Ekeren countryside

I’m trying to take advantage of the nice days in September to get more plein air practice. 

 "Sint Mariaburg"
13x18cm, oil on canvas

Today from the bike path I could see the church in Sint Mariaburg. It was a beautiful sunny morning so I found a spot in the shade on the other side of the road. Unfortunately, passing trucks were a nuisance. One even parked next to me for ten minutes with the motor running.

 "Oude Landen"
15x15cm, oil on canvas panel

At the beginning of September in the Oude Landen I only had cyclists, joggers and dog walkers passing by. Almost as good as painting in the garden. I was a bit nervous about the free-ranging Galloway cattle but they didn't turn up.

Antwerp oil sketches

"The MAS"
15x15cm, oil on canvas panel
(Private collection, Antwerp)

The 28/8/21 group event at the MAS in Antwerp was a good place to test my small pochade box in a USK setting. I found a bench in the shade. It was a little windy and people kept stopping to look at the water but I managed to get something done. When I realized they were looking at a bunch of flower bouquets (a spot where someone may have recently died), I quickly finished up. That probably helped me decide to suggest all those boats without going into too much detail. 

 

" Lambermontmartre"
15x15cm, oil on canvas panel

At the August Lambermontmartre art market it kept drizzling. In fact perfect weather conditions for plein air painting are quite rare here.

 

 

 "The Port House"

15x15cm, oil on canvas panel

Finally, I had to try painting the iconic Port Authority building. There's a fairly comfortable spot by the water. I had a hat for the sun, a stool and was holding the box on my lap. It might be better to find a hands free system such as a photo stand attached to my box.

Late Bloomers

 "Late Bloomers"

Oil on 20x20cm canvas panel

Continuing my series of 20x20 garden flowers...  

The primroses came up at the end of August this year. I'd almost lost hope but sure enough the garden was once again conquered by these yellow blooms every evening for a time.