The Tone of Liverpool

The painter John Atkinson Grimshaw is best known for his moody urban landscapes. This impressionistic painting of Liverpool in 1875* is an inspiration in how tones, spheres, moods, perspectives and contexts can be found and fixed.

This scene is impressionistic and direct at the same time. It is easy to imagine you actually are there, transcended with your personal time-machine 149 years backwards to one of the most developed cities of Europe, Liverpool. Talking of ‘finding to tone’, this painting is an accurate example. No words are needed to describe what the tone of the city was.

*Grimshaw, J.A. (1875) Liverpool Docks From Wapping Wharf [oil on canvas]. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia.

Quercus Palette

On what is now the edge of a forest I found this 35 meter mighty pedunculate oak (zomereik, Quercus robur L.) in late evening light. The rich palette of its trunk tells the story. From 10 meter above ground onwards it had decided, many years ago, to form the basis of its mighty crown. It has become a place full of life.

Michelle

Er is er een jarig vandaag. Dochter Michelle. Zij is als een sneeuwklokje (Galanthus nivalis L., Snowdrop). Zij brengt de lente, telkens weer. Een schets van vaderlief.