Little Goat

Craig Johns' chain sculpture of Little Goat is very popular with the birds. A Dutch early misty morning with many birds visiting Craig's sculptures on this island. Thanks, Craig.

Flora Vase

It's been some years ago that I was totally obsessed with painting these Stephan Sluiters' ceramic vases. Stephan threw each one into a different free-form and glazed the insides in order to hold water. I kept buying them and giving workshops for people to paint their own as decoration and/or vase for flowers. Every Dutch house has flowers somewhere all the time. There is always a vase with flowers in our front window.
Rembrandt was an inspiration for me with the portrait of his wife Saskia as the mythological figure "Flora". an explosion of flowers rises out of her head so to speak.
I gave some layers acrylic paint, tissue paper and again paint and varnish until there was something I liked. I still pick one up once in awhile when I see an improvement. nothing is absolutely finished for me.
Behind my vase are urns and on the wall "The Sirens and Apollo" by French artist, Dominique Sapel.

Bathroom Art

There might be some people who think it is strange to hang paintings in the bathroom. It is for me a logical and favorite place, possibly because our bathroom has natural light=the ceiling is plexiglass= clear into the endless sky. I can look at and even judge my work from the bath tub and other places.
This is one of the water lily paintings done in late summer. Haven't yet counted how many I made, but a lot. I use a full palette which results in the colors of towels, tiles, whatever pick up those in the painting.

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.