View from the island Panarea, Sicily

Gezicht vanaf de eiland Panarea, Sicilia
oil on 3 wood panels
10 x 45 cm
painted on location - 13 July 2011

Private collection-Panarea

Will dear reader, as is clearly evident, this is absolutely not a view off the coast of The North Sea! Finding myself on a short vacation, on this exotic tiny island, off the coast of N/E Sicily, part of the archipelago, Eolian Islands, I managed to get a couple of small paintings done. In the distance, that triangular shaped island is actually an active vulcano, called Stromboli. Every evening one gets an astonishing display of lava bursting high (200 meters) into the sky, causing one to witness, a spectacle of Nature rarely seen. From the distance shown on the painting, one sees an intense light of orange/red, coming from the top left side of the peak, as if a gigantic light bulb is being switched on and off. Closer in view, is the uninhabited island of Basiluzzo. A favorite location for yachts and pleasure boats to anchor and enjoy the crystal clear waters and take in the natural beauty of the rocky cliffs, eroded over the centuries by both wind and water.

Here below I include 2 pictures of a work I made in 1988. It is an areal view of the islands between Panarea and Stromboli. It measures 110 x 160 cm, and is on display in the lobby of the luxurious, Hotel Cincotta.

A pleasant summers day on the Beach

Gezellig zomers dag an het strand, Noordwijk Aan Zee
oil on canvas
60 x 120 cm (24 x 47 inches)
painted on location - 5 July 2011

private collection, Noordwijk

I was asked to make this painting during the painters festival 2 weeks ago. However it was not realized until yesterday, as the weather was not at all cooperative. The location is Noordwijk, I was sit up directly in front of the luxurious Huis ter Duin Hotel, next to the catamarans. The landmark lighthouse stands stalwart and proud on the extreme right side of the canvas. The water was obviously a treat for people to cool off in the warm summer temperatures. Not a bad location to enjoy a hot summers day!

Beach scene with Kite Surfers

Strandgezicht met 'Kite surfers', Noordwijk
oil on canvas
50 x 70 cm
painted on location - Fri 24 June 2011  -  SOLD

Just back from a week painting on location, in Noordwijk Aan Zee, as a participant of the Schildersfestival, (painters festival). This is one of 21 paintings that I made in 7 days! Fortunately, I managed to sell 19 of them! They ranged in size from 10 x 15 cm up to 60 x 120 cm. We had very high winds for six days in a row! Believe me after a while your ears start ringing, and fine sand particals seem to like finding locations on your body to take refuge form the tormenting force of the swift flowing air! This work was created next to my own 3 meter parasol which I layed on the sand and attached to a pole. Thus barracading the easel and myself from the wind and rain!

View of The North Sea Regatta

Gezicht op de Noord Zee Regatta
oil on canvas
50 x 40 cm
painted on location - Sunday 12 June 2011

SOLD

The view point is beach entrance(strandslag) number 10, Westduinpark, The Hague. The horizon line was literally dotted with hundreds of sailboats of all sizes. Must have been a superb day to sail, as the wind was quite strong. Fascinating color displays on the surface of the water, as the clouds kept blocking the suns light, thus creating all sorts of longated patterns on the 'Sea of Green'. Approximately 20 mintes after I finished this painting, the sky in view, was completely overcast with a thich layer of clouds causing the waters surface to tranform into a dull Benelux grey. It is hard to see on this digital representation of the oil painting, but I have indicated these clouds coming in, as one can see by the rough brush work on the top left of the canvas.

Sailing in the Rain, South Beach, DH

Zeelen tijdens 't regent, Zuiderstrand, DH
oil on canvas
40 x 100 cm
painted on location - Sunday 05 June 2011

SOLD

You might be curious as to how I got that painted on location, whilst it was raining! Will thanks to the sailing clubhouse The Hague, I was able to sit up next to the building, which protected me from the rain. It was just a slight drizzle, on and off, actually, thus not a threatening situation. I rather like the mood that the sea gives off on these sumber days. All those variations of benelux greys, at times, give one a rather calming soothing affect. Certainly not the least bit unpleasant to appreciate. Also I enjoyed painting the wet sand. Of course I gave myself some artistic freedom with the colors scheme, but what the hell, I'm in the business of creating beauty, not ugliness.

Wind Force 7, The North Sea

Windkracht 7, 't NoordZee
oil on canvas
100 x 30 cm
painted on location, Friday 27 May 2011

SOLD

As a colleague of mine commented, a bit of a Japanese influence on this seascape, re the format. I wasn't thinking about that when I made this work. Just wanted to get some painting done, on a day which was totally inhospitable to a plein air painter, thus had to sit up on the terrace shown on the previous posting, protected by the glass panels. A friendly price, as this is a 1st, working on such a format. A little feedback would be nice, thanks.

Beach Cafe scene, North Zee

Op terras bij strandpavilijon 'De Kust', Wijk Aan Zee
oil on canvas
40 x 50 cm
painted on location - Tues 24 May 2011


Well here I am back on the coast, and let me tell you,...what a windy coast line it has been, here in The Lowlands! Finding myself at Wijk Aan Zee as a participant of the annual painters festival,"Ezels&Kwasten", this is the 1st of 7 paintings made in 4 days! The light was fantastic and as you can see plays a major role in the formation of this colorful terrace scene. Proteced by those glass panels, guests of the cafe and myself were able to enjoy the fresh sea air, without being hendered by the wind. If you look at the red banner flag, just behind the glass panel, (extreme right side of painting), you will get an indication of the force of the wind.

Here below you have the scene of the continuation of this terrace. Painted a couple of days later, with more or less the same windy atmospheric conditions. This painting was sold within a matter of hours, to a local couple who frequent this cafe, and usually occupy this corner table of the terrace, while having drinks.
(Just a reminder....by klicking on the paintings,You can have a more detailed look at them.)

Den Bosch, On a sunny day

Gezicht op Lepelstraat, Den Bosch
oil on canvas
40 x 50 cm
painted on location - Sat. 21 May 2011


Last week I participated in a plein air painters festival in this well maintained old city, here in the Lowlands. Normally this scene would be not interesting to paint, but with the high contrasts afforded by the shadows, thanks to the sunlight, it becomes a feast for the painters eyes. I cleverly sit up under a parasol, thus on the shadey side. Only problem was, the terrace was going to open up to the public in 1hr and 20 minutes! I took the challenge, and don't know what you think, but I am pleased with the result. (tip..... never start painting on a completely white canvas, this canvas already had the dark background)

St. Joris Café, The Hague, (Postcard size #1)

Cafe Sint Joris, Den Haag, Kleine
oil on wood panel
10 x 15 cm
painted on location - Wed 11 May 2011


Just keeping busy with small format city scenery, prepairing myself for a plein air painting festival in Den Bosch starting today, until next Sunday 22 May. The theme of this festival will be City life, and what better way to pass away a good time with friends than sitting at a quaint terrace with a cold pint of your favorie brew.

Pulling the Cat to Sea, South Beach, DH, #2/2011

Naar zee met 't 'Cat'
oil on canvas
40 x 100 cm
painted on location - Sunday 8 May 2011  SOLD

The day is off to a fabulous start. Just enough wind to make these two sailors effort of towing their cat worthwhile! Me, I'm more concerned about the light, thus getting on location well before the Sun reaches its zeinth, is vital, otherwise all those nice colours and shadows will get far too illuminated.

Path to the Sea, Westduinpark, The Hague

Nieuwe Pad naar Zee, Westduinpark, DH
oil on canvas - 60 x 90 cm
Fri 29 April and Sun 01 May 2011

painted over, no longer exists

What a difference a day makes! If you look at the painting on the bottom of this post, you will see just what I am talking about! Today, I present to you a repainting of the same scene, as depicted on the bottom picture, (which btw was paintied on 29 July 2010). Something about that painting made last summer, just didn't sit right with me. I finally decided to re-work it, opting for a more serene situation of the same view. Thus no clouds, and less growth in the flora, to calm things down. The municipality has taken away one of the paths, allowing for nature to fill in vacant space. Incidentally, this path leads to the sailing club and the strecht of beach that I so often paint.

Sailing Clubhouse, The Hague #1/2011

't Catamaran, Zuiderstrand, Den Haag, 1/2011
oil on canvas, 50 x 40 cm
painted on location - Sat 23 April 2011 
SOLD

With the great weather we have been having lately, the new season is off to an early start here at South Beach. A well groomed beach, looks orderly, clean and most importantly, spacious. It is still early as I set up for this painting. The morning moisture is evaporting, with the heat and Sunlight, a Sea vapor predominates the atmosphere. It is going to be a busy day on the beach, and here at the clubhouse, gearing up for the seasons 1st race.

Tulip bulbfields near Anna Paulowna, NH

Tulipvelden, Anna Paulowna, NH
oil on canvas
30 x 100 cm - (12 x 39 inches)
painted on location - Thurs 21 April 2011 (finished in studio Thurs 28 April 2011)



Yes don't those tulips love water! Especially during the heat wave we just experienced here in The Lowlands. Featured in this painting is the landmark water tower of this village, an irrigation ditch, (which wasn't even there, but I concluded that the composition needed something to balance itself), and functioning water sprinklers. Thus the production of tulip bulbs is indeed a fail-safe operation in this part of the world!

Tulip bulbfield, Schagen, Holland

Bollenvelden, Schagen, NH
oil on canvas, 30 x 100 cm
painted on location - Wed 20 April 2011 
SOLD

In this painting you see one of the same windmills which was featured on the previous posting. Only this time from another prespective. I got down as low as possible, basically seated myself on the earth, in a cross-legged position. Not very comfotable, let me tell you, especially after the 1st hour! I've decided to publish 2 highlights in this posting. Giving you the chance to compare modern energy producing windmills with the classical water managment windmill.

Muscari Latifolium Bulb field, NH.

Bollen Veld #1, Schagen, NH
oil on canvas
30 x 80 cm (12 x 32 inches)
painted on location - Wed 20 April 2011

Privater collection, Sora(Fr), Italy

A first for il pittore. First time I've painted these world renowned bulb fields here in The Lowlands. Being on location so close by, one gets intoxicated by the pungent scent of these beautifully colored flowers. Visually a feast for the eyes, however painting them is another story! The hue of these fields is so intense, that even at a great distance the color still maintains its character. This presents a problem to us plein - air painters, because after all, we do have to convince you the viewer of prespective, don't we? Fortuneately leading the lines to one vanishing point does help! Below a close up so as to show you the texture of the paint on the canvas. Remember you can see the image larger by double clicking it.

Looking North from Wassenaarseslag

Wassenaarseslag, op een mooie dag
oil on canvas
40 x 50 cm
painted on location - 9 Oct 2010

donated to charity fund raiser

What caught my interest on this scene was those Kart-sail vehicles. At first I thought they were small sail boats, on close inspection I noticed they had wheels and later saw them racing along the watersedge, on the sand. Although this work was made sometime ago, it is representative of the weather we are actually experiencing in these days!

The new look, South Beach/DH #2

Gezicht op Kijkduin, met 't Zandmotor, Zuiderstrand, DH
oil on canvas
40 x 100 cm
painted on location - Thurs 7 April 2011
SOLD

Back on my own stomping grounds! Here a view similar to the previous scene painted on the beach, however one important detail I have highlighted on this canvas (see close up below the text), is the new Zandmotor, being built up to further add sand to this beach. Only this time, Nature will assist Man, in that the waves will transport the sand that has amassed on that man made peninsula (schiereiland). The ships visilble in the distance, i believe from Van Oord, in fact are busy unloading tons and tons of sand, which they first suck up from the bottom of the sea, some 7 or 8 kilometeres off shore. Then this sand is dislodged by very sophisticated mechanical means, thus the 'zandmotor' is built up. Eventually that same sand will end up on our beach, this time transported by natural wave action. Just how long that will take....well, only God knows!

Market Square, Den Bosch #2

Markt gezicht, s-Hertogenbosh #2
oil on canvas
30 x 40 cm
painted on location - Tues 5 April 2011
SOLD

This is the 2nd paintng made in this lovely historically important city. Here you have a representation of one of the few original buildings in its mediaeval glory. The parasols shown here are the same ones from the previous posting, only seen from a different view point. Not a common style of painting for me, but I feel it works well for cityscapes. Incidently, if you are visiting this city someday, and you need directions, that blue flag is a landmark for the tourist information office.

Market Square, Den Bosch

Markt, 's-Hertogenbosch #1
oil on canvas
40 x 50 cm
painted on location - Tuesday 5 April 2011
SOLD

Finding myself in Den Bosch on a paint outing with 5 other plein - air painters, organized by Rob Jacobs, of Gallery Jass , I made this and another smaller format work. Setting myself up directly in front of the entrance to the Bijenkorf, looking towards the towers of the monumental St. John's Cathedral. The composition was to my liking, however there was so much information before me, that I thought, the only way to handle this, is to loosen up, and work with a palet knife. That was the 1st phase of the painting, then I went back with brush work to highlight certain details. BTW, for your interest, that green house above the 1st parasol on the left, is the birthplace of one of Hollands greatest painters, Hieronymos Bosch.

St. George and the Dragon Café, The Hague

Op 't terras bij Sint Joris en de Draeck, DH
oil on canvas
50 x 70 cm - (20 x 28 inches)
painted on location in 6 settings - 20/3/2011 - 02/04/2011

SOLD

In my eyes the most picturesque, café scene The Hague has to offer! Situated on a corner, Weimarstraat with Van Swietenstraat, across the street from the trendy Koningsplein. Patrons of this establishment, are once again able to enjoy the Sun's rays, casting warmth and light on this sidewalk café. Il pittore also takes advantage of the sunlight, which casts shadows and highlights objects. Making it a delight and a challenge for a plein air painter. This is a neigbourhood café/restaurant, which we Hagenaars are all very proud of! The inside is also authentically cordial and a visual feast for the eyes.

The new look, South Beach/DH (re-painted)

Recente gezicht op Zuiderstrand, DH
oil on canvas
40 x 120 cm - (16 x 47 inches)
painted on location - Tuesday 29 March 2011
SOLD

I set up my gear directly in front of strand pavilion 'de Kwartel', locating myself half way between the dunes and the coastline. Facing south, in the direct Kijkduin, I was inspired by the light and somewhat foggy condition at hand, to work on this panoramic format canvas. Ideal for the new look of our beach, as it has undergone and is still undergoing, a major filling and widening process. We here in Holland love this, as it just means more room for us! In a small country, filled up shoulder-to-shoulder, this is a much valued comodity. On a more practical reason, this is being done to prevent the coastline from being entirely washed up, due to the predicted rising sealevel!

Just a perfect day on The North Sea

Windstil, zacht licht an de Noord Zee
oil on canvas
60 x 90 cm (24 x 36 inches)
painted on location - Sunday 27 March 2011

SOLD

With the intention of painting a Van Oord ship spouting out sand to raise the level of the coastline, here at South Beach, The Hague, I sit up near the water, and began this rather large canvas. It began to take shape, the forms and spaces started speaking to me, and before I knew it, I had a decent scene developed on my canvas. A ship did come into my viewing space, and would have occupied a large area, had I painted it in. But you know sometimes less is more, and I had the feeling, this work of art is about peace and tranquility, something we all could use now and then.

Spring in the air, Sourh Beach, The Hague

Lente begint, Zuiderstrand, DH
oil on canvas
80 x 120 cm (please note size)
painted on location - Sunday 20 march 2011  -   SOLD


As I mentioned on my last posting, this is the large painting made Sunday morning. Absolutely no wind on my back, otherwise it would have been impossible to execute such a large size canvas on location! By coincidence, a professional freelance photographer, saw me working and took the picture which I've included. A new step for il pittore , to work on such a large format, from start to finish on location. I must say the challenge was met with delight and much to my surprise, very rewarding. Since it is difficult to bring you a sharp image, have included two close-ups for your viewing pleasure.






picture by Johan Westra

The rolling wave, South Beach, DH

De branding, Zuiderstrand, Dh
oil on canvas
30 x 40 cm
painted on location - Sat. 19 march 2011

SOLD

Spring is definitely in the air! Here in The Lowlands at least. A productive weekend for il pittore. This painted on Saturday afternoon, Sunday a large canvas created in the morning and started on a fair size city scape in the afternoon! Right down to the waters edge, with the intention of focusing in on the waves breaking at the shorline. As a finalé, a spark of color, featuring a young girl with her pet enjoying the nice weather.

Soft bright light affect, North Sea

Zachte licht, Noord Zee, strand bij DH
oil on canvas
40 x 60 cm
painted on location - Tuesday 15 march 2011

SOLD

Not the situation we are having today, at the seaside. However on Tuesday, just before I started work on the painting of the previous posting, this canvas was created. An over-painting of an earlier work I made at Wijk Aan Zee, last year. This explains the rough texture of the undergound on this canvas,(see detail below). There is at present, much construction work going on at the beach, as the building up of the beach cafes, has started. However, not finding that an interesting subject, a tender scene...A mother spends some quality time with her 2 childern.

View of Scheveningen Harbor entrance

Gezicht vanaf duinen, Westduinpark, DH
oil on canvas -  40 x 30 cm
painted on location - Tues. 15 March 2011
SOLD

A magnificent day to be out painting yesterday. Signs of spring are in the air already! Don't confuse these trees with olive trees. The thing they do have in common is the way the trunks are bent and twisted. That is due to the enormous strong winds that come off the North Sea from time to time. These trees are still quiet leafless, and the colors are created due to the sunlight reflecting of the dry dense branches. As they say, beauty can be found almost anywhere. An important task of us plein - air painters is to open our eyes and find it! Almost exactly in the middle of this canvas, can be seen, one of the Scheveningen Harbor lighthouses, guiding vessels to safe haven. A little to the right, the mast of a yacht entering the harbor.

High up in the dunes.

Pad door de duinen, Westduinpark, DH
oil on canvas, 30 x 80 cm
painted on location - Fri 11 March 2011

donated to charity

Views like this can give me a natural 'high', thus a little play in the words on the title! Painted at one of my favorite locations in Westduinpark, The Hague. As this path is hardly ever used, one gets the sensation of being immersed in Nature. Funny how some paintings need a proper viewing distance, in order to appreciate. With the advice of a good friend, we established that 7 meters is the distance necessary to see this painting, in the real, properly. Thus, one can take in the whole picture in a glance, rather than getting caught up in the details. You don't have this problem on your screne however, as the image is termendously smaller than in the real.

The broken branch.

de gebroken taak
oil on canvas
20 x 50 cm
painted on location - Tues 8 March 2011 SOLD


I call the painting, "the broken branch". Like my broken feelings, inside me, due to the sudden death of a Dear friend and fellow plein - air painter, Silvester Pepekamp, (Dec. 31 1950 - March 2 2011). I choose to paint at this location, because 2 days prior to my friends unexpected passing, together, we had made a walk down that very path, to the sea. Sometimes change is sudden and catastrophic, life as we know it is abruptely overturned. We have an earthquake of the heart so severe, that the landscape will never look the same. In times of sudden chaos, the soul finds its ground in the Eternal. It turns instinctively towards God, even if it uses other names. Like the tree in this painting, will grow a new branch, so will I grow a new way to be with my deceased friend and colleague, Silvester. Just like the miracle of Nature will help that harmless, vulnerable tree, repair itself. So will Nature show me the way to repair my broken heart.

Path to the Sea, Sunny conditions

Pad naar Zee, Westduinpark, DH
oil on canvas
40 x 50 cm
painted on location - Wed 2 March 2011

NO LONGER AVAILABLE. PAINTED OVER

It is still winter, yet here you can see for yourself the benefits we enjoy here from the warm waters passing by here from the Gulf of Mexico. The sun has finally decided to make itself present here in The Lowlands. Still crispy and cold, but due to no wind, the situation at hand was a joy to paint. The sudden heat caused termendous evaporation to take place, thus one can not distingush, were the horizon line is. The whole area above the sea was covered in such a thick layer of vapor, it made for an interesting simple, yet pleasurable viewing condition!

Lemmer Inner Harbor, Winter Scene

Binnen Haven, Lemmer, Friesland
oil on canvas
60 x 70 cm
painted on location - Wed. 23 Feb 2011

donated to Canadian Fund raising charity, Oct 2015

Whilst visiting with friends and art collectors living in this quaint village in Friesland, I managed to find the time to make this painting, on one hell of a cold winters day! A few hours after this painting was finished, there lay about 4cm of fresh moist snow on the ground. Although there are a few modern buildings in this village centre, it still retains a charm of the original architecture, thus making it a popular toutist attraction, in the summer season.

Van Oord in action, South Beach, Netherlands

Gezicht op 'de zandmotor', Zuiderstrand, DH, bij Strandsnslag #10
oil on canvas
40 x 100 cm
painted on location - Wed 16 Feb. and Thurs 17 Feb. 2011


SOLD


Not usually my choice of subject matter, but like all the other curious people passing by, il pittores interest for what was going on, was enough to inspire the making of this painting. A scene which is hardly ever visible, as these are once in a lifetime type of projects. Well, for better or for worse, I tackled the scene at hand. What might be of interest for you the viewer of this work to know is exactly what's going on here! You see that ship, not far away, it is actually discharging tons and tons of sand mixed with water, via that object attached on the front of the ship. This sand and water is then transported by a series of complex pumps, tubes, plastic and metal I imagine. This sand finally gets discharged on the beach. You can see it, gushing(flowing) out of a large iron tube, which is just behind the bull dozer featured on the beach. Thus all that water and sand which is being used to widen the beach, is stemming from that ship! The ship has just sucked all that sand from the bottom of the sea about 6 or 7 kilometers away from the shore. The thousands of seagulls are having a feast, because of course all sorts of delicious sea life is mixed up in the sand/water. By the way, Van Oord is the name of one of the companies that is carrying out this complex operation.

Panoramic Sea scape with working Ship

Winters zeegezicht
oil on canvas, 30 x 150
painted on location - Thurs 3 Feb 2011
SOLD

Painted the day before the storm arrived here in Holland. We have had four days of very high winds, and life threatening conditions at sea.

!

Winter Canal Scene, Den Bosch

Gezicht op Brede Haven, s'-Hertogenbosch
oil on canvas
40 x 60 cm
painted on location - Tues 01 Feb 2011
SOLD

Indeed a most picturesque corner of this outstanding medieval city. Joining 4 other plein - air painters I/we had a fine day in the citys center. This scene is so pretty that it even withstands the sombre Benelux greys, and still manages to inspire il pittore to give it a go!

Cold Sea mist with snow, South Beach

Koude Zee mist met sneeuwe, Zuiderstrand, DH
oil on canvas
30 x 80 cm
painted on location - Sat 29 Jan 2011


This painting was made on the same session, directly after the painting of the previous posting. Thus by the time this work was complete, my bones were chilled! Here is a little poem that I find works well with this image.

Just stepping out to get some air
That is not the wind beneath my feet
Just a breeze so crispy and sweet

Fresh air is all I ask
A moment alone is all I need.

This beach offers just the remedy, for those moments when one needs to be alone.