The long-running BBC TV program Houses under the Hammer is also broadcasted in the Netherlands (Here it is titled with the literal translation: ‘Huizen onder de hamer‘. I would prefer Villa’s en bouwvallen geveild‘, but okay). It is one of only two television programs not meant to be funny I regularly view. It is packed… Continue reading Diversity: Houses under the Hammer shows bright side of integration
Category: Art
Vegetal still life vs portrait
Number two of four exercises before I start working on my next portrait in my series of tributes on heptagonal carriers. I was so pleased with this one that I not only signed the painting but also framed it. I wanted to practice two things in particular: working with Alkyd paint and with colors. After… Continue reading Vegetal still life vs portrait
Painting, varnishing and printing
I forgot to mention in the clip that I am not applying the final varnish here. On a traditional painting the final varnish is applied at least a year after completing the actual painting. This blogpost is about ‘retouching varnish’. This varnishing creates unity in the painting, especially by reducing differences in tarnishness. I call… Continue reading Painting, varnishing and printing
Perfection, beauty & shifting perspectives
Perfection can’t be wrong, can it? But perfectionism, obsession? Surely any form or degree of OCPD (Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder) is bad isn’t it? Ordering my cutlery drawer this way started a couple of months ago. I gave the pair of scissors a very precise place in the drawer: not only in its own compartment, but… Continue reading Perfection, beauty & shifting perspectives
Chimney design by stubborn architect
There is something really special about this chimney. Apparently the fire place just HAD to be on the outside wall. And thus required extensive provisions to ensure that the thing would not fall over; Especially close to the sea where it can blow hard. I am not sure: was the architect a particularly stubborn one… Continue reading Chimney design by stubborn architect
Dicentra Spectabilis
My previous appartment had a nice loggia too. Since a couple of years I live in this nice appartment with a smaller loggia and with no balcony. Now that I am retired I spend more time on this sun-drenched one. In both meanings of the word ‘on’. The offical name of this plant is Dicentra… Continue reading Dicentra Spectabilis