Merijan Bijlsma

 

Terrible news this morning. Merijan Bijlsma died last wednesday after three years struggling against the horrible disease ALS. In that time she always kept a smile, a laugh and good humour. She will be missed. We wish her family and husband Bert our sincere condolances.

A year ago she asked me to paint her portrait in watercolour, for her obituary. Quite a chilling request I can say. I based the painting on a great photograph made by our neighbour, Marij Ruyters-Teeuwen.

Thull Mulderswegske

Coming from work on my bike (14 km), I stopped at this countryroad, to make this quick drawing. the sun was setting fast.

Mulderswegske, between Thull and Hommert.
 

Elsloo

Drawn this afternoon, on location, while sitting in my car. I was headed for another scene, but as I parked my car I noticed this view. And listening to some nice music in the warmth of my car made it an easy choice.
 

Magpie

Doodling, I saw this magpie during my running training today, wanted to draw it at home. I am always fascinated by these birds.

Laanderstraat Heerlen

Drawing, based on a 30s picture I found of the Laanderstraat in Heerlen. I heard my mother's family lived here in those days.

Brunssumerheide

 

Made this after my running round on the Brunssumerheide (heath). It was far too cold to make this, there was still some snow lying around. The things we do for art.