May 4, 2025
Today, May 4, is the day that The Netherlands, my country of origin, is commemorating those who fell in the second World War in particular and in any war in general. The Canadians were instrumental in our liberation in 1045 and in many places in The Netherlands ceremonies of gratitude and commemoration have been held. I saw some of it on Canadian television and as always I was moved to tears.
80 Years of freedom is quite an achievement. In the light of today’s day, it is something to be extra grateful for. Wars usually do not start with a big bang; more often they first spark through seemingly small immoral deeds that, although they are frowned upon, do not ring big alarms. By the time acts of aggression turn into a dangerous pattern, it is often too late to hold on to a semblance of peace. One can only hope that we all learn from history and never allow ourselves to be bullied into a situation that takes away the basic human right of freedom.
I painted the above poppy with all of this in mind. It almost hurts my heart for this red beauty to become a symbol of the commemoration of losses of war. At the same time: maybe its vulnerable blood-red petals were well chosen by Canadian doctor John McCray in his 1915 poem ‘In Flanders Field’, as he served during the first World War in the Belgian city Ypres. The colour of blood, the vulnerability of a state of peace and the frailty of a human life… My painting shows that this stunning little flower is beautiful, even when it casts a dark shadow.
After the poignant ceremonies of the 4th of May, The Netherlands is now getting ready for the much more lighthearted liberation festivities that will start early on May 5, and will take my country deep into the night. After the traditional 2 minutes of national silence in respect of those who gave their life for our peace, music and dance now take over; with an undertone of eternal gratitude.
Now onto happier things… Here in Canada, I have started with a new project. Here is a first impression: a single colour rendition (value study) of a new painting. This is often how I start bigger projects. Not by instantly throwing paint at the canvas, but by studying my subject and creating some preliminary studies on a smaller surface. Sometimes this is done in charcoal, this time I just used Bone Black and mixing white. I feel happy with it. Now onto the more daunting task of re-creating this beautiful horse image on a larger canvas, in colour. When it is done, I will show you the final result.
