no.1134

Heron is a symbol of patience and perseverance. Just think of the ability to remain motionless for long periods of time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. This teaches us the value of trusting the natural flow of life and embracing the journey, not just the destination. The white heron reminds us above all of the purity of nature. 

'White Heron'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm 2x2"inch

no.1133

A pasture full of dots of color. That is a sight that almost has to make you happy. And wouldn't you secretly want to pick a small field bouquet? But make sure you leave enough for the bees! 

'Poppyfield' 

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm 2x2"inch

no. 1132

Who wouldn't want a little princess as a granddaughter? 

'Havana'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm 2x2"inch

no. 1131

You can immediately see it in his eyes... this is one hyperactive and social dog. He instantly makes friends with every other dog that crosses his path. Are you coming to play, he asks defiantly. And most of the time he is successful. :-)

'Floris'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm 2x2"inch

no.1130

Butterflies can be wonderful messengers. Particularly for our loved ones who are physically no longer in our world. Our loved ones are never truly gone as long as they remain in our hearts and thoughts. Just by fluttering by they touch our hearts for a moment.

'Forever In My Heart'

5x5cm 2x2"inch

no. 1129

Does it also make you happy to see a butterfly? It symbolizes spring, color and lightness, among other things. You know what makes it even a better gift? Floating in the pool and then feeling such a beautiful butterfly land on you. A momentary break from his flight to the butterfly and a moment of total connection for me.

'Butterfly Kisses'
acrylic on canvas 5x5cm (2x2"inch)

no.1128

Nice to introduce you to Truffel. He is the new sweetheart of the owner of Pepa and Pancho, who are now playing together in dog heaven. It wasn't that easy to paint him as he likes to hide his eyes behind his wild locks haha. But maybe he's just a bit shy ;-)

'Truffel'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm (2x2"inch)

no. 1127

Robins are especially beautiful in the snow, don't you think?
It probably has something to do with their orange belly that contrasts so nicely with the white. That's why I had to portray this beauty.
Surprisingly cold spring weather in April suddenly wasn't so bad anymore. :-)

'Snow Bird In April'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm 2x2"inch

-private collection-

no.1126

Do robins appear when loved ones are near? I would like to think so:-)

Some say, well if a robin visits you, why not appreciate him or her?  Welcome visitor usually bring gifts. You are free to interpret what gifts it brings...

'Robin In Your Garden'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm 2x2"inch

no. 1125

I am Stripey

the cat of cats

hunter by night

for I see best without the light

sleeper by day

on sunny pillows if I may

my purring sounds quite loud

I am Nina’s friend without a doubt

"Stripey"

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm 2x2" inch

no.1124

Cleopatra crushed beetles

to make red lipstick

because even in 30BC

she knew speaking 12 languages

would be even more impressive

when the words jumped

through a ring of fire

circus mouth

ruby woo. I smile and split

the red  Sea 

poetry by Megan Falley

'Ode To Red Lipstick'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm (2x2"inch)

no. 1123

At certain times in your life, everything seems to fall in place. Everything? well a lot. :-)

All previous events seemed like a prelude to this moment. Moments of which you thought how did I end up in this, turned out to be precisely right. If only to realize what you actually find important in this life. And moments that were already beautiful find a new form. This could also apply to your love life.

What a delight. Congratulations together!

'Love Is In The Air'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm 2x2"inch

no.1122

Ever since I can remember I like a series more than one.

Not because I am so greedy haha but simply because in a series you suddenly look at each item separately to find, for example, the differences or similarities. You suddenly see more and you are looking forward to more treasures that you can find that make the series bigger.

For me, a series already starts with 3, but even better with 5. And as soon as a new one arrives in the series, all existing ones change with it. Do you now see that a series is really fun?

This miniature is for my neighbor Rob who has his birthday today and has a whole collection of the dome church on the Singel in Amsterdam.
Congratulations Rob!

'Singel Amsterdam’
acrylic on canvas 5x5cm 2x2"inch

no.1121

Today I've painted a miniature portret of a family member. A family that is very close to each other and of which I've painted several portret's during the years. In this case the family is really related to each other.

But...'family' isn't always 'blood'. I guess it's more the people in your life who want you in theirs. The ones who accept you for who you are and vice versa. The ones who would do anything to see you happy and who love you no matter what.

If this is the case with your relatives you can feel a happy person, but don't worry if it's not. Luckily you have the freedom to form your own 'family'. And even (or should I say certainly) animals can be a part of your tribe...

'Ronny'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm 2x2"inch

no.1120

Entering a new territory. In a transferable sense or in the physical way, we all do it at least once in a while. Some hate it and prefer to stay in the known places others cannot live without the incentive and the exciting of the 'new'. Most of us are somewhere in between. You can also see this mix in animals. The wagtail and the watchful nose that accompany each other. I think entering new areas and rediscovering ourselves is what keeps our life alive.

Love is a place

and through this place

Love moves

all places

'New Territory'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm 2x2"inch

no.1119

Cats and dogs supposedly differ so much that they can't make a harmonious match. I am always happy when I see evidence of the proverbial exception to the rule. For me, that indicates that the 'rules' are not so necessary at all. And that the most beautiful combinations in art and love usually originate outside the established order. The area where the head has stopped and the heart takes over. :-)

"I'll keep you safe in these arms of mine
Hold on to me, pretty baby, and
You'll see I can be all you need"

'I'll Keep You Safe'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm 2x2"inch

no.1118

There once was a little princess who first was not accepted by her father because he rather had a son. I am not going to tell you the whole story but the princess runs off disguised as a beggar in a catskin coat. She wants to attend the ball to dance and of course the prince of the ball falls in love with her. Her father feels guilty that he once rejected her and is incredibly pleased that he now finds her happy and well so end good all is good.

Sometimes life is like a Fairytale. In which a tough girl who always had to take care of herself suddenly finds someone who appreciates her for who she is. So now she can finally admit to her softer side too:-)

Put On Your Cat(s)kin And Dance

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm 2x2"inch

And what nice coincidence in nature the willow catkin stands for love and protection.:-)

So that's why it became a series of three

no.1117

You, kind soul

are still the child who gently places fallen baby birds

back in their nests.

You, are still the soft soul

that gets your heart broken over cruel words

You, are still the gentle heart who once tried to heal a flower

by trying to stick it's petals back

when ignorant feet trampled it.

This is why you are important

This is why you will always be needed.

Kindness is the greatest endangered thing.

And there you are, existing,

with your heart so full with it.

after Nikita.Gill.

Jaël

acrylic on canvas

5x5cm 2x2"inch

no. 1116

A nightingale is known for it's beautiful song,

hearing this bird sing is a joy.

To me a birds song is among the simple yet special free gifts of life.

But it's only when I'm focused in the now that I can enjoy this 'present'

When I'm occupied with thoughts or worries I simply can't notice this daily beauty.

So it's a great reminder to not let the Today get stolen by the unchangeable past or the indefinite future. Every Today is a new day!

“Do not set aside your happiness. Do not wait to be happy in the future. The best time to be happy is always now.” 

'Young Nightingale'

acrylic on canvas

5x5cm 2x2"inch

no.1115

In many ways, our lives can resemble the sometimes turbulent, sometimes calm, yet always flowing nature of water. Near the water is were I'm reminded to be at ease with myself, and with my life. To just let it flow. 

That's why I painted this colorful lake with flowers of joy for you.
To remind us that every day is a good day. There is something to learn, always something to care for and so we never forget to celebrate.

The more you praise
and celebrate your life
the more there is
in life to
celebrate.

'Water Party'

acrylic on canvas 

5x5cm 2x2"inch

no.1114

"My nightingale sings me to sleep
as the sky changes from dusk to night
the sweet little notes caress my ears
while I gently close my eyes
dreaming to her lovely lullaby"
poetry by Crissy Ade 

'Nightingale'
acrylic on canvas
5x5cm 2x2"inch

no.1113

Almost all flowers are my favorites, but poppy holds a special place. Is it the fiery red that calls you from a distance and stands out in the field or on the roadside? The ever so black heart with an almost purple shine to it? It certainly is the strength with which she endures the strongest winds. She bends and bows but won't let go of her petals. 

But if you pick her, she will soon break. What her message might be is this. 

Let me shine let me show, enjoy my abundance but try not to captivate me then the joy will soon fade. 

Little wise poppy:-)

'Poppy'

acrylic on canvas

5x5cm 2x2"inch

no.1112

Don't know if you got the same feeling, but I am in the mood for something light and friendly. Something like the miniature-painting of today and a poem that fits that mood.

The robin makes a laughing sound.

It makes me stop and look around

to see just what the robin sees-

fresh new leaves on twigs of trees,

a strong, high branch on which to rest,

a safe dry ledge to hold its nest.

This robin makes a laughing sound

I stop.

I always look around.

...

poetry by Sallie Wolf

 'Friendly Robin'

acrylic on canvas

5x5cm 2x2"inch

no.1111

Today I would like to share

something nice and simple with you

Instructions

for living a life:

Pay attention

Be astonished

Tell about it

...

poetry by Mary Oliver

'White Wagtail'

acrylic on canvas

5x5cm 2x2"inch

no.1110

The miracle is

that the brilliance,

of the miraculous

can live

in the blandness

of the mundane.

The greater miracle

is that we

have enough brilliance,

in our

blandness,

to see it

Craig D. Lounsbrough

'Common Chaffinch'

acrylic on canvas
5x5cm 2x2" inch