On a walk through my city Haarlem , took pictures and so now a few painted and drawn . Haarlem has beautiful and nice and romantic almshouses, very nice to try to capture them creatively. This is one of the most picturesque hofjes,
The Haarlem hofjes are special. Rustic courtyards, with beautiful small houses. For those who look closer, the historical details tell the story of Haarlem's rich history. Beautifully decorated facades with coats of arms show how rich benefactors had houses built for poor, single women and widows as early as the 14th century. In those days they could not fall back on government support. With a weekly allowance of about five cents, a monthly jug of butter, some meat and fuel for the stove, these women lived very simply. The old water pumps and reliefs paint a picture of their existence in the Haarlem hofjes.
The hofje van Guurtje de Waal is one of the most picturesque hofjes in Haarlem and was painted here with watercolor and East Indian ink. It is a romantic and atmospheric picture.
I have time to draw and paint more after years of volunteer work for the St. Care Foundation The Gambia. Inspiration I got in the Gambia where I also lived. The colors, the population and life is a great source of inspiration. But also the quieter.. Read more…