Carnivale 2015 - Visits The Hague 1.

Old fashion Merry-go-round, Day version

oil on canvas - 30 x 80 cm

painted on location - 28 Dec 2015

SOLD

Old Fashion Merry-go-round, Night Version​

oil on canvas - 40 x 80 cm

painted on location - 27 Dec 2015

SOLD

Here you have something a little different. I have been fortunate to be selected the official resident painter of this marvellous and magical vintage style, Carnival event. It takes place at Huijgenspark in The Hague, during Christmas and New Years Eve, (unfortunately not every year). I made a total of 10 works, most of which were made on the spot.  I present here the works which concentrated on the merry-go-round (draaimolen). Mainly because of the kids shouts of joy, gave the whole atmosphere really a gay merry feeling. Also the colours and lights of the object itself was a delight to put on canvas. Below you see me getting started on the Night Version.

Carnivale 2012 by day.

Gezicht op Carnivale 2012, Den Haag bij daaglicht,
oil on canvas, 30 x 90cm
painted on location - Sun  30 Dec 2012 -(In studio Tues 8 Jan 2013)
SOLD
It is winter, the days are short, it is just after opening at the Carnival, the time is 2.15 in the afternoon.   The crowds have yet to arrive, however il pittore takes advantage of the still dry weather conditions, and makes a go of this fascinating scenery.  The assistant to the Anatomy Lesson Professor watches on to the innocence of to little girls sharing some candy floss. Both the century old merry-g0-rounds are in motion. Parents are enjoying themselves, but really the kids are having the time of their lives, and that my friends is what it is all about!  Here below, two close ups, for your viewing pleasure.

Carnivale 2012 by Evening

Gezicht op Carnivale 2012, Den Haag bij nachtlicht,
oil on canvas, 30 x 90cm
painted on location - Fri/Sat  28/29 Dec 2012
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Here you have a glimpse at the old fashioned carnival by evening light. On the left, brilliantly coloured toddlers merry-go-round, then the grown up kids version, circling in action, next to that, the anatomy lesson pavilion. A fire burning in a metal barrel, (one of many), keeps the parents warmed up.

Carnivale's in Town, Entrance

Ingang Carnivale 2012, Den Haag
oil on canvas board, 18 x 24cm
painted on location - Sunday 30 Dec 2012
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Let me take you back in time. Actually let Joris Hentenaar and his crew take you back in time! This old fashioned carnival could have been the stage for a Fellini film, taking place in a small village somewhere in Northern Europe! That was the intention of the organisers of this event, and believe you me, they have succeeded, as you will bear witness in this and my next 2 postings. Three carnival characters are ready to greet you as you step into this make believe setting were you will meet the most bizarre characters.  Flame blowers, jugglers, a woman in a fish bowl, a man who breathes through his eyes, just to name a few.  Of course the children are dazzled and taking it all in, but the century old merry-go-rounds are their favoured attractions.

Day and Night view of Carnival in Town

Dag en nacht gezichten op 't Carnival te Den Haag
oil on canvas
10 x 45 cm (both)
painted on location - Thurs 29 and Fri 30 Dec 2011

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The day scene was the last painting made in this series. Finally the sky has opened up, and as usual the whole scene brightens up. It is winter, thus the bare trees. This carnival took place in an urban center, hinted at, are the rows of houses on the left. Again, I have taken great care in painting a carrusel that is in operation, thus the swinging stools with mostly children seated on them.

The night scene......The mystery deepens, as the atmosphere darkens, the lights glow, like stars in a clear night. A painters paradise, such scenery! You wouldn't know this but the weather was anything but welcoming that evening! Had to set up under the protection of a overhanging roof, the entrance to the Carnival's cafe. Now and then the rain paused, just long enough to get that carrusel spinning with exstatic childern, having the time of their lifes.


here I am at the very beginning of this series, you get an idea of the size of these panels

Old Timer Carrusel, Carnival The Hague

Ouderwetse Carrusel, Carnival, Den Haag 2011
oil on wood panel
10 x 15 cm
painted on location - Wed 28 Dec 2011  SOLD

The 1st of 4 paintings made at this colorful Old Time Carnival. which was situated in Huygenspark, downtown The Hague, Holland. A close up below, serves to show that I have taken great care, in bringing you a lively scene, thus the carrusel is actually spinning as you see the childern seated holding on to the chains of the swinging seats!

This way, Ladies and Gentlemen

Deze kant, Dames en Heren
oil on wood panel
10 x 15 cm - (4" x 6")
painted on location - Wed 28 Dec 2011


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A gay scene to start the new year off on the right direction! The carnival is in town, school kids both young and old have the oppurtunity to have some old fashion fun, in a city park, located in downtown The Hague! The next 4 postings will be scenes of this event.

The Insect Circus visits The Hague

Gezicht op de 'Kop Van Jut' Carnivale, Huygenspark, Den Haag
oil on canvas board
18 x 24 cm (7.5 x 9.5 inches)
painted on location - 29/30 Dec 2009

SOLD

For the 1st time in The Hague, The Insect Circus, the main attraction of the Kop Van Jut Carnivale, puts on a delightful fun show, with acrobats clothed in the most colorfully detailed insect costumes imaginable. The action is going on inside the tent, however, il pittores imagination takes flight with this ostentatious Fellini - like setting. Afforded by the warm display of lights and artifacts, nestled in the heart of the extremely cold and damp Dutch capitol. I couldn't figure out why an English Circus Company performing in Holland would choose to have the Italian flag prominantly displayed? Oh well,..... thought it contributed nicely to the whole color scheme, and besides, I'm Italian. The greenish/yellow light, bouncing off the trees in the background, also have a harmonizing affect on the painting.

For your pleasure, an image of what was going on inside the tent.

"Atharina", L'Artista di strada.

Street artist scene, Garenmarkt, Leiden
oil on canvas
30 x 24 cm
painted on location, Fri 3 October 2008.

SOLD

It was hard for me to resist this Fellini like image. I was invited to set up my easel and show my paintings as part of the festivities held in Leiden, to celebrate their Liberation Day. It is a carnival like atmosphere, with loads of street artists entertaining the public. For you that don't know Leiden was liberated from Spanish occupation on the 3rd of October in 1572. The fall colours displayed on the smaller tree in front of the subject, add a nice accent to this scene. Atharina balances herself gracefully on this 2 meter ball, which she manages to roll, with her on top, through the streets, creating a fantasy that entrances the audience.