Il Duomo di Catania, Sicily

St. Agatha's, The Cathedral of Catania, Sicily
oil on canvas board
9.5" x 12" - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Thurs 8 Oct 2009

$ 125

On Sicily’s east coast, Catania has been the prize of a stream of empires over the centuries, from Greeks to Romans to Arabs to Normans to Spaniards, to name just a few. But more devastating than invaders has been the city’s geography: It lies at the foot of Mount Etna, Europe’s largest and most active volcano, which completely destroyed the city with earthquakes and lava flows in 1693. Afterward, it was rebuilt in the baroque style (with creative use of lava) for which it’s today famous. It is also known as, "the black city". This is due to the fact that the streets/sidewalks and many of the monumental buildings were made of the readily available lava stone, which of course is black. The Piazza Del Duomo is a World Hertiage Monument, thus it is protected. But of course Mount Etna has its own rules, and when she decides, nobody can stop her! Thus because of this city, Horace, the Greek Philosoper was inspired to write the saying, Carpe Diem . Which translates to, seize the day , (trusting as little as possible in the future.)

Rialto Bridge, Venice

A bridge with a view
oil on canvas mounted on board
7" x 9.5" - (18 x 24 cm)
painted in 2007, cropped and re-worked in studio March 2012

$75

A delightful city to paint in indeed. This painting was originally larger, however after re examining it, I decided to crop it down and adjust some color tones. A friendly price for a happy painting.

Bay scene, Cefalu, Sicily

Charming ancient houses along the Bay, Cefalu
oil on canvas
9.5" x 7" - 24 x 18cm
painted on location - Monday 5 Oct 2009

$ 125

The Sunlight is just starting to make its access on the slowly awaking village. Il pittore is out there, capturing that soft golden light in time to render its magical affect on the scene at hand. As the English painter, John Constable once said, "Light governs everything." He couldn't be more right, especially on this Island. A slight reflection on the turquoise/greenish salty water, harmonizes carefully with the yellow/greenish forests being lit up on the gentle mountain slopes, behind the village.

Olive pickers, Abruzzo, Italy

Olive pickers, San Vincenzo Vecchio, Abruzzo,
oil on canvas
8" x 8" - 20 x 20cm
painted on location - Fri 18 Nov 2011
SOLD

One of four paintings made on my recent sojourn to visit family, paint in this lush natural environment and help out with the olive harvest. Here you have featured three workers, two on the tree, and the third on the ground with only his legs visible. A traditional method of raking(yellow objects held in hand) the olives off the branches is employed, this results in no damage to the olive, thus a better quality olive oil! The olives fall onto the emarld green net which is spread generously under the tree. They are then gathered, by hand, and placed into heavy linen sacks, which are then taken for further sortation. The rest of the trees in the valley are in full autumn colors, thus the hints of warm hues in the background.

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

Homage to Robert Henri #2

Little boy of the South west
mono print on sketching blook
6.5" x 4.5" - 16 x 12cm
studio work - feb 2003

$ 125

Here you have the 2nd of 4 interpretations of the late great Robert Henri, 1865 - 1929. Who incidently was a founding member of the Aschan School, in New York. A post humous book was published, called "The Art Spirit", which contained his thoughts and ideas concerning, Art and more specifically, painting. A must have for anyone who is in this field!

Homage to Robert Henri #1

Imaginery portrait of an Aristocratic Child
oil based monoprint on paper
6" x 4.5" - 16 x 12cm
studio work - Feb 2003

$ 125

I happen to be a great fan of Robert Henri, American painter/art teacher of the early 20th century. He loved to make portraits of childern, thus I payed hommage to him by producing a small series of monoprints a few years ago. This is an original, one of a kind, thus the term 'mono' print.

Lunch on The Boat

Markdal, Ginneken, Breda
oil on canvas
24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Sun. 21 Aug 2011

$ 345

Here we are, back in Holland! The scene depicted is of a very pretty Dutch boat, secured on the banks of an iner city water-way, part of the nature reserve, Markdal near Breda. Upon arrival on this Nature reserve my eyes were immediately drawn to this serene and tranquil scene. I liked most of all the reflections on the water, but that boat......., Is that not a work of craftmanship or what? The flag and the couple seated next to it, add nice accents to an already picture perfect scene. Couldn't pass it up, thus, gave it my best shot!

St. Servatius Bridge, Maastricht, Holland

oil on canvas,
12" x 27.5" - 30 x 70 cm
painted on location,

$ 385


Sometime ago, I found myself, along with my American artist friend, Andy Wolf, getting acquainted with the many squares and endless cobbled streets of this most picturesque city of The Netherlands, Maastricht. This famous landmark bridge, with a view of that magnificent cathedral and the surrounding hills, which gently embrace this colorful valley, it was not difficult for me to pick this scene as the first subject painted at this location.

Winter canal scene, Amsterdam #4

Impressionist view of canal in Amsterdam
oil on wood panel
4" x 6" - 10 x 15cm
painted on location - Tues 17 Jan 2012

Same view as previous posting, only style of painting much loser, and well, quite impressionistic, if you ask me.

Winter canal scene, Amsterdam #3

View of Montelbaans tower
oil on canvas board
7" x 9.5" - 18 x 24 cm
painted on location - tues 17 Jan 2012
SOLD

Same image as previous posting, only this time, I re-worked the painting in my studio today. I decided to make it into a true winters scene by adding snow and ice on the waters surface!

Winter canal scene, Amsterdam #2

View of Montelbaanstoren, Amsterdam
oil on wood
4" x 6" - 10 x 15 cm
painted on location - Tues 17 Jan 2012

$ 90

This oil study was made on the bridge featured on yesterdays posting. I worked on 3 small panels at the same time, thus building up the paintings simutaneously. Robert Henri once said, that a painting is never finished it just stops at an interesting point. I concluded that this little guy had enough information on it. Besides the historical tower, that cast iron draw bridge in the distance, was of interest to me

Winter canal scene, Amsterdam

View from the corner of Oude Waal and Kalkmarkt
oil on canvas
9.5" x 12" - 24 x 30 cm
painted on location - Tues 17 Jan 2012

$ 350

Yesterday, despite the bitter cold, I went to Amsterdam, and made 4 small format paintings. Here you have the 1st result. Not too far from the Central Station, I spotted this rather typical Amsterdam canal vista, just across the street from Montelbaastoren. The copolla you see on the top right, belongs to the Church of St. Nicholas, a rather stunning view as you step out of Amsterdam Central Station to the left. The low winter sun, lights up the tops of the high stalwart houses along this canal, and partially the bridge and elements in the forground.

Ary Scheffer Monument, Dordrecht

oil on canvas board
7" x 9.5" - 18 x 24 cm
painted on location - Aug 2011

$ 145.00

Here you have a work I made this summer during an Art market in the historical center of Dordrecht. Ary Scheffer a French Romantic painter who was born in this city in 1795, has been honored with the erection of this statue on a square named after him. For your interest, an actual picture of the location

Venus Victorious/Renoir in The Hague

oil on canvas
15" x 11"
painted on location - July 2003 reworked in studio 11 Jan 2012

$ 375

This work has been hanging in my studio for some time now, however for some reason, I never felt it worthy of exhibiting. Yesterday I re-painted some areas on the surface, and I cropped it to this vertical format composition, as suggested by the sketch. Also, just for the fun of it, I decided to paint in that female artist at the easel, (top right window).



detail of artist in her studio

Venus Victorious by Renoir

Renoir sculpture in The Hague
ink on sketch blog paper
8.5" x 5.5"
made on location - July 2003

$75.00

One of several sketches I made of this lovely sculpture by the French Impressionist painter Auguste Renoir in 1916. It was part of an exhibition dedicated to the female model, which took place on the elegant square, Lange Voorhout in The Hague.

Winters Charm, Den Bosch, Holland

View of Brede Harbor, s'-Hertogenbosch
oil on canvas
16" x 20" - 40 x 60 cm
painted on location - Tues 01 Feb 2011

$500

Indeed a most picturesque corner of this outstanding medieval city. Joining 4 other plein - air painters I 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!

Vintage Drawbridge, Kuipershaven, Dordrecht

View of Kuipers Harbour, Dordrecht
oil on canvas board
7" x 9.5" - 18 x 24 cm
painted on location - 06 June 2010

SOLD

The Center of Dordrecht, Holland is an Historical Monument. Scenes like this are everywhere to be found. A row of Steamboats on the left, retired lowflat cargo boats on the right, well maintained and mostly likey lived-in. I enjoy very much painting in the core of this Dutch city, it is like stepping back in time. One can smell the odours of wood, the streets are cobble stoned, if it wasn´t for the cars you would think you were in the 19th century!

Old Brewery, The Elephant, Haarlem

Oudebrouwerij, 'de Olifant', Haarlem
oil on wood panel
10 x 15cm - (4 x 6 inches)
painted on location - tues 12 april 2011

$ 125

What once was a factory producing a fine brew, is now a prestigious accomadation with six apartments. This oil study has something special about it. And what intrigues me, is that I can't explain it! Holland is over loaded with fantastic monumental buildings such as this one.

Windmill of Family Peppin, North Holland

Molen van Fam. Peppin, Bergen NH
oil on canvas http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
9.5 x 12 inches - 24 x 30
painted on location - Thurs 1 July 2010


$175


Finding myself this day in Bergen NH, a Artist colony village, for an evening Art Market. And being in the company of an Italian/American plein-air painter, who wanted so desparately to paint a Dutch windmill. I took him to this location, probably one of the most romantic classical style Dutch settings, for such a subject. With the support of a typically renowned Dutch sky, plenty of sunshine, a cool breeze, and the shade of mature walnut tree, there couldn't have been a better place to have been set up with my easel.



Here is what it looks like in frame.

Evening view of Carnival in town

S'Avonds gezicht op de Carnival, Den Haag
oil on wood panels (3)
4" x 18" - 10 x 45 cm
painted on location - Thurs 29 Dec 2011

SOLD

The mystery deepens, as the atmosphere darkens, the lights glow, like stars in the night. A painters paradise, such scenery! You wouldn't know this but the weather was anything but welcoming that evening! Had to set up under the protection of overhanging roof, the entrance to the Carnival's cafe. Now and then the rain paused, just long enough to get that carrusel spinning with exstatic childern, having the time of their lifes.

Carnival is in Town, (wide view)

Panoramic view of Carnival
oil on wood panel
4" x 18" - 10 x 45 cm
painted on location - Fri. 30 Dec 2011

SOLD

Actually the last painting made in this series. Finally the sky has opened up, and as usual the whole scene brightens up. It is winter, thus the bare trees. This carnival took place in an urban center, hinted at, are the rows of houses on the left. Again, I have taken great care in painting a carrusel that is in operation, thus the swinging stools with mostly children seated on them. Painted on 3 panels of 4 x 6 inches each.

Old Timer Carrusel, Carnival The Hague

Ouderwetse Carrusel, Carnival, Den Haag 2011
oil on wood panel
4" x 6 " inches
painted on location - Wed 28 Dec 2011

SOLD

The 1st of 4 paintings made at this colorful Old Time Carnival. which was situated in Huygenspark, downtown The Hague, Holland. A close up below, serves to show that I have taken great care, in bringing you a lively scene, thus the carrusel is actually spinning as you see the childern seated holding on to the chains of the swinging seats! Far bottom picture taken of me just after I completed this painting.

This way, Ladies and Gentlemen

Deze kant, Dames en Heren
oil on wood panel
10 x 15 cm - (4" x 6")
painted on location - Wed 28 Dec 2011
SOLD

A gay scene to start the new year off on the right direction! The carnival is in town, school kids both young and old have the oppurtunity to have some old fashion fun, in a city park, located in downtown The Hague! But really this scene can be in any park, in any city or town, were the circus or carnival is passing through.