squirrel finished



The squirrel on a log is finished. I almost regret it because it is such a lovely looking animal. With each pencil stroke it feels like getting to know this small animal better and better. But no regrets, next drawing will be TWO squirrels, chasing each other.

A wonderful day



What a wonderful day. Half past 11.00 a.m. I went for a trip through the forests and along the edge of a vast field of heather. And, after a tough climb over a dirt road I set down for a simple lunch from my backpack. It was lovely, the sun was shining, the wind was absent and at my feet a lonely beetle was crawling in some decomposing wood fragments. The deep black and blue color of its shields on the warm brown color of the wood. Clumsy the beetle crawled his way upwards and stumbled now and then downwards again but with determination the bug went on to reach the top.

I was also sitting at a top of a hill with a endless seeming view over the heather, with ancient burial hills in the distance. The bark of the birch trees seemed to radiate almost, a bright, white color.
No unwelcome sounds, no people in sight, just the birds and me. A wonderful moment of quietness and peace. It almost hurts when you return home after a while and disturbing noises of cars and buildings are drawing attention. Civilization, a blessing or a curse. Probably both.

squirrel

Well, it has been some time. Time was absent ... In the meantime a few drawings are finished and now I have started with a squirrel. A lively little guy looking aroud the corner, literally.
If you are curious how it is going to developpe, visit this blog next days and you will see.

KINGFISHER

Autumn has begun. A season of great changes. A season with al kinds of weather.
This week I saw at two different places, two different but beautiful kingfishers. This small bright, blue and red bird makes me smile every time I see it. Especially when it is surrounded with trees with bright coloured leaves. Trees just hanging above the clear water of small streams and ponds. Inspiration is coming naturally when you are outside. If I had only the time to work it all out ...

SEASON'S CHANGE

After days of heavy rain the sun has returned. And in the morning sunlight, the blooming heather looks magnificent. The last days of summer is the period within this tough plant blossom's. These are not the only signs that summer is at it's end. Some chetnut's are already falling. a beautiful but thorny coat protects the nutricious content. A new season is almost beginning. Autumn.

EXPOSITION

The exposition at Résidence Zijpendaal has opened. From mid august 2010 until mid February 2011 visitors are welcome. Don’t hesitate to contact us to make an appointment. See for more information: www.amazinglandscapes.net/expo.

Slowworm and Frog

Slowworm

This morning a reptile and amphibian passed our path. First, at the edge of the purple coloured heather, a slowworm tried to cross a bicycle path. At first we didn’t recognize it. It just looked like another fallen branch on the ground. But then it swirled and we realized that it was a slowworm. The skin of this snakelike creature feels soft and has different brown colours. From hazel at the top to dark brown on its belly. We gently took it a short distance of, away from the dangerous path.



We went on to a pond surrounded by trees, a forest gem. In front of this place of water a frog took of and stopped at the side of the boardwalk to look at us. Giant eyes and legs that are build for long distance jumping. A shiny skin and an broad mouth. This amphibious creature didn’t like our presence for long and soon it took of into the scrubs.


On the water of the pond some ducks where foraging. A great side and quietly we walked around the pond on a boardwalk which prevents visitors from wet feet in rainy seasons. It’s a beautiful place full of life and in the early morning very tranquil.