Mr Cumulus Cloud and his refelection

Deheer Cumulus Cloud en zijn reflectie
oil on linen - 40 x 40 cm
painted on location - Tues. 19 Sept 2017
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September skies can be very dramatic,  challenging to paint, as at times the views of the cloud formations are so spectacular. The effect of the Sun light bursting through them, especially when the Sun is low, often produces beautiful scenery that words can't even describe.   On this particular inspiring September morning I was fortunate enough to witness an unusual phenomenon, which lasted but a few moments,  the reflection of a fully top lit low lying cumulus cloud on a rather calm Sea. Will, above the results of my effort. 

Autumn skies over Scheveningen

Scheveningense Haven uitgang/ingang I
oil on linen - 30 x 30 cm
painted on location - Fri. 15 Sept 2017

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Scheveningense Haven uitgang/ingang II - The Departure
oil on linen - 50 x 70 cm
painted on location - Fri. 15 Sept 2017
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Autumn skies for a painter are really a treat to look at, but oh what a challenge they are to paint. Swiftly they are ushered by the wind, in whatever direction it may be blowing. Thus my secret, work fast, get that brush loaded with the right pigments and apply it on the surface. Working quickly, even that 's not fast enough, but at least you will have a start, the rest is going to depend on how good a memory you have!  I'm sure the old masters had a better technique, but to be quite frank I simply don't have the patience they had.

For me this scene, has a rather symbolic significance. The outstretched arms of the harbor, made of monumental cement blocks, with the two stripped lighthouses, at times, must be for the Seafarers a comforting site to see. Just like the outstretched arms of a Mother on her knees, to the eyes of her tender child in destress, flinging to attach herself to the warmth and solace of her makers bosom. So too these ships coming in from hostile incalculable waters, must indeed find comfort on the still waters of the inner harbor.

Autumn skies over South Beach.

Zuiderstrand met Herfsthemel
oil on canvas - 40 x 40 cm
painted on location - Tues 12 Sept 2017

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With such a display of those puffy cumulus clouds mixed with a stratocumulus making an appearance here and there, it was no wonder I choose this format to paint on, thus not horizontal, but vertical. Low horizon, putting the focus on what's going taking place in the air.  We have been experiencing strong wind forces on the coast, as you can see by the build up of sand next to the dunes. That object you see on the sand next to that isolated dark pole, slightly right of center, is a Strandbeest, in progress by Theo Janssen. Below a close up, have a look.

Scheveningen, misty and Beautiful.

Scheveningen, wat kan ze zo mooi  zijn.
oil on canvas - 25 x 150 cm
painted on location - Tuesday 29 August 2017
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What a pleasure it is for me to be on location on such days as this! The Sun shines, brightly yet gently, as the morning is in full swing, yet the Sun is at a distance comfortable for our sensitive skin. People, the crowds, are still at a tolerable level. From this point Scheveningen can be digested and appreciated, as the skyline doesn't dominate the overall scenery. It is no wonder hundreds if not thousands of Nederlanders daily make a walk to Wassenaarseslag, on such days, and who could blame them really!