Reeuwijkse Plassen (Ponds) no. 2, nr Gouda

10 x 15cm,
oil on gesso wood panel
painted on location - Wed 6 March 2013
SOLD 

Holland has thousands of this sort of large ponds, a favorite location for vacation homes for city dwellers!  Coloration of trees and plants still not green, which results in this soft display of warm tones.

Reeuwijkse Plassen (Ponds) nr Gouda

10 x 15cm,
oil on gesso wood panel
painted on location - Wed 6 March 2013
SOLD 

Holland has thousands of this sort of large ponds, a favorite location for vacation homes for city dwellers! Here you have signs of spring in the air.  Coloration of trees and plants still not green, which results in this soft display of warm tones.  A delight to paint, bringing out my soft nature!

South Beach under snow

oil on canvas, 20 x 60cm
painted on location - Fri 25 Jan 2013
SOLD

Just on time to capture this scene, as of yesterday the snow has all but melted away! I set up my gear right at the northerly most point of the man made Zand Motor, (unique in the world, pilot project of 32.2 million cubic meters of sand added onto the beach, covering an area of approx 100 hectares, 22 football fields). It was early afternoon, the Sun still casting a soft warm light on the white snow covered beach. which helped create all those warm hues on the surface. Not a cloud in the sky, thus the light was almost blinding. Naturally I had it behind me, thus it worked in my favour. Again just a reminder of my up and coming exhibition in the building 2nd from the right of the painting.

Sunset on The White Beach

oil on canvas, 24 x 31.5 inches
painted on location - Tues/Wed  15/16 Jan 2013

SOLD

The first real great snowfall here in Holland, and guess what, The Hague got hit the hardest! That made for some beautiful scenery, in otherwise not so interesting places. Here I have returned to a theme which I explored in depth a few years ago when I first started this project, "Wet Paintings from The Lowlands"!  As some of you may already know, I am preparing paintings for my up and coming exhibition in the NH Atlantic (Hotel) Kijkduin. The entrance to the beach shown in this painting is directly in front of that hotel. Below a picture taken by photographer, Peter van Bennekom, just as I got started on this canvas, late in the afternoon, whilst the Sun was low thus casting warm hues and created this lovely view!   .

   

Old Fashion Carnival by day

oil on canvas, 30 x 90cm
painted on location - Sun  30 Dec 2012 -(In studio Tues 8 Jan 2013)
SOLD

It is winter, the days are short, it is just after opening at the Carnival, the time is 2.15 in the afternoon.   The crowds have yet to arrive, however il pittore takes advantage of the still dry weather conditions, and makes a go of this fascinating scenery.  The assistant to the Anatomy Lesson Professor watches on to the innocence of to little girls sharing some candy floss. Both the century old merry-g0-rounds are in motion. Parents are enjoying themselves, but really the kids are having the time of their lives, and that my friends is what it is all about!  Here below, two close ups, for your viewing pleasure.

 the anatomy lesson pavilion, with two girls eating candy floss, while Grandpa looks on....

the  toddlers, sweet merry-go-round, with a little girl about to jump off!   

Old fashioned carnival by night

oil on canvas, 30 x 90cm
painted on location - Fri/Sat  28/29 Dec 2012
SOLD

Here you have a glimpse at the old fashioned carnival by evening light. On the left, brilliantly coloured toddlers merry-go-round, moving to the center, the grown up kids version, circling in action,... next to that, the anatomy lesson pavilion. A fire burning in a metal barrel, (one of many), keeps the parents warmed up.

Old fashion Carnival, The Hague,Holland

oil on canvas board, 7 x 9.5inches
(18 x 24cm)
painted on location - Sunday 30 Dec 2012
SOLD

Let me take you back in time. Actually let Joris Hentenaar and his crew take you back in time! This old fashioned carnival could have been the stage for a Fellini film, taking place in a small village somewhere in Northern Europe! That was the intention of the organisers of this event, and believe you me, they have succeeded, as you will bear witness in this and my next 2 postings. Three carnival characters are ready to greet you as you step into this make believe setting were you will meet the most bizarre characters.  Flame blowers, jugglers, a woman in a fish bowl, a man who breathes through his eyes, just to name a few.  Of course the children are dazzled and taking it all in, but the century old merry-go-rounds are their favoured attractions.

Winter street scene, The Hague

Oil on canvas, 20" x 16"
painted on location, re worked in studio Wed 19 Dec 2012
$ 425

A mother pulling a Christmas tree on a sleigh with her child telling her something. Three childern, one of which is sitting on a sleigh, being drawn by the eldest. A chap on his bicycle stopping to greet a friend. The whole city is covered in white, childern are loving it. The roads are a mess, and people are being encouraged to take public transportation. It was a lovely brisk sunny day yesterday, thus despite the freezing temperature, I took it upon myself to capture this unique situation, here in my neighbourhood. The theme of this work is snow, thus that is the point of interest I wanted to bring across. Therefore I purposely did not pay attention to the detail of the architecture of the houses. Rather choosing to highlight the effect of the freshly frozen snow on the objects at hand.

Cala Figuera, Mallorca, Spain

oil on wood, 4 x 6 inches
painted on location - 21 Sept 2012
SOLD 

This small work shows a fishing boat getting some repair done on the propeller. Posting two small works made while on a short visit to family/friends on the island Majorca, Spain. 
The light there was so strong and powerful, it had a great influence on these small oil sketches.

Autumn Gold #1- 2012

oil on canvas, 40 x 30 cm
painted on location - Hemmensebos (Zetten), Sun 11 Nov 2012
SOLD

The dogs name is Amy, together with Wilma and Selena they are taking a brisk stroll in a small forest which is in these days a magnificent array of warm hues, really a feast for the eyes, together with sunlight, what a combination! I couldn't pass this moment by,..... luckily I had my gear with me and thus this work was created. Of course they didn't have to pose the whole 45 minutes that it took to make this painting. They came on at the end of their walk, when the painting was at its final stage.

Model in a tender pose

Pastel and charcoal on 100g grainy sketch paper
6" x 12"   -  30 x 23cm
made in studio  -  Wed 7 Jan  2012

$ 45.00



Simple yet to the point! Sometimes more is less, and you don't have to overstate things when the balance and composition work well from the start.

Market Scene with Mother and Child

  oil on canvas, 70 x 90cm
painted on location, Oct. 2006 and  Sat 20 Oct 2012

  $900

Hello Dear Friends and followers of my postings. Here you have a rather intimate scene of what one can expect whilst strolling down a busy market in a picturesque village here in The Lowlands. This is the centre of Bergen, NH, a cosmopolitan village just west of Alkmaar, in the North of Holland.  If you noticed the dates this painting was started 6 years ago, and has been shelved in my studio as I was not content with the composition. Determined to complete it during the Kunst10Daagse, I took it with me and worked on it a few days ago. The mother and child in the foreground are actually my daughter, Selena and my girlfriend Wilma. They were so kind to pose for me, long enough so as I could complete this painting. The theme repeats itself, just to the left with again, a representation of a child with her Mother. You know they say a painting is worth a 1000 words, and for me this image proves just that. Something about the goodness in Life comes through. We are all going through troubling times, all one heres about these days is finacial crisis. In this painting Nature, Love, Kindness and Abundance are being celebrated. Fruits, vegetables, cheese and eggs a gift of Nature to sustain Life for us. The leafs are showing off there beauty before the trees that they dress are going in for a much deserved Winters rest. What is being communicated between the Mother and Child is not certain, but you can surely guess that it has something to do with  Love an Kindness.  So while the Media is blasting you with negativety, remember there are those of Us, (and we are many), that still take the time to show that Life is Good and Love rules above all!

Studio Model Session #2 - 2012

Pastel and charcoal on 100g grainy sketch paper
12" x  6"  -  30 x 23cm
made in studio  -  Wed 17 Oct, 2012

$ 65.00

Today worked in my studio, with a fine group of colleagues. The artist at the easel is actually being reflected by a large mirror positioned behind the sofa. This  gives the illusion of depth, making the composition interesting.

Opa picking Dahlia's, near Zundert

oil on canvas board, 7 x 9.5 inches
Thurs 30 August 2012
$ 275

Not really my Grandfather, just a title to a painting! Again, a work made sometime ago now, however better to post it rather than leaving it on the shelf, as they say! Was active in Zundert, at the end of August for a few days, making  paintings of the Dahlia flower fields with the pickers. They were getting the flowers ready to pin on the waggons  that would be shown on the parade of the famous Bloemencorso, held annually at the end of August.

Begonia's in full bloom #4

oil on canvas,9.5" x 12"
painted on location in Apeldoorn  -  Sun 12 August 2012
SOLD

I think it is the lovely warm colors of these flowers that inspired me to make this series!

Begonia's in full bloom, #3

oil on canvas,9.5" x 12"
painted on location in Apeldoorn  -  Sun 12 August 2012



I think it is he lovely warm colors of these flowers that inspired me to make this series!

Begonia's in full bloom #2

oil on canvas, 9.5" x 12"
painted on location in Apeldoorn  -  Sat 11 August 2012

This series of paintings, (four in total), was made at the art festival, Kunst in de Parken, in Apeldoorn, 10 - 12 August. Not my usual subject matter, however these flowers were crying out for attention, and thus inspired me to set up and make these paintings. Rather than paint the whole garden display, I decided to zoom in, as I found the abstract value of the resulting composition more interesting.  

Begonia's in full bloom #1

oil on canvas, 9.5" x 12"
painted on location in Apeldoorn  -  Sat 11 August 2012


This series of paintings, (four in total), was made at the art festival, Kunst in de Parken, in Apeldoorn, 10 - 12 August. Not my usual subject matter, however these flowers were crying out for attention, and thus inspired me to set up and make these paintings. Rather than paint the whole garden display, I decided to zoom in, as I found the abstract value of the resulting composition more interesting.  

Coasting along the North Sea

Coasting along The North Sea
oil on 5 wooden panels, 6" x  20"
22 August 2012 SOLD

Inspired by the 2 mast sailboat, by chance, passing by while I was set up working on a larger peice (next posting), at Wassenaarseslag, I decided to quickly make this smaller format panoramic Seascape. Below is a close up where you can see the vessel splashing and being tossed about, by the waves. As it was rather close to the shoreline I managed to paint the flag and other details, usually not visible on the sailboats featured on most of my seascapes.

Summer fun on the beach, Wassenaarseslag

oil on canvas
8" x  19.5"
Sun 19 Aug 2012SOLD

Everyone is having a ball on the beach here in Wassenaar these past days. With a wave of hot sun rays showering down on The Lowlands, the beaches were crowded and busy! In the horizon, the Pier and modest skyline of Scheveningen. On the foreground, loads of kids splashing about the warm waters left behind from the receding tide.  

Childrn playing on tthe beach, Katwijk

oil on canvas board
7 x 8 inches
painted on location  -  Tues 3 july 2012
SOLD

Just a quick oil sketch, but enough to capture the situation at hand.

Seascape Katwijk

At the waters edge,
oil on canvas, 5" x 7"
painted on location  -  Tues 3 July 2012,
SOLD

Painted at the same time as the posting made, just before my last posting. It has the same quaint feeling and   goes well  together as a sit actually.

The Art Saleswoman, Montemarte (Dordrecht)

oil on canvas
9.5" x  12"
painted on location - Sun 5 Aug 2012  -  $ 350

Her name is Wilma and she can sell my paintings far better than I can! We were invited to take part in the Montemarte, Art manifestation on the GrootHoofd square in Dordrecht. The weather was ideal for such an event, and really, is the reason why this scene was worth painting!  Talking about the play of sunlight. Lighting up the facades of the buildings, and the square.  Making its way onto bouncing off the multitude of people hinted at on the terras, and of course, most importantly, on the subject of this very work, the seller of the paintings.

Sisters approaching the calm Sea

                                                                                                          
 oil on canvas
 7" x  5"
painted on location  -  Tues 2nd July 2012  -  SOLD
The sea was calm, the sisters consolideating each other, the waters cleansing the pain. 
   

Log Cabin - Up North

 View of my cabin, "Up North"
  oil on cedar wood, 5" x 28"
  painted on location - Friday 20th July 2012   -    $ 525

Just back from a three week vacation, visiting family and friends, with my daughter Selena and Wilma. This is the not so little piece (100 acres) of Canada I own together with my brother Mike Valentini. The cabin was  built by Irish pioneers back in the mid  1800's. Of course additions/reparations  have been made over the years, but it certainly still retains it's original charm, as is evident in this painting and the picture below. This is the only work I made on the trip, as most of the time I was being a family man, and doing fun things! Travelling light, I only brought a hand full of art material with me. As luck would have it, I found this neat piece of scrap cedar behind that garage on the left, already treated for outdoor exposure,  I could apply the water based oil paints directly on it (see picture below of work in progress). Remember click on the image to get a proper view.

View of the North Sea Regatta

oil on canvas
20" x 16" 
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.

Father and Son at Sea

oil on canvas, 9.5" x 12"
painted on location - tues 19 june 2012
SOLD


Along with the pet dog, this father is having some quality time with his son. Summer is here and time to chill out at the beach.

The 3 mast gaff schooner, 'Minerva'

oil on linnen
2" x 23.5"
painted on location -   Tues 5 & Thurs 7 July 2012

SOLD

Built in Germany in 1935, this 49 meter work of true craftsmanship is proudly on display at the Inner Harbour Scheveningen, here in The Lowlands.  I have been contemplating painting this lovely three mast schooner ever since my eyes first made contact with it some years ago. As tomorrow is Vlaggetjesdag (Flag Day) here in Scheveningen, a festival to celebrate the new season of the harring fish, I finally set up my gear, and made this painting.  I will be showing this and a fine selection of about 15 sea scapes at an art market on a stall approximately 20 meters from were I made this painting!  Come and say hello if you  happen to be in the area.

The Hobby Tiger #2, South Beach, Holland

De Hobby Tiger, HKZV, Zuiderstrand, DH #2
oil on canvas,
5" x  7"
painted on location - Thurs 7 June 2012 SOLD

Same view as previous posting, only different format.

The Hobby Tiger, South Beach, Holland

De  Hobby Tiger, HKZV, Zuiderstrand, DH #1
oil on canvas
7" x  5"  
painted on location  -  Thurs  7 June 2012
SOLD

Just an oil sketch, but beleive me, not easy to make. 

Beach Scene, Noordwijk, Holland

Beach scene with Noordwijk Sailing Clubhouse
oil on 3 wood panels,
6" x  12"
painted on location - Fri 18 May 2012

SOLD

Made on the 1st morning that I woke up in the hotel De Baak, on the boulevard in Noordwijk, while I was guest artist at the Opera Aan Zee 2012 event, this small format oil gives one a fairly good representation of  typical cloudy Dutch skies. Low horizon line, bringing the viewer right up close to the scene painted.

Fun times on the beach in Holland

Noordwijk Aan Zee

oil on canvas, 8" x 20" 
painted on location - Sat 26 May 2012

SOLD

Summer is in the air, spent last holiday at Noordwijk Aan Zee, were I was guest painter at the Opera Aan Zee 2012 Festival. Here you have 1 of 4 seascapes made in that period. Also knocked off 7 opera scene paintings! Thus while for most of you a holiday weekend, not for il pittore.

Model in Thought

Model in thought
pencil, pastel on 280 grm sketching paper
8" x  5.5"    -    21.5 x 14.5 cm
sketched in studio, 5 minutes - 8 Sept 2006

$ 50

The model is nude, and for reasons of beauty and grace, usually a female. Over the years I have amassed a rather large amount of such sketches. Thus should you ever be so inclined to include in your art collection works of this genere, look no further., Just get in touch.

Reflections of memories gone by

Artist and model #2
pastel/charcoal on warm hue manila paper
25.5" x 20"    -   (65 x 50cm)
made in studio from live models
(signed and dated)

$ 325

In the time period that this work was made I was primarily busy with making works of the nude model and the artist being reflected in the mirror, which I had strategically positioned behind the models sofa. Artist at the easel is Jane Walker, who at the time shared my studio.

Reflections of love in the studio

Artist and model #1
pastel on paper
20" x 25.5"
made in my studio - mon. 12 nov 2007
SOLD

Seems like this subject has become my latest series. The weather being what it is, there isn't much inspiration to go outdoor painting. With a great model, such as the one represented in this delicate pastel drawing, who wouldn't choose to work at the easel, in the comfort of a warm, well let studio. In the forground lies the model, in a lovely flowing gesture. Directly behind her, the composition is made up of mainly reflected scenery. The sofa, parts of the model, windows, and the artist at the easel, all taking place in the same space as you, the viewer are made to occupy, whilst visually taking in this quaint scene.

Alamos,Sonora, Mexico Street Scene 2

oilo on canvas mounted on board
4" x  6"
painted on location/signed/dated on back

$ 75

Same village as previous posting, spent of few days there, was really taken by the layback relaxed lifestyle in this town that then seemed to be locked in its own time frame. Saw lot of people still on horse back, and two bars had swinging wooden doors just like in western movies!

Street scene, Alamos,Sonora, Mexico

7.5"  x  11.5" -  (20 x 29cm)
oil on canvas mounted on board
made on location
dated/signed on back

$125

An earlier work from my travels through Mexico in the spring of 1995. Fascinated by the lay back country and western feel to this village, I made a couple of oil painting studies. The hanging wires and initial compositional drawing were actually sketched in with chacoal, which you can still see under and above the oil paint.

Beach Cafe, Wijk Aan Zee, North Holland

Strandpaviljoen De KUSt, with evening light
oil on wooden panel
14" x 8.5"
painted on location -  Sat 12 May 2012

SOLD

The Netherlands flag, proudly displayed, gives you some indication of the weather these days here in The Lowlands.  The evening Sun casts a warm glow and gives a soft delicate look to the beach entrance of this cafe along the coast here in Wijk Aan Zee. I was being hosted by the owners of this establishment in a beach house just to the right of this cafe. The mixture of warm and cool colours create harmony and balance while doing great service to define the space in this composition.

Beach scene from Holland

Beach houses at Wijk Aan Zee
oil on wooden panel
4" x  6"  -  10 x 15cm
painted on location -  Sunday 6 May 2012 SOLD


Just a quick study of the situation that afternoon.  Clouds racing by at speeds that made it impossible to work any larger than this. I don't beleive in taking pictures, then working fom them. You will most likely loose the essence of the subject at hand. And besides, we are painters after all is said and done, are we not?

Olive trees, Mallorca, Spain

Farm near ValdeMossa
oil on canvas board
4" x 6" -  10 x 15 cm  private collection-Santanyi, Mallorca

I visited this lovely island some years ago, made a series of small format oils. This one still in my position.

Inspired by the colors of both nature and buildings for this work.

Big Band Jazz in De Fuut, South Beach, DH

oil on canvas
9.5" x 12"  -    24 x 30cm
painted on location - Sunday 29 Apirl 2012

$ 275

A female singer, adds a spark of colour to this Big Band ensemble all dressed in black. The drummer keeping the beat, while the director (with his back to us) pulls it all together,...what a scene to be able to paint! A first for il pittore, to actually make a painting of the interior of a beach cafe! Every Sunday Leo, owner of this establishment, brings Live Jazz music for the ardent jazz fan. Just as colourful inside as it is on the outside, a pleasure and indeed a gift  for me to be able to work in and around this beach cafe.  

Studio Model Session #1 -2012

Pastel and charcoal on 100g grainy sketch paper
12" x  6"  -  30 x 23cm
made in studio  -  Wed 2 May 2012

SOLD

Today in the studio worked with two fine models, along with a group of artist's from Rotterdam. Here you have a glimpse into my studio, nice spacious room with  good natural light. We were all busy drawing/painting the models. I opted to show the models in the space they occupy.

Pathway to Fun and Adventure, #1-2012

 

South Beach, The Hague, Entrance #10 

oil on canvas

23.5" x 12"  -   60 x 30 cm

painted on location  -  Wed. 25 April 2012 

SOLD

Painted almost one week ago, I'm now posting this work which depicts the entrance I use for almost all of my seascape paintings. To the left is the Catamaran clubhouse HKZV, then follows beach cafe/restaurant De Fuut. To the right one is afforded the view of Scheveningen, to the left, Kijkduin and Hoek van Holland. As one can see by looking closely at this canvas, it was a rather windy day, as sand covers the whole area of the canvas. Being the middle of the week and still rather early in the morning, not much traffic walking down that paved path, however was glad with the two bicycles locked up to the wooden fence, bringing this scene unmistakeably to The Lowlands     

                   detail of painting