fresh from the easel

New eggs

2012-01-27T14:09:00.000+01:00

Eggs are difficult to paint. That is what I found out. I am not completely happy with previous eggs, so I started some new ones.
Oil on masonite, 7 x 5

Changed the eggs

2012-01-27T14:07:00.000+01:00

I tried to work on the eggs a bit more. This is all I can do. Not much different, but it is better I think.

New work of Art - not satisfied though

2012-01-25T11:06:00.000+01:00

Oil on masonite 7 x 5
I say there is something wrong with the eggs. Oh, that are eggs? Yes, they are. I worked very hard on the eegs, but somehow it does not satisfy me. What is wrong. I can't figure it out and I feel that more working on the painting will spoil it.
Or, maybe, is it just me?

New still life 30 x 24 cm (12 x 9.5)

2012-01-20T14:45:00.002+01:00

Oil on gallery wrapped canvas

Little enamel jug

2012-01-19T16:00:00.000+01:00

Oil on masonite 7 x 5

Friday morning egg

2012-01-14T07:46:00.002+01:00

Oil on masonite 7 x 5

Pomegranate

2012-01-11T16:22:00.002+01:00

Oil on masonite - 7 x 5

Jar and walnut

2012-01-09T16:46:00.002+01:00

Oil on masonite - 7 x 5

Jar and blue glass

2012-01-07T16:37:00.000+01:00

Oil on masonite - 7 x 5

Stillife with pomegranate

2012-01-05T14:19:00.000+01:00

New painting. Done in oil on canvas. 30 x 24 cm.

Happy New Year all of you.

finished portrait

2011-12-18T11:28:00.002+01:00

Commissioned portrait in progress

2011-12-14T11:08:00.000+01:00

2011-12-06T16:25:00.001+01:00

Studies, studies, studies...

2011-12-06T16:23:00.000+01:00

More small studies

2011-08-29T05:56:00.000+01:00

new larger painting

2011-08-13T07:46:00.002+01:00

New studies

2011-08-13T07:45:00.000+01:00

New work

2011-07-25T09:02:00.000+01:00

Strawberries

2011-06-26T07:23:00.002+01:00

This is a larger painting. I liked the study of these strawberries, so I decided to do a larger painting. 50 x 40 cm (19.7 x 15.7 inches). Oil on canvas

More studies

2011-06-26T07:17:00.002+01:00

More recent studies

2011-04-29T08:08:00.003+01:00

Some recent studies

2011-04-29T08:06:00.001+01:00

Woman in Black, study in oil

2011-02-24T09:20:00.002+01:00

Study in oil, 30 x 40 cm (12 x 16)

New paintings in a different style

2011-02-03T09:17:00.000+01:00

One more new painting

2010-11-04T16:33:00.002+01:00

Oil on board

New paintings (at last?)

2010-10-24T20:45:00.005+01:00

This is a part of the 19 new paintings I did for a local group exhibition in the period october 30 - december 23. I delivered the paintings today. It is an exhibition of small and affordable paintings, together with 64 other artists. This is my first real exhibition in Holland. Fingers crossed.

After the Show

2010-01-27T14:36:00.005+01:00

This is my contribution for the "Dog & Pony Show" at Brandon Michael Fine Art exhibition, February 12. This is my second time I can participate in this fine gallery in Santa Fe, NM and I am very proud of it. A fine chance to show my work far a way from home. The painting is done in oil on masonite (24" x 16")

BTW - the painting of Maxima (see earlier post) didn't make it to the exhibition.

Sylvia

2009-12-27T08:14:00.004+01:00

This is my last painting for this year. I decided to paint some portraits. For various reasons. One reason is a surprise painting I am working on. I can tell you about it half way January. An show you, Beause it has to be finished by then. I wanted to paint my dear wife also. So here she is. I tried to do it in the old masters way. A strong light on the head. And the rest of the painting in more or less in the shadow. It was fun paining her, yet difficult.

I thank everyone who had a peek at my paintings and a very much thank you for those who made some comments and helpfull suggestions. I wish you all out there a fun, artistic and, most of all, a healthy and happy 2010! See you next year! - Jiddje

Maxima

2009-10-28T06:48:00.002+01:00

The image above is a painting for a Dutch contest. The contest was announcd in a magazine called Atelier. About 200 of the best paintings will be showed in a exhibition early next year.. In case you don't know, this is our princess Maxima, the wife of our prince Willem Alexander, the king to be. I had to do it in acrylics and the subject had to be her. So I thought I'd give it a chance. Acrylics on masonite, 13 x 10. By the way, this is my first panting in acrylic, and I must say nice stuff to paint with!

Pencil portrait

2009-09-26T19:14:00.003+01:00

Today I made this duo portrait with a pencil. These cute girls are my lovely stepdaughters. Their grandma will be 65 tomorrow and this, amongst other things will be their gift to her. It was my first pencil drawing in, I think, 25 years.

Having a good time

2009-08-13T11:56:00.004+01:00

It has been a while, but I have not been lazy. Not at all! I'm having a good time here. Painting every day a small oil painting. There has been only a few that has made it to the trash can. I've noticed that some objects I couldn't do last year, now are going fine. So, the big lesson here is, let it go and try it an other time again. Some paintings I've tried 3 times and now I am satisfied with the results. The images below are a few samples of the 21 I've made so far. You can see them here, because I want this blog for all the other work I will be doing. If you are interested, the paintings are for sale for $150 each.
Thanks for all the support and comments you gave me, makes me feel ok.

Early morning at the Keuterberg

2009-07-23T19:18:00.003+01:00

A while ago, I showed you the first session of this subject. A larger painting, though. I had difficulties finishing it. Well, it seems that this small painting has more succes. I am happy it worked out.

Early morning at the Keuterberg - oil on masonite - 19,7 cm x 14,7 cm (7,7" x 5,7")

Confession of a painter

2009-07-15T15:49:00.001+01:00

Some of my readers are asking me about the paintings in The Firts Session Paintings, a while ago. I thank them for it. I am having some difficulties, finishing (or continuing) these paintings. Painting is harder than I thought it would be. Large paintings (at least for me they are large) frighten me. I think I can do more than I really can. These paintings in the last post are still there. They will be finished. Some day. It looks if I am complaining, but I am not. I am enjoying painting. A lot. But I wish I could do more than I am doing. The bar is set to high for me. I only want to get better in painting. I wrote this before, but this is my story, so far. Many times I find myself looking at, and thinking about the paintings I am working on. Asking myself questions. What’s the next step? Which parts could be better? Should I change things? This process sometimes takes several days, untill I know what to do. In that time I don’t paint. I stare at paintings. That is why I started a new painting project: a weblog called: ’Holland in Small Oils’. Little paintings of landscapes, still lifes and whatever comes to mind. This is my answer to that “thinking-process”. Find the answers to my painting problems. And, because I feel that, no matter what, I should paint every day. When I paint every day, it will improve my skills, and I will make better paintings. It is a (almost daily) two or three hour exercise. I seem to have less problems doing small paintings, I feel comfortable with these kind of exercises. When I produce a lot of these little paintings, I think I can go back and produce some larger ones. At least, I will learn new things and will get more experienced. Go, and take a look, I hope you will join me and be a part of my learning process. Give me some comment and support. I really need it. Tell me what is good, tell me if what's wrong. Some day I will conquer myself. This weblog will stay here and I will post some new things, but not for now. For now, I will concentrate myself on the small paintings. Above, on the image, you see the track I am walking on. A track that leads to an unknown area. But I will explore the field before me. I will go for it! - Jiddje

First session paintings

2009-05-28T11:49:00.003+01:00

These are paintings that I am working on right now. This is all after the first painting session. Most of the times this is the stage that I am taking a close look at the composition. Does it work out well? Is this the plan I had in mind? Is it satisfying up till now? And mostly, there are going to be some changes. Some minor, some huge. When I am sketching, the whole thing looks satisfying to me, but after this stage I put the paintings somewhere, where I can look at it all day. Sometimes for days. Thinking and thinking. Is this what I want? Maybe I could do this and maybe I could do that. What happens if I do that? Colors need to be changed. The color of the waves I want it to be more blue. Trees need to be removed and plant some other. This thinking about colors and composition and other things often takes more time than painting one piece.

I will let you know about the next stage.

Late Spring

2009-05-09T07:19:00.001+01:00

This is number three of a serie of landscapes of countrysides
Late Spring - oil on board - 52 x 28,7cm (21 x 11 inches)

Near Valkenburg

2009-05-02T07:05:00.000+01:00

Oil on board - 46 x 33 cm (18 x 13)

Frisian dwelling mound

2009-04-26T19:02:00.002+01:00

Well, it took me awhile to paint this one. I studied a lot and this is the result of some hard work. It is an old Frisian dwelling mound. We have a lot of these "hills" in Friesland and Groningen.
Oil on board, 53,5 x 22,7 cm ( 21 x 9 inches)

Happy Easter

2009-04-08T14:48:00.002+01:00

Approaching rain

2009-02-24T15:25:00.002+01:00

After I did a few still lives I felt it was time to do some landscapes. I have some plans with making landscapes. I want to bring some more mood in the paintings. Like sunrises or fog. I don't know exactly how, but I am figuring that out in the next couple of weeks. I keep you posted!
Approaching rain - oil on board - 24 x 20 cm (approx. 9 x 8)

Announcement

2009-02-11T09:30:00.003+01:00

Here is the announcement/advertisement of the Bird's Nest Inviational. I am really proud that I am on that list and have the possibillity to show my painting in the States. If you have the time and are in the neighbourhood, you should see the show. There is a lot of fine artwork to see.

Hope

2009-01-20T05:48:00.003+01:00

I will be particpating in the Bird's Nest Invitational from Brandon Michael Fine Art in Santa Fe in February. I was invited to join at their first annual Bird’s Nest Invitational to celebrate home & flight, security & change. I was very excited, and still am, to join and make this painting. In a day or ten it will ship to their gallery where you can see it from February 13 - February 20.

Hope - oil on canvas - 30 x 40 cm (approx. 12 x 16)

Little Jug

2009-01-13T21:07:00.002+01:00

Every time when I paint, I try to paint in a painterly way. But within an half an hour I find myself painting with as much detail as I possibly can. I am not happy about that. So, every time I try it over again. But it won't work. So, this time I forced myself watching the edges. I took -way too- big brushes and gave it a real chance. This is a quick study. Well. it took me a couple of days, because the painting needed to dry in between session. While painting, I liked the way of painting, so I prepared some more board. I will try and make some more paintings like these. Not necessarily the same subjects, but the same painterly way of painting. I believe that paintings get more decisive this way. I still have things to work out, though. I'll have to practice more this way.
Oil on board - 33 x 40 cm (approx. 13 x 16 inches)

Two finished paintings

2009-01-02T21:15:00.003+01:00

End of Sommer (approx. 12 x 16)

Grand-Duché de Luxembourg (approx. 12 x 16)

I started these paintings about three months ago and finished them a few days ago. It was a kind of complex painting for me. I've never done anything like this, with (for me) many itemms in one painting. It was a test for me if I could pull it off. If I had the patience for it. The paintings are available and you can see more information on my website (www.jiddje.nl) how to get one of these.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T11:16:00.002+01:00

Christmas card - Work in Progress 2

2008-12-20T10:46:00.003+01:00

This is part two. The paint is very wet, so I hope you can see the result so far. I'm thrilled to get it right on time, there is not much time left. But, then again, I think I know a whole year when Christmas arrrives. Is it not the way things go? No matter what, I will keep positive. What I do know, is that painting under pressure is not my best.

Christmas card - work in progress

2008-12-16T12:28:00.004+01:00

This is the simple drawing and underpainting of my newest painting, which will end up in a Christmas card. The painting is 12 x 16 inches. What is it? It is an old Frisian skate. A man in my neighbourhood owns it and has skated the eleven city race back in 1941 on this very skate. He lend it to me for the painting. The other thing is an old chocolate milk jug where people boiled chocolate milk in, when they got home from skating. So, it is a simple setup, but I enjoy painting it. I am not sure of the title, yet.

Now on the easel

2008-12-15T06:12:00.004+01:00

End of sommer (12 x 16) not finished
Grand-Duché de Luxembourg (12 x 16) not finished

I've been very busy doing a lot of things but painting. There is so little time to paint, but now and then I manage to paint a little bit. I guess that happens every now and than. In between I am "studying" paintings and read a lot how other painters do their paintings. You should read Paul Foxton's blog, I find it very interesting. I am also painting more and more in layers and I am practising with Liquin. Both paintings need some color correction. On "End of Sommer" I need to do some more on the apple an the grapes. I think that will be it then. On "Grand-Duché de Luxembourg" I need to do some correction and adding on the apples, the two grapes and the jar. And highlighting the the tangerine slices. I will keep you posted with the in between paintings, so I can keep this blog running.

And I promised my wife to make our own Chrismas card. That will be a painting also. We made a lot of photos of the subjects, picked the right one out and made some sketches. Yesterday I started the underpainting. And in a few days I will post the painting so far. I hope I will make it on time.I am thrilled to make this one.

From Mrs. De Bruins apple tree

2008-10-05T12:02:00.003+01:00

I've been searching for apples with leaves for a long time and could not find them anywhere. Untill I discovered an apple tree in Mrs. De Bruins garden. I asked her if I could have some of these apples for a painting. She agreed. Thank you Mrs. De Bruin! Oil on canvas, 30 cm x 24 cm (approx. 12 x 9.5 inches).

Two studies of a little jar

2008-09-09T10:19:00.007+01:00

Here is one more study I did with the lessons I learned in the previous posts. It was fun to do, so I decided to some more still lifes. I am working on two at the moment. Oil on canvas (12 x 9.5).

Sometimes you'll have to break rules...

2008-09-02T19:26:00.004+01:00

I was always told to paint what you see, not to paint what you know. That might be true, but there is at least one exception. Maybe more, I'll find out. But this one was told by Roseta Santiago. In previous paintings with some grapes I painted what I saw (see first image). But it seemed nicer to paint the grapes a bit different (second image). You notice the difference? Well, it is the little yellow spots on the bottomside of the grapes. Those spots make them see translucent. They are not on the first image (and in real life - at least not in this one). But they look great! So, sometimes you have to study the objects you will paint, find some pictures and see some details that you might use, to make your painting better.

Three still live studies

2008-08-27T19:54:00.005+01:00

At last, after many attempts I finally got something good on canvas. I noticed that during the failures I learned a lot about painting things. I studied a lot of paintings and did read a lot on how to do things right. These three are done in oil and the size is about 12 x 9.5 inches.

Watch the edges - a still life study

2008-06-27T20:34:00.002+01:00

24 hours in a day. 8 hours of sleep, 8 hours to go to my job, my family wants to see me once in a while and I want to do it all. Paint landscapes, portraits and still lives. I can't choose. I wish I had more time to paint. This time I made this little still live study. Done in oil (8.5 x 8.5). More to come. But.. I might choose another subject next time. I really don't know.

Setareh - portrait sketch

2008-06-16T17:16:00.003+01:00

I came up with, I think, an important idea. I realize that in the past months I am too much focused on the result that I am planning to make. And, this idea, I must focus more on the process of painting rather than the result. I hope I can make this switch in my head.
About this painting. I had a foto session the other day with a young girl in my neighbourhood. And I am planning to do some paintings with this girl. And this one is the first. It is just a sketch, just to see if I can do a painting of her. I believe she has a beautifull face to paint.

Setareh - portrait sketch - oil

Out of the shadow

2008-05-30T09:02:00.005+01:00

This one is a sort of experiment. Almost the whole painting is done with a palet knife. I think I can use that one for the tall gras. It gives me a different feeling working with the palet knife than a brush. I try and go one with this experiment. So that I can see if it works out well. What do you think. And maybe you have som tricks working with the palet knife. I'd like to know.
Out of the shadow - oil - 8 x 9 inches - available

Path through Zuidlimburg

2008-05-15T21:47:00.002+01:00

Yes, I'm still here. In the previous post I said I was concentrating on portraits and landscapes. And I am. But it don't come easy. At the moment I am busy doing a portrait and preparing some new ones. And I am trying to do some landscapes. This one above is one of them, but it did not go as well as I planned. I am figuring some things out with some landscapes but I am not sure yet. I spoiled some paintings (well, spoiled? At least I know what not to do), but I feel I am on the right track. I need to practice more. If I know how, I know I can do a lot of the landscapes I want to do. I hope I can show you what I mean one day. "Paththrough Zuidlimburg" is done in oil (12 x 7)

Selfportrait

2008-04-06T19:29:00.004+01:00

This year I want to specialize on portraits and landscapes. I want to try and get some commissions on portraits, so the next paintings will be portraits. I think from may or june I will make some landscapes, which I love to do. I did't paint this one in one session. It was three sessions. That's not a problem. But the problem was the gap between the sessions. It was too long. A day or four. The paint was alredy drying. I did'nt expect that. And I had some trouble mixing colors that were already on the canvas. So, I know what to do next time. I learn every day this way. This is me, oil on canvas 23 x 31 inches.

Queen of the Netherlands

2008-03-14T19:24:00.003+01:00

I don't know why, but I wanted to paint the queen of Holland a long time ago. But I never came to it. Untill now. Maybe it is because she turned 70 this year. It is a big, for me it is, painting, 31.5 x 24 inches. And a real struggle. I used mirrors to see if it was done all right. It took me three (!) days to find out the color of her hair. But I think it is satisfying.

Near Bakkeveen

2008-02-14T22:03:00.007+01:00

It has been awhile, but finally, the wetter gets better. I can't wait untill spring. I want to do some landscapes. In the meantime I've been practising on some other paintings. Just to get some things right. I noticed some imperfections in my paintings. Or rather, someone opened my eyes. I'll keep working on it. This one is approx. 10 x 8 inches. Oil on paper.

Btw. Elijah (Art & Critique) was so kind to write about my work the past few days. If you want to, you can read it here

Thanks Elijah, you made me feel very proud!

Alde Laweiwyk, near Drachten

2008-02-01T23:15:00.000+01:00

It took me 5 paintings since the apple slices. They all went into the trash can. So, it took some time for me to grab myself together and finally paint a piece that I really like. And here it is. Oil on paper, approx. 11 x 8 inch.

Back online!

2008-01-16T22:41:00.000+01:00

It took the internet company 14 days to put me back online! 14 days! Why must these things take so long? Anyway, I'm back again! Happily I can paint while there is no internet.
Slices of apple, 22,7 cm x 16 cm (approx. 9 x 6 inches), oil on paper

Still no internet...

2008-01-14T10:23:00.001+01:00

...but the painting continues. This is what I have done this weekend. I made some more, but it is not good enough to post it.

2008-01-10T10:20:00.000+01:00

I'm having serious trouble connecting to the internet at the moment. This has been going on for the past 8 days. I've called the internet provider several times and the said they've been working on it. But still.... no connection. (Why must these things take so long?) In the meantime, I've decided that I will post the last few paintings while I'm at my work. That will do the trick. I hope that the problems will be over soon.
The tangerine slice: 22,8 cm x 17 cm (approx. 9 x 6.5 inches)
oil on paper
Two pears: 20 cm x 17,1 cm (approx. 7.5 x 6.5 inches)
oil on paper
Garlic: 16,2 cm x 24,3 cm (approx. 6.3 x 9.5 inches)
oil on paper
Three apples in bowl: 15,7 cm x 18 cm (approx. 6 x 7 inches)
oil on paper

Gieser Wildeman

2008-01-01T22:46:00.001+01:00

I don't know if you know these. I don't even know if they excist anywhere else. It is a typical Dutch meal (as far as I know). In Holland we call them "stoofpeertjes". These are a kind of pears. If you peel them and boil them for a couple of hours, they turn red and taste wonderfull.
Oil on paper, approx. 7 x 7 inches. If you are interested (in the painting that is), drop me an email! If you are interested in the meal itself, give me a comment, I'll see what I can do!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2007-12-31T00:26:00.000+01:00

Ginger Jar

2007-12-30T11:09:00.001+01:00

The past weeks I tried to paint some big paintings, but it did not work out thee way I had in mind. So. here is a little one. My wife bought it for me. Oil on paper, 16 cm x 18 cm (approx. 6 x 7 inches)

Happy holidays and...

2007-12-18T23:40:00.000+01:00

Tagged!

2007-12-11T15:51:00.000+01:00

I have been tagged by Rene Pleinair! If you haven't seen his paintings yet (shame on you) then take a few minutes and check it out. It is wonderfull.

Here are the rules: 1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog. 2. Share 5 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird. 3. Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs. 4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Well, here are my things:

1 I was born in litlle village called Britsum (Finne @53.252000, 5.784980 on Google Maps) It is not really that street, but it can't be far away. I don't really remember this village... I was to young.

2 I have 5 kids (4 girls and 1 son). All live with their mom. But they don't have the same mom. Three of them (mine) don't live where I live. get it? When I read this, I don't. But I won't make it to complicated. I love 'm all five!

3. I hate watching TV. 50 channels and nothing on, Bruce said. I'd rather listen to music (radio, mp3 or cd)

4. I hate biking. I seem to have a flat tire all the time. I'd rather walk. Specially early in the morning, at sunrise. Just wandering, me and my thoughts. It can last for hours.

5. I'm not sure, but I think I should paint in a typical direction. But I can't. Now I paint like an impressionist and painting landscapes, then I am willing to try a still life in hyperrealism. Then I want to make some beautifull figures or a great portrait. There is so much that I want to paint. It drives me nuts.

I think I want to tag these people. I searched the blogs to find some artists I don't really know, but make fine, fine paintings:

Nancy Merkle

Dustin Boutwell

David Zeggert

Kim Rhoney

Ria Hills

You should see these artists sometimes!

Charity

2007-12-06T22:07:00.000+01:00

I want to introduce a foundation to all of you readers. It is called: Stichting Gastouders Hongarije. Let me explain. It is a foundation who gives the possibillity to little orphan children in Hungary to spent fourteen days twice a year in "normal" houses with "normal" families. These children, from 3 years old to 17, 18, live in orphan homes ocross Hungary and are totaly on their own. My wife has been there last year. These kids have nothing to play with, are dressed in old clothes and most of the children has no future at all, because of the lack of education and warm family. So, some families in Holland have such a child during the summer and with Christmas, so they'll never forget what it is like to be a part of a family. These orpan homes need little things like toys, stuff to tinker with (?) and so on. So if you wish to help a foundation like that, you can buy this lolly and I will donate all of the money to the foundation. There is a website (only in Dutch), you can read all about it here. There are pictures, too. They really need it. We've got a girl from Hungary ourselves twice a year. This is "our" Anna. She is 7 years old and a lovely little rascal.
You may bid on this painting during this month and on January 4th I hope I can donate all the money to the foundation. I will thank you for it.

Oil on gallery wrapped canvas, 50 x 60 cm (approx. 19.5 x 23.5 inch).

Quality Time

2007-11-30T17:01:00.001+01:00

Often I travel on the Internet, looking for how people paint their paintings. It's a great way to find out and try it yourself. So I tried this chair, books and apple, with, in the beginning, very wet paint. Almost water with a colour. Amazing, what can be done! I think I will continue with such paintings.
P.S. I am a great admirer of paintings of Chris Stott, I hope he doesn't mind :)

Chocolate drops

2007-11-29T20:23:00.001+01:00

I have forgotten to post this painting. I finished it last thursday. A week ago! But here it is. My wife bought these (nice huh?) and since I am busy doing some transparent things (at least I'm trying!), these cherrie chocolate drops come in handy. 25,5 cm x 19,6 cm (10 x 7.7 inches), oil on paper. If you are interested having this one, drop me an email. You can have it for $150.
How about my other paintings I told you about? Well, the lolly is allmost ready. I intend to finish it this weekend. The bag of apples will take some time, though. I am eager (?) to make it a beauty. In the meantime I made an other painting. In the realistic way. And I tell you, I had fun painting it and I think it went wel. Very well. It is a bigger one, too. I will show you tomorrow. I have to photograph it first. And the thing is, when I come home from work, it is to dark to do that. And when I'm off to work, it is dark, too! So, come back tomorrow and I hope you like it as much as I do!

What's on the easel?

2007-11-18T13:45:00.000+01:00

After painting a lot of landscapes and little still lifes, I am busy doing some bigger paintings. And in a different way, too. I want to make, at least I'm trying, some paintings in the hyper realism way. The paintings will be 50 x 60 cm (approx. 19.5 x 23.5 inch). Oil on canvas.
How come? A long time I was thinking to myself if I could do such a thing. And the only way to find out is... doing it! On the left you see a plastic bag of apples. After taking a lot of photos in different ways, I decided that this will be the crop, the composition. What you see here is just the underpainting. Nothing more, nothing less, just a lot of very wet paint. Now comes the hard part. This painting will take a couple of weeks, I guess. It depends on how it goes. On the right you see a lollipop. This one is half way. The lolly itself is ready and must dry carefully, before I finish the plastic. The background finally wil be black. That will suit well with the bright colors of the lolly. This painting is finished in about two weeks, if I don't ruine it. Fingers crossed!

Late in the afternoon

2007-11-18T13:44:00.001+01:00

Nearby Drachten, a 10 minute walk from home, I found this spot. Late in the afternoon, the sun lightening the tree tops, that little house in the sunlight. I could not resist to paint this one.
30 cm x 24 cm (9.5 x 11.8 inches), oil on canvas

And now for something completly different

2007-11-10T17:04:00.001+01:00

These days it's very hard for me to judge my own paintings. When I paint at night, it's dark. When I come home from work, it's dark. The first time I see my new painting at daylight, it will be Saturday, so I can see what I am doing. What a surprise! The subject of this -unfinished- painting is very different from what I did the past few months. Why? I see a lot of paintings on the net. Every day. And beautiful paintings, too. And besides the landscape painters and still life painters I like the realism painters. People like Ralph Goings, Tjalf Sparnaay and Pedro Campus, to name a few. I just wanted to see if I can do this kind of work too. What do you think of it, up till now?
It is not finished yet. Every time I paint, the session before has to be dry more or less. But I wanted this to share it with you. It is 60 cm x 50 cm, oil painting.

First light

2007-10-28T13:26:00.001+01:00

When the summer is over, it is often cloudy and foggy out here. But sometimes, when the clouds are gone at first light, nature is at its best. Long shadows, floodlight and enchanting colors. This painting is an example of all those ingredients. And just around the corner of Drachten. Amazing, so much beauty nearby.
30 cm x 24 cm (9.5 x 11.8 inches), oil on canvas. If you are interested in this painting, drop me an email (info@jiddje.nl) for further purchasing information

Early morning shadows

2007-10-19T08:53:00.000+01:00

For this painting I used some black to darken the colors. And that's the first time I ever used black. Normally I mix some blue, red, green and brown to make a dark color. So why use black now? I don't really know, but I wanted to see what happenes if I use a little bit of black through the blue/green/red/brown. Two things I've noticed: I am not sure if the color is more dark than I used to, now that the painting is dry and I wanted to see if tha black paint would be rich black. Well, it's not. I will be testing the black some other time, again. Actually, I bought the black to make the basis for some grays I want to use in a larger painting I am working on. More about that later on.
Do you painters use a lot of black? I'd like to know.
9 x 7 inches, oil on paper. The spot is near Bakkeveen (Friesland)

Review on Empty Easel

2007-10-18T18:50:00.000+01:00

Dan from Empty Easel wrote a very nice article about my paintings today. I was suprised to see it and it makes me feel very good. Thanks Dan!

October Heathland

2007-10-08T23:11:00.000+01:00

According to the dates you might think I haven't panted for almost a month. But I am concentrating myself on some bigger paintings and a few commissions I am happy to have. The past few weeks I am busy making studies of portraits and landscapes. October Heathland is one of those studies.
The last 50 paintings I painted, I did those in about two or three hours and it became more or less an obsession to make a painting a day. Allthough I am painting almost every day, I am not sure if I want to make a painting a day. My main concern and goal is to make good paintings, not fast ones. So, I will be posting new paintings, and maybe steps of new paintings, but not as regular like the past months.

Karmel Monastery, Drachten

2007-09-18T10:08:00.000+01:00

The day before yesterday we were at the Karmel monastery, looking for chestnuts. It was very peaceful out there and I thought, why not paint the monastery it self? I never really painted a building and I must say: it's not my kind of thing. It is a struggle. But when you try different things to paint, you can discover what suits you and what does not. And that is the fun part of being a (almost) daily painter. Tomorrow is a new day to paint.
Oil on canvas (unframed), 8 x 6.5 inches. If you are interested in this painting, it is for sale ($120) and ready to frame. You can email me at info@jiddje.nl.

View from Poasen, Opsterland

2007-09-18T10:03:00.000+01:00

Sometimes I drive a little through Friesland taking some pictures from the beautifull landscapes I see. Many times I have to wait for the sun to come through. I like the highlights and the shadows in a painting. Original oil painting by Jiddje. 8.5 x 6 inches, oil on oil paper. If you are interested in this painting, it is for sale ($120) and ready to frame. You can email me at info@jiddje.nl.

The first 50!

2007-09-16T07:59:00.001+01:00

While I was painting, I suddenly thought about how many paintings I had made since July 7th, the day I really started practicing every day. It turned out to be 50. 50 paintings on the way... and the painting goes on! Thanks everybody for stopping by and for your comments!

Lavender

2007-09-15T07:14:00.000+01:00

17 cm x 19 cm (approx. 6,5 x 7,5 inches)
oil on oil paper. Original oil painting by Jiddje. If you are interested in this painting, it is for sale ($120) and ready to frame. You can email me at info@jiddje.nl.

Balsamic vinegar

2007-09-14T09:10:00.000+01:00

Sometimes I try to paint in a different way, just to see if it suits me. And I am still trying some new colours to use. I think I did well today. 16 cm x 17,5 cm (approx. 6 x 7 inches)
oil on oil paper. Original oil painting by Jiddje. If you are interested in this painting, it is for sale ($120) and ready to frame. You can email me at info@jiddje.nl.

Tangerine and lemon

2007-09-13T22:18:00.000+01:00

18,5 cm x 13 cm (approx. 7 x 5 inches)
oil on oil paper. Original oil painting by Jiddje. If you are interested in this painting, it is for sale ($120) and ready to frame. You can email me at info@jiddje.nl.

Wooden Shoes II (SOLD)

2007-09-10T09:41:00.001+01:00

Here is part three of the assortment shoes we have in and around the house. These are typical Frisian. And to small for every one here, but still, they look nice.
19 cm x 16 cm (approx. 7.5 x 6 inches). Oil on oil paper. Original oil painting by Jiddje. If you are interested in this painting, it is for sale ($120) and ready to frame. You can email me at info@jiddje.nl.

Butendiken, Smalle Ee (SOLD)

2007-09-08T11:00:00.000+01:00

15,2 cm x 18,2 cm (approx. 6 x 7 inches)
oil on oil paper. Original oil painting by Jiddje.

Old Fence

2007-09-08T10:58:00.000+01:00

16,5 cm x 14,5 cm (approx. 6.5 x 6 inches)
oil on oil paper. Original oil painting by Jiddje. If you are interested in this painting, it is for sale ($120) and ready to frame. You can email me at info@jiddje.nl.

Peansterdyk, Goëngahuizen

2007-09-08T10:57:00.001+01:00

21,5 cm x 16,5 cm (approx. 8 x 6 inches)
oil on oil paper. Original oil painting by Jiddje. If you are interested in this painting, it is for sale ($120) and ready to frame. You can email me at info@jiddje.nl.

Duurswoude SOLD

2007-09-08T10:55:00.000+01:00

25,5 cm x 16 cm (approx. 10 x 6 inches)
oil on oil paper. Original oil painting by Jiddje. If you are interested in this painting, it is for sale ($120) and ready to frame. You can email me at info@jiddje.nl.

Some new landscapes from Friesland

2007-09-08T10:47:00.000+01:00

It's been a while since I have posted new paintings. I had a week of severe headache, I made some terrible paintings. I mean some really bad paintings and I have been testing/mixing new colours I am planning to use. I'm not sure yet, but I like the colours in "Old Fence" and "Smalle Ee". I hope you agree with that, otherwise, please let me know.

Sweet pepper

2007-08-29T22:54:00.000+01:00

Somehow I like the shape of peppers, special this onee. I found him/her at the grocery store today.
21 cm x 14 cm (approx. 8 x 5 inches)
oil on paper (290 g/m2 - 140 lbs) with a coarse canvas texture. Original oil painting by Jiddje. If you are interested in this painting, it is for sale ($120) and ready to frame. You can email me at info@jiddje.nl.

Heidereed

2007-08-28T23:16:00.001+01:00

Heidereed is a tiny little countryroad on the way from Beetsterzwaag to Terwispel, both little villages. I was doing this practice, because I am planning to participate in a plein air contest next sunday.
22 cm x 13 cm (approx. 9 x 5 inches)
oil on paper (290 g/m2 - 140 lbs) with a coarse canvas texture. Original oil painting by Jiddje. If you are interested in this painting, it is ready to frame, it is for sale ($120). You can email me at info@jiddje.nl.

Note: it's not really a contest, I found out, it's an annual painters day. Well, I'm going anyway!

Girl with hat

2007-08-27T21:23:00.001+01:00

I wanted to make a little portrait of my daughter (the one who made that painting, in an earlier post). When I was finished, I noticed that she looked a bit older than she really is. But I like the painting, though. I have to study harder on portraits....17 cm x 20 cm (approx. 6 x 8 inches)
oil on paper (290 g/m2 - 140 lbs) with a coarse canvas texture. Original oil painting by Jiddje. If you are interested in this painting, it is ready to frame, it is for sale ($120). You can email me at info@jiddje.nl.

Dutch cheese and walnut

2007-08-27T08:08:00.001+01:00

23 cm x 14 cm (approx. 9 x 5 inches)
oil on paper (290 g/m2 - 140 lbs) with a coarse canvas texture. Original oil painting by Jiddje. If you are interested in this painting, it is ready to frame, it is for sale ($120). You can email me at info@jiddje.nl.

Apple and knfe

2007-08-25T23:39:00.000+01:00

Earlier n this blog I wrote that I hated apples. To paint them, that is... This one was a struggle also, but I thought I give it a try. I guess apples isn't my kind of thing. But it tasted very good.
18 cm x 13 cm (approx. 7 x 5 inches)
oil on paper (290 g/m2 - 140 lbs) with a coarse canvas texture. Original oil painting by Jiddje. If you want to taste this one, or frame it, it is for sale ($120). You can email me at info@jiddje.nl.

August afternoon SOLD

2007-08-22T22:22:00.001+01:00

Yesterday I drove around Friesland again, to find some landscapes to photograph. Every time I do that Friesland amazes me over and over again. It gives me lots of inspiration to paint.
21 cm x 14,5 cm (approx. 8 x 6 inches)
oil on paper (290 g/m2 - 140 lbs) with a coarse canvas texture. Original oil painting by Jiddje.

Red pepper and garlic $120

2007-08-22T22:16:00.000+01:00

My lovely wife came home last monday with some peppers and garlic for me to paint. She is a big help for me when it comes to (buying) attributes, set ups and ideas about what to paint. She has got more ideas then I'll ever possibly could paint. It would take many, many years. Well... maybe I could!
23 cm x 14,3 cm (approx. 9 x 5.6 inches)
oil on paper (290 g/m2 - 140 lbs) with a coarse canvas texture. Original oil painting by Jiddje.

Near Jubbega $120

2007-08-22T22:13:00.000+01:00

A few yards further down the road I found this funny tree half in the water. I loved the scenery.
17,5 cm x 20 cm (approx. 7 x 8 inches)
oil on paper (290 g/m2 - 140 lbs) with a coarse canvas texture. Original oil painting by Jiddje.

Kikkerbos, Jubbega SOLD

2007-08-22T22:08:00.001+01:00

Kikkerbos is a dead-end road just outside the village Jubbega. Only a few houses, bushes and trees. Very, very nice.
20 cm x 16 cm (approx. 7 x 6 inches)
oil on paper (290 g/m2 - 140 lbs) with a coarse canvas texture. Original oil painting by Jiddje.

Pumpkin and vase $120

2007-08-22T22:05:00.001+01:00

When you drive around the provence Friesland, through the little villages, you can see all kinds of pumpkins for sale along the road. So we bought a few along the way and I really felt that I had to paint one of those.
15,5 cm x 18 cm (approx. 6 x 7 inches)
oil on paper (290 g/m2 - 140 lbs) with a coarse canvas texture. Original oil painting by Jiddje.

Plums in green dish $120

2007-08-22T22:01:00.000+01:00

I seem to have some problems uploading paintings the last few days. Now it works again, so here we go for a couple of paintings I did past week.
21 cm x 15 cm (approx. 8 x 6 inches)
oil on paper (290 g/m2 - 140 lbs) with a coarse canvas texture. Original oil painting by Jiddje.