The Empty Hat

Yesterday 35 of my colleagues were told that they're no longer needed. Just like that, out of the blue. Makes you wonder what more pops up out of the board of director's high hat...

Camping Sketcher

Last week we went out camping. The weather was fine, the children enjoyed playing in the mud and the campsite wasn't too crowded. So good opportunities for finally reading a good book and making some sketches. I've not had the time nor the peace of mind to do those things for a long time. Now, after a few days back at the office I still have difficulties picking up the usual pace, going from deadline to deadline. This afternoon I've decided not to bother too much about that. Actually this evening I picked up working at a painting which has been patiently waiting for me on the easel. It was fun getting to know each other again. Also says my wife and our kids.
The sketch shows the tent my son and I used. My wife and daughter camped next to us, in their own one.

MG TC

Last month I've had lots of fun drawing a black and white pen drawing. So I've decided to draw another one. The choice was easily made: for long I wanted to do something with a sportscar, especially a MG. Back in the old days my nephews restored MG cars and many times my brother and I drove on our bicycle to the old shed where our nephews always seemed to have several MG's for restoration purposes. My job was mostly on the chassis: painting big black tar on it. A dirty job, but you know what they always say: "someone has to do it". As I was not very technical that was the best contribution I could do at the age of twelve, thirteen. The rewards were priceless: when the cars were ready we were invited for the testdrive on the nearby highway. After all, the maximum speed had to be tested. So without any safetybelt, helmet or other safety device, the exhaustpipe roaring, the heat of the motor on your legs and the wind blazing through your hair it gave an unique driving sensation. A once in a lifetime experience!
Pen and ink, 21 x 30 cm.

Jools Holland

Jools Holland is best known as bandleader of his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra. This band played with famous artists like Solomon Burke, Tom Jones, Sting, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, BB King and many others. I made this drawing with Jools sitting behind the wheel of a replica of a famous Rover, the so-called jet car. The replica was made by the boys of the Chop Shop in London. How the car was made can be seen here . You can see the whole episode of this Discovery Channel series on Youtube, search for: Chop Shop, season two, episode five. I'm sure you'd be amazed how this replica actually was build and surprisingly enough looks very good at the end.

Pen Drawing

Just for the fun of it I made a pen drawing this week. I didn't make one for long, so it was about time.
It is based on a picture I found on internet. This old garage has been the subject for several sketches and drawings I've made. Mostly just parts of it, but now in full and I've added a Citroën-sign.
Pen and ink, 21 x 29,7 cm.

Nelson Mandela

Next month Nelson Mandela will be celebrating his 94th birthday. A honourable age for a very respectful person. I've tried to draw his joy of life and his natural charisma. He suffered a lot in his life, but stood ferm for his principles. Trying to make the world a better place for all of us. Regardless color, religion or political engagement.
Pen and watercolor, 10x15 cm.

Purpose in Life

I'm a bit busy lately, so I don't have much time for drawing. Alas. This week I was doodling in the little sparetime I have. The guy you see in the sketch came out as a result of that. After I've sketched him I thought: "Hmm, funny dude, but what will he do? What is his purpose in life?" Then I thought that he will be fixing old Citroen 2cv's. After this conclusion the completion of the sketch didn't take much effort anymore: one thing leads to another.