Detail of a new painting, with Gaia as the main character. The painting isn’t finished yet, but I think the face will do (although it’s rather tricky, to show “work in progress”).
Out of her head (and eyes) DNA structures are “pouring out”. So see this as part One. There’s more to come!
And: “Die begin van die aarde”! (poem by Antjie Krog)
Oil on canvas, 70 x 90 cm (detail approximately 20 x 30 cm)
This painting, 130 x 160 cm, oil on canvas, was made during the period I worked on the painting Evolution 1 (painting of decembre).
It consists of a lot of different layers. Sometimes even with the same color (red over red over red over red). This technique (called “glaceren” in Dutch) makes that the colors increase in depth (sort of a velvet texture).
It’s very difficult to catch this on camera. But belief me, when you’re in front of this one, it almost seems possible to stick your hand inside the painting.
This is an old technique, used for instance by Rembrandt van Rijn, the famous Dutch painter (see example).
Two sketches, part of the Omphalos Project.
Ink on paper, 12 x 20 cm
First sketches, acrylic on paper
20 x 30 cm
For this month, the painting Evolution 1 is in the picture.
It’s an oilpainting, 120 x 150 cm. Later more information.
In the summer I visited Lisbon. And just two weeks ago I returned from Cumbria, Great Britain. I showed you some pictures of both regions.
During my visit to England, I watched not only the BBC news, but also BBC Alba. Alba is an ancient name for Scotland. And I saw, and heard, a lot of Gealic. And didn’t understood one word. My roommate was half Scottish, but he had the same problem. Not one word.
But how we loved that language!
Although it sounds rather ridiculousness, I really think there are links between Gaelic music and the Portugese Fado. Sang from the heart. The “pain”, The rythm. The…
Amalia Rodrigues, Dulce Pontes, Kathleen MacInnes, Julie Fowlis, Portugal, Scotland, Braga, Alba.
Oil on canvas, 65 x 150 cm.
Recently I moved to a new studio. And instead of traveling 40 minutes, it only takes me 10 minutes now to get to my studio. Saves me a lot of time.
Therefore: OPEN HOUSE!
When: sunday 27th of september, from 12 -18 hrs
Where: Dovenetel 21, Apeldoorn, the Netherlands.
Lisbon has many faces. The rich history is everywhere. The big statues, the (mostly baroque) churches and the impressive squares. But also the “Avenida da Liberdade”. When you walk there, you’re in Paris. The picture of the Praca da Comércia I posted earlier, is a good example how once this city played a important role in the world.
And then there is the more modern, futuristic Lisbon. With great and new architecture.
Last but not least: the decline. On every corner labourers are trying to stop this. Renovation is all over the city. I stayed two weeks in Lisbon. The apartment above me was renovated. Amd across our little street walls where demolished and other outer walls where painted.
And I just love this combination. A city is a living thing., has to change to keep up with society.
But do I agree with every change? No, I am afraid not. As an example: The changes they made to “Tor Belem” are terrible. It’s all about making money, attracting as much tourists as possible, whatever the costs.
By the way, do you know the famous painter De Chiroco? He was also here (well, at least in my mind. As you can see in the first two pictures.
The first one was made at Castello Sao Jorge.
The second one near a church, the Panthaon Nacional.
Below two painting of De Chirico, a Greek/Italian painter
René Heeres artist 