metalman

Today I want to post a metal sculpture made by Craig Johns, my son. Craig gathered scrap metal here in Holland and did some incredible works while he was vacationing here some years ago. He is not only a Master Carpenter but an artist in many fields. This image,  welded circle bits, expresses hope, wonder and even despair for me. mostly hope though.

late Summer in the Polder

A few days ago this was still the scene behind our house. now, with last night's first fall storm we are getting another view. This painting was done some years ago. I still love it because it gives the romantic impression which still exists here in Holland.
Size: 90 X 90 cm.

Late Summer Waterlilies

The benefit from going away and coming back is that paintings can be seen with a fresh eye. take this one for example, done a month ago when the water lilies were doing their best but becoming pale with soft orange and russet colors. The pads were still green with occasional greys.
I have put maybe three strokes on to strengthen blue depths. that will be the next post. stay in tune please. I want to know if you detect changes.

Roses 'going old'

The test of time. After two weeks in America, this study of "Roses Going Old" stood up to the test of time. Fresh and rich with surprising colors. I am satisfied with how the white background works. I hope you like it.

Last lily of the summer, 2014

Maybe all these waterlily paintings look like each other. I don't know. Everyone, to me, was a new challenge=composition, color and what do I want that lily to be saying. All considerations before I charge and let it go where it wants. in this case, I started in sun light and ended yesterday in a soft rain. I keep painting until I am dead tired or the lily has folded her arms and withdrawn. This one, the very last in the basins, just kept going. We still don't know why they open and why they close when they do. They will mostly blossom for 4 days. There are always surprises, just like the rest of life. And then the water lily pads. they are also different, unique. The paint has to flow from one day to the next when the scene is completely different.
Closed the paint box for now. Will be back in two weeks. Time to look at what is going on in America.

last water lily in the rain

Two days ago I started this painting. Nice soft weather at the time. Today I knew I had to finish it. This lovely absolutely- last- water lily of the season was saying farewell and we both knew it. Herman brought the paraplu when the rain got heavier and I think I have finished it. don't want to polish it up and loose the surging loose strokes to the end. Music on my earphones was Russian and very good. tomorrow I will look at it with a fresh eye and then let it dry two weeks while we are in America. Hands off, Jeanne!

Five waterlily beds

Two weeks ago every kind of water lily Herman grows was bursting with joy in the polder behind the gardens. I couldn't resist trying to get it all down. too much? it just felt like it all must be included in this last breath of summer.