Homage to Ary Scheffer, Dordrecht

Homage aan Ary Scheffer te Dordrecht
oil on canvas
60 x 80 cm
painted on location - 15/16 Aug 2009


Yet another scene at the Place D'Ary art manifestation in Dordrecht. This painting is not yet complete, will finish it on location, on the 5th of Sept. However thought it a good idea to keep you posted as to my activities, in these days. For you that live near Amsefoort or The Hague, I will be attending a kunstmarkt in Amesfoort at the Emiclaer Winkelcentrum on Sat 29th, then on Sun the 30th will be on the Lange Voorhout in The Hague at the Kunst and Antiek Markt. Hope to meet some of you at these locations.

Impression of Place D' Ary, Dordrecht

18 piece band on the Scheffersquare, Dordrecht,
oil on canvas
40 x 50 cm
painted on location - Sat 15 Aug 2009

private collection, The Hague

Here you have yet another impression of the work I'm producing at the art event in Dordrecht. Couldn't resist painting this rather unique scene, with all the band members dressed uniformly, combined with the white of the canopy of the stage, makes the rhythm of this composition interesting. This painting was sold minutes after I signed it to....., you guessed it, an enthusiastic member of the band.

Panoramic view of North Sea #5 09

That notorious Dutch Sky
oil on canvas
20 x 140 cm
painted on location - Thurs 13 August 2009 -  SOLD

Yes ladies and gentlemen, that infamous Dutch sky. A marvel to look at, with only the slightest amount of imagination....one can find all sorts of shapes and formations. Great subject matter for taking pictures with a camera, but try painting it, your looking at a challenge, believe me. They are moving across the sky so fast, one has to just start building up a composition, and as hard as it is , just stay with it, and use the new coming clouds as reference only. Thus the situation captured on this canvas takes place in only a few transient moments, however it took me at least one hour to get that sky to work out on the canvas.

Panoramic view of North Sea #4 09

A Sea with muscle
 oil on canvas, 20 x 140 cm
painted on location - Tuesday 11 August 2009 - SOLD

Have decided to build up this panoramic view series, thus was glad that yesterdays windy conditions, allowed for this scene to happen, here at the beach, in The Lowlands. Colors of the water varied greatly, with this stunning vibrant olive green showing up every now and then, as the light broke through the thick mass of clouds. It eventually cleared up and became a beautiful afternoon full of sunshine. These very long paintings unfortunately are reduced to a rather minimal size, thus a couple of close ups.

Panoramic view of North Sea #3 09

Beginning of a Lovely Day, South Beach, The Hague
oil on canvas
20 x 140 cm
painted on location - 5 and 10 August 2009  -   SOLD

I've said it before, and I'll say again, the best thing about living in The Hague, is this, the beach. This painting was made exactly at the spot were the Catamaran Clubhouse is located. Most people don't get to see this view, it is still quite early in the morning, just a few people walking dogs, the odd jogger, and of course, the seasoned sailors on their sporting vessels. Hardly ever a dull sky, for a painter in this country. Clouds come in all sorts of formations, and densities. Distance and wind factor, just two governing properties of cloud conditions as shown on this painting.
Il pittore has had enough with this finacial crisis..... I'm offering a 15% discount for any purchases made in the month of August!

View from South Beach, The Hague, #8/09

Peaceful, sunny morning at The North Sea
oil on canvas
30 x 90 cm
painted on location - Monday 3 August 2009

SOLD

Will, finally the warm weather has settled in. The start of a lovely day here in The Lowlands. A few sailors on the horizon enjoying the fresh breezes, coming from a westerly direction. The skies are always difficut to paint, especially the clouds. Forever shifting in form, being tossed about by those high gails. A colleague reminded me sometime ago, that clouds are vaporous gases really, nothing solid about them at all. Thus keeping this in mind while I paint them has brought about some rather successful results.

The New Harbor with Cathedral, Dordrecht

Gezicht op de Nieuwe Haven, Dordrecht
oil on canvas
40 x 120 cm
painted on location - Sun 5 July and Sat 1 August 2009

SOLD

For those of you who are not familiar with this city, here you have yet another reason to get your ass on over here, and have a look around. This is supposedly Holland's oldest city, and believe me it is will worth a visit. As Turner said in his time, "Light governs everything". Painting with the light shining in my direction, was not the easiest thing, but I could not pass up this stunning view of the church, the sky and harbor.

View from Ary Scheffers square, Dordrecht

Gezicht vanaf Scheffersplein, Dordrecht
oil on canvas
18 x 24 cm
painted on location - Sunday 26 July 2009

SOLD

On the same day that I painted the last posting, I also made this charming little piece. Just what makes it charming, I really can't explain it, and I believe therein lies the answer, not being able to exlpain it. I was sit up on the left side of the bridge you see depicted on the previous posting.

View from South Beach, The Hague, #7/09

The warm glow of the setting sun
oil on canvas
50 x 70 cm
painted on location - Friday 24 July 2009

SOLD

We have been having a lot of windy days here lately in The Lowlands. I makes for lovely cloud formations, and with the added warm hues from the sun, just a great combination to paint. I had to find myself a spot out of the wind, otherwise the canvas would have certainly taken flight. Depicted here is the entrance to the inner harbor at Scheveningen.

Panoramic view of The North Sea

"The brilliance of the silvery wave"
oil on canvas, 20 x 140 cm
painted on location - Saturday 18 July 2009
SOLD

Back to a theme which most sea lovers, love, to admire, The Sea. Going to use a quote, on this subject, by the great French painter, Odilon Redon (1840 - 1916), written July 3rd 1875;

You hear it nearby and it attracts you. The sea is here, magnificent, imposing and superb with its obstinate clamor. Imperious and terrible clamor, it makes strange remarks. The voices of the infinite are before you. Nothing of human life. On the horizon not a vessel. Here, the immense beach, undefined, of which the edges are mingling with the sea itself, with the day and the light, with the moving brilliance of the silvery wave.
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 this beach. You will have to sing the mystery of infinity. On these shores you will discover intense solitude.
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, all of you who work unceasingly in the womb of our miseries, all you men of the fields and humble people-go and breathe in the strength and faith of fertile nature, our mother and friend.

What can you say to that?..., but that he knows exactly what he is taking about.

Again a close up for your viewing pleasure.

Beach pavilion South, S. Beach, The Hague

Strandpavilijoen Zuid, Den Haag
oil on canvas, 30 x 85 cm
painted on location - Thurs 16 July 2009
SOLD

Yes folks, it's summer in the city, and this is one of the best places to be. A cool breeze, coming off the salty scented sea, water is fresh and healthy, resaonably warmed up by the suns gratuitous heat. And isn't that what lounging on the beach is all about, heat and comfort? Just like that couple on the forground of this painting, are enjoying each others company and a light dinner (it is 7pm), il pittore, is on location sharing this strech of beach with you, in this virtual manner. I've had this painting on my mind for sometime now, quite often I'm sit up somewhere next to that beach house, painting the views it has to offer. Guess how many people are shown on this painting and I'll give you 10% off the asking price!

View of South Beach, The Hague, #6/09

Windy yet sunny day at the beach
oil on canvas
30 x 40 cm
painted on location - Sat 11 July 2009

SOLD

Kite surfers love these conditions, as you can see on the horizon, the beach at Scheveningen is just loaded with them. The sand on the painting is prove that I do make these paintings on location, luckily most of it will come off, once the paint is dry. Again so that you may have a close look at the details, a couple of close ups, for your veiwing pleasure.

View of Scheveningen from The beach at Katwijk.

High winds at Katwijk Beach
oil n canvas
50 x 70 cm
oil on canvas
painted on location - Thurs 9 July 2009

SOLD

Decided to go visit some plein-air friends who are participating on the Katwijk Schildersweek. While their I set myself up on this most extreme windy beach, (thank God I have a parasol of more than 2 meters diameter, which I attached to a pole, thus protecting the painting/easel). As you can see on the last 2 paintings we have been having these wild cloudy skies, which are great to paint, but not really what one wants on a summers day! The water was also fun to paint, with almost everytone of Benelux grey possible. A close up for your viewing pleasure.

The Oude Mare Bridge, Leiden

Gezicht van de Oude Vest, Leiden
oil on canvas
40 x 50 cm
painted on location - Monday 6 July 2009

Back in Leiden, with my Italian/American friend Mariano Zucchi, who had a two day stop over en route to Croatia. Here I am revisiting a wonderfull picturesque location. This time the cupola plays a minor yet significant role in blogging off the scene and helps define the lighting situation.

The end of a lovely summers day, at the beach

View of South Beach, The Hague, # 5 2009
oil on canvas
30 x 130 cm
painted on location, Thurs 2/Sat 4 July 2009
SOLD

Just a great situation for me to paint near the cool waters edge, on these steamy hot summer days. Included in this scene is the entrance to the 2nd inner harbour, the Pier, and lighthouse of Scheveningen. Closer up you have the beach pavillions staring with, La Cantina in the distance, then Zuid, followed by South Beach, next to that, the Life guard hut (reddingsbirgade), then the well known, Catamaran Clubhouse (HDZV), closing off with the colorfull stairs leading to De Fuut. Not an easy painting for me to take a quality picture of, thus I have attached 2 close ups for your viewing pleasure.

Catamarans Ready to Race, HKZV, South Beach

KustZeilEvenement 2009 # 2, Zuiderstrand, Den Haag
oil on canvas, 40 x 120 cm
painted on location - Sunday 28 June 2009

SOLD

The competitors have been eagerly waiting for this moment. That red and white flag just above the clubhouse will be taken down any moment now, the races are on. What you see depicted on this painting is the last group of cats that are about to join the others already manoeuvreing around the bouys, which form the circuit of this years Coastal Sailing Event. I should have had two easels with me, the cats racing was also a site worthy of painting.

Coast Sail Compition 2009, HKZV, The Hague

KustZeilEvenement 2009, HKZV, Den Haag
oil on canvas, 40 x 120 cm
painted on location, Saturday 27 June 2009

Private Colection, The Hague
Donated for charity, Right To Play


Not your usual catamaran clubhouse paintng. There were about 80 vessels spread out on the beach at the clubhouse this weekend. It was am amazing sight to see. The light was very defused, with mist and fog making it not possible for the races to begin. For me it was a bit of a blessing, as the cats stayed on the beach with their sails out, ready to go. As is evident in the painting, vissibilty at sea was zero. This is the 1st of 2 paintings made at this event.

Strandpaviljoen 'De Fuut', Zuidstrand, Den Haag

Beach pavilion 'The Grebe', South Beach, The Hague
oil on canvas, 60 x 80 cm
painted on location, Tuesday evening 23 June 2009 
SOLD

Fresh back from a week of intensive painting, with some of the finest plien-air painters in Europe, I decided to confront the high winds and bitter cold, coming off the North Sea (it's June, I can't believe it!), and knock off this beach scene after a 3 day abscence from my beloved "cavaletto",( Italian word for painters easel). This cafe is located next to the Catamaran Clubhouse, which I have often painted. Probably the most colorful of all the pavilions on this strip of beach. Why I haven't painted it up to now I have no clue. I really enjoyed getting all those details in, even though they are very loosely handeled. Hey, I'm a painter not an illustrator, thus moving a brush around, loaded with fresh oil paint, on a piece of canvas, is not only my craft, but becomes my way of communicating with you the viewer. I'm telling you a story of a nice situation, here, on this spot of the planet, and if I didn't do it, it would not have got done. And that my dear friends gives me a rewarding feeling.

Sunset at Noordwijk Aan Zee, with cloudy sky.

A peacefull moment at The North Sea
oil on canvas
24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Monday 15 June 2009

SOLD
private collection, Holland

I am just back from the Noordwijk painters festival, which began on Monday the 15th and ended on Sunday the 21st of June. This was the 2nd of 23 paintings I made in just 6 days! The variation of cool and warm greys in both the sky and water, plus the warm tones of light casted by the setting sun forcing its way through the mass of thick distant clouds, made it irresistable to paint. As is shown by the attached photo, this painting was picked up by some attentive person who placed in a high enough bid, at the auction which was administered by Sotheby's Amsterdam, on the last day of the festival.

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.