Freedom

Vrijheid
oil on linen - 20 x 115 cm
painted on location - Wednesday 15 May 2019

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Got to the beach this morning, and nothing dramatic going on. Situation was very peaceful, the warmth of the Sun was good to feel, on what little exposed skin I had meeting the Sun's rays. It is still rather cold, thus the winter jacket is still in use. Thus I thought, why not just paint an image that brings across this feeling of tranquility and freedom, which I felt in that moment, thus this work was created.... Below a shot of the work in progress taken by a passer by, glad she shared it with me.

Path to the beach, The Hague

Strandaanslag # 10 - Westduinpark, DH
oil on canvas - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Thurs 18 April 2019

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Here I decided to make a quaint scene of the beach entrance, were I usually go painting. I have taken the liberty to not paint in all the signs and posts, that one encounters at this location. However decided to add the typical so called "Oma fiets" that are very popular in Holland.

The Sea, the sky, and the wind of South Beach, DH

The Gentle rolling wave
oil on canvas - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Thurs 4 April 2019
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Here I set up my easel right up close to the shore line. The colors of the Sea where the main source of inspiration. However just catching the movement of the waters surface turned out to be a rewarding challenge.

View of Scheveningen from Zuiderstrand
oil on canvas - 15 x 30 cm
painted on location - Tues 9 April 2019
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Still very cold, especially with high wind factor, thus working small. Here the view from in front of the beach paviljoen, De Staat. You can see that the sand of the beach is very messy, after weeks of stormy weather. 

Path in the Dunes, WestduinPark, DH
oil on canvas - 30 x 40 cm
painted on location - Thurs 11 April 2019
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Love these typical Dutch skies, with drifting cumulus clouds. Everything is lit up, except for the  shadows caused by the mass of clouds. I think I will have to revisit this location with a much larger panoramic format canvass. 

The Quiet Beach awakens

Het Stillestrand wordt wakker 
oil on linen - 90 x 150 cm
painted on location - Fri. 22 March 2019

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The cold Winter season has ended, slowly the Spring begins to usher in a lusher palette of colour, as Nature takes delight in the warmth and extra sunlight. It is not too uncommon to come across such a view of this beach, especially in the early morning hours. The fog slowly lifting, during the time whilst I was creating this painting.  I worked with a hasty pace, getting on the linen as much information as possible, by the time I had decided to put my signature on this piece, the sky was entirely blue!   Below a close ups for your viewing pleasure.

                                                 

The Duin pond # 6 & Bicycling near Kijkduin

De duinplas nabij De Savorin Lohmanpad # 6
oil on canvas - 30 x 30 cm
painted on location  -  Wed 20 March 2019

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Up to now have been painting this scene with the morning Sunlight. Here I was on location late in the afternoon, and on an overcast day, thus no direct Sunlight. I have attempted to evoke moods of peace and tranquillity with this composition. Certainly the mist that was hovering over the trees in the background helped.

Fietsen bij Kijkduin
oil on canvas - 20 x 115 cm
painted on location - Sat 16 Feb. 2019

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A nice sunny winters day, to be on location. Too windy to be on the beach so I was inspired to capture this scene as the light was just perfect for it. In the distance one can barely see the Pier of Scheveningen, however a little closer and you can see the Harbour entrance with a couple of sailboats heading out.

The Duin pond # 5

De duinplas nabij De Savorin Lohmanpad #5
oil on canvas - 40 x 40 cm
painted on location - Fri 8 March 2019

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I find this format works well for this subject. Keeping the emphasis on the elegance of the tall trees. Funny how it is that every time i make a painting of this scene, it never is the same twice!

The duin pond 1,2 & 3

De duinplas, nabij De Savorin Lohmanpad #1
oil on canvas - 50 x 70 cm
painted on location - Fri. 15 Feb. 2019

Reworked please visit posting of 21 May 2021. 

Inspired by the composition, yes, but with the sunlight, this view becomes for me, magical! It then transforms into an array of warm tones, it's all about the colours. As subtle as they are they're still there, which for making a painting of this scenery help tremendously.

De duinplas, nabij De Savorin Lohmanpad #2
oil on canvas - 60 x 70 cm
painted on location - Sun. 17 Feb. 2019

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Here the second result of painting this romantic natural location. Of course as a painter one has the freedom to do what one fancies. Thus an exaggeration on the colour scheme, and then you get something like what I have recorded, with a much vibrant palette. Transforming this scenery in an Expressionist mode, rather than an Impressionist type painting.

De duinplas, nabij De Savorin Lohmanpad #3
oil on canvas - 40 x 40 cm
painted on location - Mon. 18 Feb. 2019

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Again having fun with the colours here.  Which actually are there to be seen in the bright sunlight, only I amplify them to a much higher level. And why not? I mean this work is meant to be hanging in someones living quarters, not some scientific laboratory where precision is the order of things, so yes I could and take pleasure at making it more pleasing to look at. 

The Entrance is free

de toegang is gratis,
oil on canvas - 50 x 70 cm
painted on location - Thurs. 31 Jan 2019

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Here I have decided to revisit a theme that has inspired me for several years now, 'paths to the Sea'. A misty damp winters day, very little wind, thus ideal circumstances to be on location. Sometimes we need a break, time to reflect, to think things over. Well where better place to go than on such a natural solitary beach, were all you are confronted is the Sea, calm and respective of your mood.  You won't be disturbed by crowds of people, only the odd dog with her owner might pass you by.  Plenty of room to move about, both physically and psychologically. All this and more, and the entrance is for free!

The Hofvijver, The Hague Series - # 8, 9, 10 and 11

The Hofvijver Series # 8
sprookjes achtig gezicht - winter 2019
oil on linen - 20 x 115 cm
painted on location - Sun/Mon 20/21 Jan 2019

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Developing this series further, I decided to make this panoramic view, which was inspired by a picture I saw by a local photographer, Bosz De Kler. What I found interesting is the triangular shape of the composition. Kandinsky referred to this as the "spiritual triangle", which has a subliminal effect on the viewer. The onlooker has simultaneously an entrance (far left) and an exit (far right), to and from the painting. But if one chooses you could stick around for a while, by make a left turn at the end of the street on the right, and head toward the church tower of the Krote Kerk.  The pond was almost completely covered with a thin layer of ice, as the temperature dropped to below freezing. Below a picture of me working taken by a passer by. While the sun was out it felt good, however still extremely cold!

1st day on location

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The Hofvijver Series # 9
Eindelijk de magie van de winter (1st schilderij)
oil on canvas - 20 x 40 cm
painted on location - Tues. 22 Jan 2019

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As was predicted by the weather man we finally got hit by that fluffy white stuff, which is so characteristic of winter in most in the Northern Hemisphere, yes it finally snowed! And of course yours truly was on hand, first thing in the morning. Represented here are the two paintings I managed to create in the 5 hour period that I could withstand the cold. After which my toes started to feel a little numb, thus time to pack up and call it a day.

The Hofvijver Series # 10
De magie van de winter (2de schilderij)
oil on canvas - 20 x 60 cm
painted on location - Tues. 22 Jan 2019

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A painters dream come true, to work in the snow. Think it has something to do with the tonal range of all the subdued colours, due to the atmospheric hazy quality. Gives the landscape a mysterious mood.

Below a shot of me working on the 2nd painting,  #10 in the series.

on location

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The Hofvijver Series # 11
De magie van de winter (3de schilderij)
oil on canvas - 30 x 60 cm
painted on location - Thurs. 24 Jan 2019
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Will almost all the snow has melted, but the pond is still very much covered with a thin layer of ice, as the temperatures are still quite low. This painting was started in the mid afternoon, and finished just before the darkness set in. The warm tones in the sky are caused by the setting Sun, which was taking place behind me. That's why you have orange/yellow being reflected in the windows of the buildings.

What lies beyond.

wat ligt erachter
oil on linnen - 80 x 160 cm
painted in studio - Nov/Dec. 2018
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Beyond those two breakwater lighthouses at the furthermost tip of the harbour entrance at Scheveningen one really has the feeling to be at the threshold of a mysterious place, especially under these atmospheric conditions.

This almost has the feeling of being a 'dreamscape' and not a seascape.

This is a large version of a painting I made on location, December 2017.

here under a couple of close ups, as it has proven to be almost impossible for me to get a decent picture for digital purposes.

Ode aan Scheveningen

2de binnen haven met mist
oil on linnen - 60 x 90 cm
painted on location and re-worked in studio - Dec 2018

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Here you have an example of artist's free interpretation of a painted scenery, altered to his/her fancy and delight. Below you have the painting in its original form, that is to say with sunlight and much harsher distinct details. Upon hours of  reflection I decided to make the scene quieter and much calmer. Fortunately for me, I didn't have to go back on location, to do this. As the composition remains true to the original, only the surface has changed. I feel it is an improvement, but of course that's only my opinion. Do you have an opinion, feel free to share it with me, thanks.

The Hofvijer # 7, The Hague

De Hofvijver #7, DH - Met Herfste Sfeer
oil on canvas - 40 x 120 cm
painted on location -  Wed 31 Oct, Thurs 15 Nov and Sat 17 Nov 2018   (3 sittings)

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Am glad I had the opportunity to get this painting finished before all those warm colours on the autumn leafs blew away! Again a rather large format for outdoor painting, however quite manageable and thank God the sidewalk is wide at this spot, thus was not in the way of all the tourists walking by. It is an honor for me to make this painting, especially so with the fact that that Sun lite Palladio looking building on the right, nestled in between the buildings covered with shade happens to be The Mauritshuis, home of the Royal Families Art Collection.

The Hofvijer # 6, The Hague

De Hofvijer, DH  # 6
oil on canvas - 30 x 50 cm
painted on location - Sat 13 Oct 2018

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Here I present to you the latest work made on location in this series. Autumn colours have definitely sit in, making this rendition gaily colourful. The tolerance flags were lined up on the other side of the pond, which just so happen to fit in nicely with the colour scheme. This painting is available with a handsome gold leaf frame from Italy, if you so choose.

The Hofvijer #4 and #5, The Hague

De Hofvijver, DH #4
oil on canvas - 55 x 45 cm
painted on location - 29 Sept. 2018

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Further developing this series, I decided to walk down the street towards the Mauritshuis. In order to get in the lamp pole and fence I painted from the other side of the street.

De Hofvijver, DH. # 5
oil on canvas - 60 x 90 cm
painted on location - 3/5/9 Oct. 2018

no longer exists.

This time a rather large format for plien-air painting, I decided to capture these lovely warm tones as the leaves of the trees are entering their autumn phase. Also the Sun being lower than it usually is, this also helps to intensifies the warm colors of the buildings. Is it any wonder that this is the most photographed corner of The Hague, I mean it's bloody breathtaking, wouldn't you agree?

                                                                                      here you see me working on #4 in this series

The Hofvijer, The Hague

De Hofvijver, Den Haag #1
oil on canvas - 45 x 60 cm
painted on location - Monday 10 Sept 2018

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De Hofvijer, Den Haag #2
oil on canvas - 40 x 60 cm
painted on location - Thurs 13 Sept 2018

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Yes my Dear friends, I have decided to embark on a new theme.  Following in the footsteps of  The Haagse School (an art movement  in The Hague - 19th century)  I Have decided to depict the most famous scenery of this lovely city, the capitol of Holland.  And what better location to start, but at the very spot were this city actually started building from. The building on the left, shows a section of our Nations Government Office called the Binnenhof.  As I am making minimal references to things of the 21 century, a scene like this could actually transport you back in time. My approach is however definitely modern, laying the paint on quite thick, not at all like the masters of the Golden Age. There will be more paintings from this corner of the city coming, already the third is complete and ready for the next posting!

The (not so) Quiet Beach, in action

Het stillestrand, leeft
oil on canvas - 50 x 150 (wow that is big! / 20" x 59")
painted on location -  Thursday 30 August 2018

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Yes ladies and gentlemen, with the wind rustling about, tossing and turning over just about any small object that is not properly secured, the so called Quiet beach is fully alive and well. Luxurious typical Dutch clouds racing about in the direction that the wind will have them go, cast enormous shadows on the otherwise luminous sandy beach! The Sunlight always commanding the atmospheric condition, and at the same time, filling the surface of the sea water with the colours of her choice.....just another great day to be on location. Taking this all in visually, and working my ass off to get it on a large piece of stretched linen, that becomes the challenge of the moment. something I'm willing to take on, give it my best shoot.  And for better or for worse, I expose the results to the public at large, opening myself to ridicule or praise, depends on who's doing the looking I suppose.

The Sea of Emearld Green

The Swimmers
oil on canvas - 20 x 50 cm
painted on location - Fri 17 August 2018
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The Setting Sun

Looks like I found a new subject matter! In the past made a few sunset paintings, but this time I decided to use a portrait format size canvas, thus vertical instead of horizontal orientation. The color display at these sunsets can be very explosive, and a feast for the eyes. Indeed a challenge as the downward movement of the Sun goes rather quickly, at this time of day.  Keeping the Haagse School tradition alive, il pittore at your service!

Zonsondergang # 2 or A warm summers night at the beach
oil on canvas - 50 x 40 cm
painted on location - Sat 21 July 2018

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Life at the quiet beach, The Hague, Holland

De Supper of ingang bij DeKwartel

oil on linen - 50 x 70 cm

painted on location - Wed 04 July 2018

A friendly and inviting summer scene, here at the Quiet beach in The Hague. Keeping busy by beach paviljion De Kwartel, were almost two decades ago I started painting on location. Then it had much more of a bohemian atmosphere, and Ed would kindly offer me an espresso, now and then. 

Summer impressions at the beach 2

Family fun at the beach
oil on canvas - 50 x 100 cm
painted on location - Wed 6 June 2018
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First light 
oil on canvas - 70 x 60 cm
painted on location - Friday 25 May 2018
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Here you have two recent paintings, were I'm putting most of the focus on what's happening at the waters edge. Of course you have the waves rolling in, and the water in either a forward or a backward motion. Depending on the wind, the waves are either gentle or a little wild, as in the above painting. I like to get on location early, avoiding the crowds, and taking advantage of the sun still rising thus casting a softer warm light.

Summer impressions at the beach 1

Zuiderstrand s avonds vanaf De Kwartel

oil on canvas - 40 x 120 cm

painted on location -  Wed 30 May 2018

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I can never get tired of this view, especially around this time of the day. Thank God Leo the owner of the beach cafe De Fuut, keeps refreshing every year that warm cadmium yellow paint characteristic of his cafe.  I always get a kick from painting those Strandbeesten from Theo Janssen!                                             

The Tall Ship Minerva, Second Harbor, Scheveningen

Het driemaster gaffelschoener "de Minerva,  Tweede Haven, Scheveningen
oil on linen - 50 x 70 cm  (20 x 28 inches)
painted on location - April 26 - May 2/3  2018

painted over,

Originally built in 1935 in Brake, Germany, over the years she has been fully restored and made seaworthy. This is the second time I paint this charming three master Tall ship, a true classic.  As a plein air painter she is a lovely subject to work from. Painting her with the Volvo Ocean Race billboard in the background, was a bit of a challenge, i had to tone down those vivid colours of the advertisement, thus the Minerva gets the attention she deserves. The light was perfect, casting shadows here and there, allowing me to observe all those juicy details, like the reflections on the calm water.   

Morning light on South Beach

Zuiderstrand met achtend lucht
oil on canvas - 40 x 80 cm
painted on location - Sunday 22 April 2018

THIS WORK HAS BEEN PAINTED OVER, THUS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

Here you have the first summer like image of the beach I usually paint at for the new 2018 season. The catamarans are just arriving in a week it will look much busier with all them in place.  A nice day to be on location, as we are enjoying unusual warm temperatures for this time of the year. Here below you see me working on the painting.

The Red Lighthouse series # 5

De Roode Vuurtoren # 15
oil on wood panel - 15 x 21 cm
painted on location - Thurs 5 April 2018
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A view from the seaside of the street, looking back to the city. Painted late in the afternoon, thus a different play of light as compared to most of the previous works in this series. Going to eventually make a larger version of this composition, with the hope that I will keep it fresh looking, just like this little study.

De Roode Vuurtoren # 16
oil on canvas - 40 x 50 cm
painted on location - Mon 16 April 2018
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This is the last of this series for now, will probably pick it up again on location, in the near future. I think I'm going to go back to a few of the paintings I've made thus far and paint in these kinds of typical Scheveningen characters and situations.

The Second Harbor, Port of The Hague.

Tweede Haven, Scheveningen met mist
oil on linen - 50 x 60 cm
painted on location - Thurs/Fri 12/13 April 2018
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Painted life from the south side of the harbor, I decided it was time to make this painting with all its compositional complexities, thus setting myself up for a real challenge. What the heck, I've been painting en plien air now for many years, figuring if anyone is ready to meet such a challenge it must be someone like me. Well, even with all my experience this scene drove me bunkers. The idea of starting and finishing it in one setting was certainly out of the question..... The mist did make it a little easier, as I found out on the second painting made, near the same location.

The Red Lighthouse series #4

De Roode Vuurtoren # 11
oil on canvas - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Friday 16 March 2018
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The mist so characteristic of the Sea. Envelops everything and ushers in feelings of calm also melancholy maybe. Gives a chance for us to take rest, decrease activity, stay indoors, as one can feel the moist about to drop from the sky, in the form of rain. As quickly as possible I got this painting made and yes, the fluid drops did show up. Had to use an umbrella to protect the painting, myself I was clothed properly, and stayed dry. BTW that is the Eendracht manoeuvring on the water.

De Roode Vuurtoren # 12
oil on canvas board - 13 x 18 cm
painted on location - Tues. 20 March 2018
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This little guy was made, as a study for the painting below (#13). Obviously the weather had changed when I worked on the larger piece.

De Roode Vuurtoren # 13
oil on canvas - 50 x 60 cm
painted on location - Wed. 21 March 2018
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The colour of the water is so surreal in this atmospheric condition,  almost hard to believe, unless you see it for yourself. Started with heavy clouds, by the time I finished the painting, it was a crystal clear blue sky. Not nearly as dramatic as the sky I opted for to represent in this work. A few months later, in the studio I added the people.

De Roode Vuurtoren # 14
oil on canvas - 30 x 40 cm
painted on location - Monday 26 March 2018
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Painted at the beginning of this week, here is thus far the latest work made in this series. Inspired by that fishing boat heading out, I painted in a fisherman's wife, (clothed in the traditional Schevenings'  attire), with child. I have seen this woman walking on that path 2 weeks ago, thus with that memory was this scene composed.