Morning by the Red Lilies

Sometimes things happen for the best. I had just set this painting up. Those warm rust-orange reflections of dead Crocosmia Lucifer leaves reflected in the basin setting off the deep pinks and reds of the James Brydons. and then the bright yellows of water lily leaves hit by morning sun light. wow! you die for such a day. what a symphony. I was enjoying some "calligraphy"- freely drawing with a fine marter hair brush in deep blue. actually that came from Bill Schultz' lessons in the 1960's, Pittsfield, Ma. Draw and then go back to forms of colors. well, I was having a grand time and a voice behind me said,"better leave it alone now". He was a stranger on a walk with his wife and he knows the problem of when to stop very well. Hans Visser from Rijswijk is also a painter. he was the man with the hammer. It takes two to make a successful painting= the one doing it and someone standing behind with a hammer who hits you over the head when HE thinks you have said what you wanted to.
And now keep my hands off and let it sink in. I am enjoying looking at all the passages, but, knowing me and a certain perfectionism, everything can change.

Cool Waters

When it is really warm here in Holland which is not too frequently, I like to sit by the waterlily ponds and paint in hot colors and strong contrasts. Luckily there is often a cooling breeze making the project all the more pleasurable. Lots happens in the water= interesting ripples, ripening pods trying to reach up to the light, surprising reflections. I have chosen again to sacrifice a painting I thought did not quite meet up to standards. Painted over it. I am happier with this result. Thanks for looking.

Victoria

Back from 9 weeks in the Hilltowns of Massachusetts. I started a series of my squares, conversations in oil paint on panel, including this one of Victoria Ahrensdorf, teacher and practioner of Felderkrais Therapy in Northampton, Ma. Both her work and her presence inspired and helped me. Thanks, Victoria.

Next Blog

It isn't that I am not painting. I am furiously working on a portrait project in Cummington, Ma. USA. More about that after I am back in Holland, july 14. Thanks for keeping up with me!

Roses galore

We are still building up to Pinksterday weekend back home in Holland. Herman will have Roses and Waterlily paintings on display. Of course the grounds and waterlilies are blooming in full glory.
We are not officially part of the Kunst Route as I will still be here in America starting up a portrait project. I am painting people who have made a major contribution to the culture of this small Hilltown village, Cummington,Massachusetts. Exciting.
Please come visit the Nymphaea Waterlelie Eiland, Voorweg 22 in Noorden, Z.Holland. You can call Herman as he loves to talk on the phone= 031(0)172-408376.

Pinksterdagen and Carneas

It will be Pinkster weekend in the Netherlands. Lots of people biking through Noorden. They will be missing the chance to see these beautiful Carneas if they don't stop at number 22 on the Voorweg. Herman keeps the same price he asked 25 years ago for these adult plants ready to grace your pools and waterways. My paintings are there too to grace your walls. If you are in Cummington, Ma.,USA, I will be painting my usual small intimate portraits.

James Brydons

Herman told me today that these gorgeous James Brydons probably will be blooming in two weeks if the warm Dutch weather continues. Come and enjoy them. For some of you that could involve flights to Amsterdam. Why not? Just as lovely as the tulips at The Keukenhof although a miniature version.

This painting is about 6 years old. 100 x 125 cm. in oil paint on canvas.
3,000 euros including one of Herman's wide frames.