Fountains of Rome Series

Piazza di Spagna, Rome
oil on canvas board
9.5" x 12" - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Sunday 21 March 2010

$ 325

One of the most delightful Piazza's in Rome, featuring the famed Spanish Steps which are located just to the right of this scene. The fountain 'la barcaccia' (old boat), featured in the forground was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1627. It is ingeniously sunk below ground level to compensate for the low pressure of the delicious Acqua Vergine that feeds it. In 1870, over 400 painters lived and worked in the area around the Spanish Steps. It also atrracted poets and musicians, in fact just 15 meters from were I set up, can be found the house were John Keats lived and died in 1821, at the tender age of 25. Also just behind the sunlet building, is Via Margutta, which was the focus point of the 1960's art scene, and Federico Fellini lived here until his death in 1993.

Fountains of Rome Series

Moor fountain, Piazza Navona
oil on wood
4" x 6 cm
painted on location - Sat 20 March 2010


This fountain is located on the southern end of Piazza Navona, a lively place, a place where both locals and tourists like to hang out. Artists gather in the sqaure to paint and there are many entertainers and vendors selling souvenirs. The central figure depicted, is a muscular Triton, riding a dolphin, it was sculpted by Bernini in 1654.

Fountains of Rome Series

Fontana di Trevi
oil on canvas board
9.5" x 12" - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Sunday 21 March 2010

$ 275

This painting was made amongst a crowd of no less than 550 persons(probably more). All awe struck by the beauty and magnitude of this imposing marble structure, measuring 25.9 meters in hight, and 19.8 meters wide. Inspired by a design from Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the final version, was built by Nicola Salvi, in the 18th century, taking some 30 odd years to complete (1732 - 1762). The central figure, set in the niche, is Oceanus, God of all water, (figure on the extreme right of painting). He is flanked on his right, by the Goddess, Abundance, who is spilling water from an urn. There are a multitude of figures and creatures from both land and sea featured in this extravagant fountain. Anita Ekberg made this fountain famous when she plunged in wearing a strapless black evening dress in Federico Fellini's classic La Dolce Vita.

Father and child in olive grove

Olive tree grove, Sora, Italia
oil on gessoed board
4" x 6"
painted on location - Thurs 8 July 2010

$125

Finding myself visiting with relatives in my home town of Sora, Frosinone, which is located just under Rome, off the main highway heading towards Naples. This scene is actually located at the back of the house were I was lodging. The figures, Father and child were painted in intentionally. The third figure, presumably the mother, springing out of the tree behind the father, , happened purely by coincidence, and actually was pointed out to me by a female cousin somedays later.

Winters Magic on Ice #5

Selena skating with view of the Neiuwe Kerk tower, Delft
oil on canvas
16" x 37"
painted on location - fri/sat. 10/11 Feb 2012
finished in studio - mon. 20 Feb 2012

$ 850

The last of this series, as here in The Lowlands, skating fever is already history! Right now on this pond there are a few patchs of ice scattered about, which the ducks seem to be enjoying. My daughter joined me on Saturday 11th Feb, we arrived on location just before 08.30hrs and to my disbelieve we were the only ones on the ice! After skating a few times round this ice track, I set up my easel and got to work. I asked her to keep skating around the bend thus she has become the focal point of this composition. As you can see by the price, I'm not eager to give this one away.

Winters Magic on Ice #4

Panoramic view of Dobbelplas skating baan
oil on wood panel
9" x 39.5" - 22 x 100cm
painted on location - Wed 8 Feb 2012

$ 575

I do believe this format seems to compliment this scenery. The 4th work made at this location. Characterized by swift one-off brush strokes, made in a total of 90 minutes(and 37 yrs experience) this art work has mortalized a moment in time, such as a cameras lens would do. A Dutch child, learning for the first time, how to keep balance on two thin metal blades on a cold slippery surface. Here below a close up, as taking a quality picture of this format is difficult for an amatuer photographer! And a shot of me working on location!

Winters Magic on Ice #3

Family fun on ice, in Holland
oil on canvas
16" x 20" - 40 x 50cm
painted on location - Sun 5 Feb 2012

$ 450

A father is encouraginging his son to make a sprint on ice, other toddlers are having the time of their lifes, on this special occasion of winters magic here in The Lowlands. Why winters magic, well think about it.....these folks are moving on a body of water, which would normally not be possible, unless of course you can vibrate as high as, you know who, good old JC! Anyway, the white snow covering most flat areas, also has a magical quality, transforming the landscape to this fairy tale like atmosphere. And what is so damn special about it all,... it is only a simple trick, brought about by the Almighty Creator,...saying, here you all, bundle up and have some fun! In The Lowlands,..they do just that. The hype is fantastic.....everyone is praying that the freezing temperatures hang in there, thus the reknowned, 11 city circut race can once again take place!

Winters Magic on Ice #2

Family fun on Ice, Dobbelplas, Nootdorp, Holland
oil on canvas board
5" x 7" - 13 x 18cm
painted on location - Sun 5 Feb 2012

SOLD

The 2nd painting made at this location. Decided to try this so called portrait format, then a small size to accomodate even the novice art collector..... As there is no comparison to owning an original. At this price, IKEA should be ashamed of itself for selling reproductions at much higher prices! Putting much attention to the gestures of the skaters, I've done my best to show their posture whilst gliding on the ice. He below a close up for your viewing comfort.

Winters Magic on Ice #1

Skaters, Dobbelplas, Nootdorp (Nr Delft)
oil on wooden door panel
10" x 29"
painted on location - Sat 4 Feb 2012

€ 525

Well, most Dutch people are rejoicing with the on slot of below zero temperatures, and didn't take long to get their Nordic skates out to hit the frozen ponds and canals scattered throughout The Lowlands! Fortunately for me I have this wonderful natural setting, Dobbelplas, Nootdorp, just a short car drive distance from my studio. In 2 days I made 3 paintings, this being the 1st. Probabaly will get out there again, but one day of rest, as yesterday I almost developed frost bite on my right foot. And that was with two pairs of thick woolen socks and well insulated winter boots!

Again as difficult to take quality picture of this format work, a couple of close ups for your viewing pleasure.

Winter canal scene, Amsterdam #6

Small version of Arched bridge, Amsterdam
oil on wood panel
4" x 6" - 10 x 15 cm
painted on location - Tues 31 Jan 2012

SOLD


Not as many details as the previous posting, same location however, Oudezijds Voorburgwal, De Wallen, Center Amsterdam.

Winter canal scene, Amsterdam #5

Arched bridge, Oudezijds Voorburgwal
oil on canvas
40 x 50 cm
painted on location - Tues 24 Jan 2012

$495

Amsterdam has a charm and unquestionable character of its own. Thanks to the city planners who were wise enough to leave the canals pretty well alone, since they were built, back in the 15th century. This area is called "De Wallen", was the centre of the red light zone, in Amsterdam a few years ago. Things got out of hand, and in a few words, criminality in drug dealing and hard core sex/prostitution kept most respectable tourists away. The city cleaned up the criminal scene, and now tourists can once again, enjoy strolling these cobble stoned streets, taking in vistas such as the one depicted in this painting.

Homage to Robert Henri #4

Young girl with blue eyes
mono print on sketch block
6" x 4.5" - 15 x 12cm
studio work - Feb 2003

$ 125

The last print made in this series. The expression in her eyes are of interest to me. Also the floral print on her jacket, was fun to paint.

Homage to Robert Henri #3

Young girl in clown costume
oil based mono print on sketch block
6" x 4.5" - 15 x 12cm
studio work - Feb 2003

$ 125

Robert Henri was fascinated with the mystery of a painting. He once said, "a work of art is never complete, it just stops at the right moment". With the technique of mono print, this quote