being reflected on the water! I think the strenght of this painting lies right there, with the water. I was well into the painting and for some reason, it just wasn't pulling together. Finally decided to apply a dark green to cover most of the surface, and then started to paint all those reflections, and wave actions. That seems to have done the trick.

View of South Beach, The Hague, #3/09

Cool mist in the air, Zuiderstrand, Den Haag
oil on canvas
50 x 70 cm (a fair size painting)
painted on location, Tues. afternoon, 21 April 2009

no longer exists

As I mentioned so many times, never the same situation twice, on these shorlines. With a cool breeze coming off the Sea, and the warm temperature in the air, a lovely soft mist was the dominant factor in this scene. Hardly a soul walking about, just a few, dressed nice and warmly, walking along the waters edge. The saturation of colors seized my attention, as I arrived on location, wondering about, lookig for something interesting to paint. This is The North Sea, and She has temperment, and lots of it, ask any sailor of these waters, I'm sure they will agree. This shift in moods is of interest to painters such as myslf, who are forever occupied with bringing that mood unto a piece of canvas, and transmitting it to you, the viewer.

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.