no.1052

Sometimes I’m asked to paint a miniature commissioned. This time it was a question coming via a church in France. This church stands in the place St Simeon and they liked me to paint their name giver.

It is said Saint Simeon started his life being an ordinary shepherd’s son. Though when he grew up he choose a new and strange form of asceticism. He wanted to devote his life to praying. 

And while he did not manage to escape the world 'horizontally' because he was constantly disturbed by people who came to him for prayers and advice. He tried to ease up his world by leaving it vertically. He found a very high pillar and decided to live on top of it on a very small platform to have enough time for quieting his mind with meditation. But still people came to him from far away to receive his useful advice and compassion. 

Well I would never want to live alone on a high pillar away from the lively world, but I do like to quiet my mind. 

Painting and especially the miniatures, is my best and easiest form of meditation. But it can also be writing without thinking to empty up. Or walking outside preferably with a dog:-). And of course just close my eyes and be still. 

Do you have a way to silence your thoughts? I would like to hear about it.

 'St Simeon'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm 2x2"inch

no.1051

What I find so heart melting cute is to observe animals. Specially when they are occupied with their own shadow, their own tail, their own image in a mirror. As if they are not really sure who it is. Is this me? Little children can have this same exploration of things we as adults became to find boring. But is it boring? Why don't we keep examining the world surrounding us. Not only the big new things, but also the little things we think we know by now. And maybe even more examining and appreciate the things about ourself we normally take for granted. Things we are, we do, or things we see, without real attention. Let's start today with inviting ourself for a cup of tea or coffee and telling ourself one single thing we really find awesome about ourself. When we really feel 'o wow yes' that is pretty special, we can give a heartfelt compliment to the next person we meet. And if you are alone today you get either two compliments, or you go out and greet the first person you see in the supermarket with something positive. Or you call or write somebody.  'Intriged By The Shadow Of Her Batcat Ears' acrylic on canvas 5x5cm 2x2"inch

no.1050

Today's guest is Rapunzel. A cat from the siamese breed I've introduced you to yesterday. She has this frail body, white furry coat, two stripes on each leg and the most dazzling blue eyes. I never saw her in real life but I was told she had this strong loud voice, deep and dark.  Though this appears to be typical and normal of the siamese species, it still feels weird coming from such a tiny delicate creature.  In the older days, siamese cats were also used as a sort of guard dogs. Specially in important places like temples. They could meow so loud, that unwanted guests were scared away or at least got detected before they could do any harm. We as humans sometimes here our little voices inside, also referred to as our intuition. It tells us things we know are right deep down, but we are not always used to follow them up. Stuff like, 'this does not feel right' or the opposite 'this is something I would really want to do but I don't dare to go for it'. Can you relate to this? Maybe today is a good day to use Rapunzel's loud voice to wake up to our inner voice. Listen to it with an attentive ear and let it out in the open to scare away our fears and doubts. 'Blue Eyed Rapunzel' acrylic on canvas 5x5cm 2x2"inch

no. 1049

When I first met my hairdresser she told me she was from Persia. To me Persia sounds so rich and abundant, and I instantly see fairytale palaces and beautifully colored carpets.

If she tells me she is from Iran I see different pictures.

The same goes for 'The Kingdom of Siam'. I see wealth in my mind's eye compared to 'Thailand' which gives me more images of modest means. 

It's not perfectly clear where the history of the siamese cats started. It could be Egypt because they resemble an Egyptian cat goddess. But most probably they originate from the old kingdom of Siam, now Thailand, and that's where they got their name.

That might also be where the siamese found their kingly behavior, because only royalty were allowed to own such a very highly priced pet. But more than solely a pet they were chosen to be spirit guardians.

When someone important died, a siamese cat was chosen to receive and hold their soul. Of course these cats were treated with big respect and lived their lives in care and luxury. This would bring the crossed-over loved ones good luck in afterlife.

So if you like to spoil yourself today don't feel guilty at all, just enjoy it all the way. Think of yourself as a keeper of a very important person's soul (You are!:-) And remember, treating this soul-keeper with much care serves a higher goal.

'Little Tigerlike Siamese With Persian Pillow'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm 2x2"inch

no.1048

'Bokkie' was a wedding gift. Personally I am not fond of the idea of giving animals as a gift because they are living souls and need to be taken care for. So seems to me you better choose for this responsibility yourself. But in this case it was a happy choice.

Bokkie the he-goat was treated like a king, he soon got his own meadow and furry friends too. There were some big french rocks for him, because a goat loves climbing of course.

In fact a goat like this is well known for its surefootedness on high rocks. He is therefore able to move strategically through difficult terrain and go where others can not follow him.

If there is something today you are wishing for, remember Bokkie. First find your solid foundation, and then move up to higher grounds. Maybe you learn something new and discover another way to get there.

'Bokkie'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm (2x2"inch)

no.1047

To start your day in a good mood just simply think of all the colors of the sea. It's not only the water or the sky that changes color so often but also the path that leads you to the sea creates a wonderful changing palette every time again. This path is really gentle and relaxed. Wish you an easy going day today!

'Softgrey Dunepath'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm 2x2"inch

no.1046

I remember eating a fig for the first time. I did not like it a bit. It was a dried fig, in a dull brown colour scheme with hard seeds inside. As a child I was very sensitive and I could be quite picky, especially with food. But what a whole different experience it was eating a fresh fig for the first time. Really fresh, plucked myself directly from a tree in France. The somewhat tougher eatable skin and its juicy interior, with it’s fresh light sweet taste. That combination of solid and soft. The beautiful outside colour from deep purple to green, and inside from purple to velvety red with little yellow seeds. Yes I admit, now I am a fan, specially when I can pick them myself from a sunlit tree. 

Do you have a fruit which you later come to appreciate?

'Fresh Fig'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm 2x2"inch

no.1045

What if you had a garden with fresh figs hanging on the tree? I don't have a garden and there is a fig-tree in the green near my studio but it does not wear eatable figs.

But these figs are from a lucky lady who has it all, and I was lucky to visit her and paint the figs before I ate them:-)

'Figs On A Plate'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm 2x2"inch

you can buy these juicy figs HERE

*This one is currently on display at flowershop Antoesa Amsterdam

no.1044

This one is a special edition, I made it to celebrate my exhibition of freshly made French paintings. It's fun to paint food, especially abroad. It is as if you have a closer look on everything and as a painter the whole fun of what I do is already zooming in on everything I encounter.

The artichoke is like an art object with its uniform structure of sturdy shells that, like scales of an armadillo, neatly fall over each other. It has a hard stinging exterior and a very soft little heart tucked safely inside. That in itself seems to be a methaphor for the way many people live their lives. Hardened, armed even by all the events that took place in growing up but mostly with the same soft, loving heart like when you were a baby.

Let's try to open up a little today, and show your surrounding a glimpse of your tender inside.

'Arti-Chock' 

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm 2x2"

This little painting will be a gift for one of the lucky visitors of the French Connection Exhibition in Amsterdam. So consider it...

no.1043

A horse with such blue eyes, and two totally different faces. One side white and one side almost black. What an honor to paint this noble mister. 

'Ali - Alcazar'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm (2x2"inch)

Not only was Alcazar painted by me, 

but he also gave a message to his human-lady through Ineke van Lier. 

Would you like to know more on this or

would you like to have your pet painted too?

Have a look over HERE

no.1042

Let's meet up with Nika for the third time. Although she is no longer in our world she is certainly not gone or forgotten. Nika has a strong connection with her lady and maybe that's why she showed herself in so many different ways. Because her lady is a woman with many different sides too. 

Today I would like to show to you her brave side. Most of the time she likes to keep life plain and simple, just enjoying the little things. But at the same time she is also ready to explore the world. Although she is easily set off by loud noises she is way to curious for new things to keep her in one place.

'Inquisitive And Adventuresome'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm (2x2"inch)

This is a commisioned miniature, 

would you like to have your pet painted too?

Have a look over HERE

no.1041

Let's meet with Nika again. She has a special bond with her human lady. Although she is no longer in our world she is certainly not gone or forgotten. Nika has a strong connection with her lady and maybe that's why she showed herself in so many different ways. Because her lady is a woman with many different sides too. 

Today I would like to show you her wise and tender side. If you look deeply in her eyes you can see she probably knows how to gauge your mood before you do it yourself.

'Loving and Lovable'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm (2x2"inch)

This is a commisioned miniature, 

would you like to have your pet painted too?

Have a look over HERE

no.1040

Let's meet with Nika. She has a special bond with her human lady. Although she is no longer in our world she is certainly not gone or forgotten. Nika has a strong connection with her lady and maybe that's why she showed herself in so many different ways. Because her lady is a woman with many different sides too. Today I would like to show you her vulnerable side. Always caring for others but she also first likes to, see which way the cat jumps, so to say.

'Thoughtful And Attentive'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm (2x2"inch)

This is a commisioned miniature, 

would you like to have your pet painted too?

Have a look over HERE

no.1039

What a power is there to see in her eyes. Gentle, wise and on top of that, this lady has a look that's certainly dachshund worthy ;-) If you remember what I said about dachshunds before HERE.

Let me introduce you to the very special...

'Jetje'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm (2x2"inch)

This is a commisioned miniature, 

would you like to have your pet painted too?

Have a look over HERE

no.1038

Sometimes you feel the urge to look back in your life. Past memories, friends and loved ones who are no longer here. Actions or choices you might make differently now. It can be necessary to put things in perspective and learn from your past. But don't stay on memory-lane to long. Your life is happening right now, right here. And remember, always look back with love. Love for everything and everyone that came your way, even if it was not easy at the time. Thus it can bring you strength in your present moment. Enjoy your day!

'Looking Back In Love'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm (2x2"inch)

no.1037

Don't you simply have to smile when you see this dachshund girl with her wild hair. She has the same warm eyes as her human. In fact it was as if I saw her human appearing every now and then while painting. Warm and a bit melancholy too maybe but that's what happens if your highly sensitive. To me that's a good thing. Although this little dog-girl is no longer here her energy is still vivid enough. Let me introduce you to...

'Puck'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm (2x2"inch)

This is a commisioned miniature, 

would you like to have your pet painted too?

Have a look over HERE

no.1036

Dachshunds are very smart and stubborn animals, everyone knows that. But sometimes they are quite shy too, though they can act a little tough to cover it...

May I introduce you to the lovely...

'Flo'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm (2x2" inch)

This is a commisioned miniature, 

would you like to have your pet painted too?

Have a look over HERE

no.1035

Look at you, parrot tulips in various colours. The way you are still standing strong. Some of you already lost your petals and most of you are on the verge of being totally overblown. But to me you look stunningly beautiful.

"Overblown Tulips In The Sun'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm (2x2"inch)

If you like to buy this miniature look HERE

no.1034

Can you make a portrait of a garden,a tree, a pond? I've tried. What appealed to me most was the little tree by the pond which somewhat resembles a bonsai, especially painted in this size. But also a cute mini pool for birds caught my attention. In the first mini this got the spotlight and, in the second mini the tree has been featured.

All in all, they both became almost abstract.

Wondering, which one appeals to you most?

Did you know a Bonsai has all sorts of profound symbolism in Japan?

They convey the symbols of harmony, peace, balance and all that is good.

The same I wish for you this Monday!

'Bonsai at the Pond'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm (2x2"inch)

no.1033

Can you make a portrait of a garden,a tree, a pond? I've tried. What appealed to me most was the little tree by the pond which somewhat resembles a bonsai, especially painted in this size. But also a cute mini pool for birds caught my attention. In the first mini this got the spotlight and, in the second mini the tree has been featured.

All in all, they both became almost abstract.
Wondering, which one appeals to you most?

Did you know a Bonsai has all sorts of profound symbolism in Japan?

They convey the symbols of harmony, peace, balance and all that is good.

The same I wish for you this Monday!

no.1033 - 'Bird Pool at the Pond'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm 2x2"inch

no.1032

Some people like to travel, some people love to travel and some people are born to travel around the globe.

Jean is such a person, a man who is rarely at home, or maybe it's more likely he feels at home everywhere.

The nice thing about it is that he lets us also enjoy his travels by his great photography.

On one of his trips he went to an Island and showed his 'before breakfast view'. I immediately fell in love with it. Although it was a picture I could very easily imagine the sound of tropical birds, the soft rustle of the palm trees in the distance and perhaps an even more distant murmur of breaking waves muffled by the early morning fog.

Hope this miniature gives you the same sensation of lively quietness and vibrant peace. I'm looking for this kind of feeling here in France.

A bientôt!

'Cape Verde by Jean'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm (2x2"inch)

if you like you can find Jean on facebook HERE

no.1031

It's monday again, let's start our week happy with a cat named Snoopy.

Snoopy is a bit shy, so please be gentle with her:-)

If the house is full of visitors, she rather walks to the neighbors for a quit moment. But ultimately she prefers home.

And don't we all?

Leaving your home for a journey is so much fun, and as a bonus when you return you appreciate your home all over again.

It's that way for me. So today I'm flying to France, to paint and enjoy the scenery. I will post some things on facebook and maybe sent a painting by e-mail once in a while. But on mondays there will be happy mini's.

A bientot!

'Snoopy'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm (2x2"inch)

no.1030

Today is an encore, a close up from yesterday's Boefje.

In her eyes you can see the whole universe and maybe more, curious if you agree?

'Universe In Your Eye'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm (2x2"inch)

no.1029

I guess if you follow the happy miniatures for a while you know by now I love to paint animals.

Most of the times when I'm asked to paint a portret of somebody's animalfriend, I get a certain feeling while painting.

It feels like direct communication with the soul of the animal, it's kind of a meditative state we are in. Me and my model.

While painting Boefje I felt so much love and a certain shyness, as if she felt a bit overwhelmed by the attention of a painted portret.

There is always a sudden moment I can feel the portret is ready and the essence of somebody is captured. It's as if I'm guided and wake up to see what 'we' have created.

Personally I love to look in the eyes of this enchanting creature called 'Boefje' I hope you do too.

And hé, maybe today we can try to see the world with the same loving look and find out it changes our perspective in a good way.

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm (2x2"inch)

'Boefje'

no. 1028

This yellow butterfly is calling to you if you are in need for some joy and lightness. If it's important to you to feel your 'self' stronger. If you want to attract some self-love so to say.

Yes you love your children and your partner and your friends. But now is the time to love You!
This butterfly helps you to make self-love feel as a light-effort-thing to do.
You feel the connection with your higher self every time you look at the almost golden wings of this 'Phoebis Argante Argante'
It tells you: "No need to become 'perfect' because you already are perfect just the way you are now."

'Phoebis Argante Argante'

acrylic on canvas 5x5cm 2x2"inch