Beach scene, Holland, 40" x 30", October 2005

Holland must surely be a paradise for painters. The light is constantly changing. The sky is simply big for there are no dramatic hills, mountains or escarpments to block the view (though architects appear to have taken up the challenge in towns and cities). There is nothing for the eye to lock onto and by which a sense of scale can be appreciated. Pure magic.

However, in wishing to capture the drama that still exists in my memory, I made a mistake. I have been asked to not destroy or otherwise recycle this painting. I haven't and simply because it is on object lesson in why I do not paint on a white background using accepted techniques...

Viva chiaroscuro!