Daily realism paintings by Gerard Boersma

Cartman - painting of glass

2009-11-03T17:24:00.003+01:00

Last year I painted a still life of a glass showing Kenny of Southpark and now I felt like making one with Cartman. His catchfrase 'I'm not fat, I'm big boned' is right beneath his feet. The funny thing about painting cartoons this way is that all of a sudden they become realistic, I kind of like this strange contrast.

The Leeuwarder Courant recently published a review of my solo-show at Artemisia, it's in Dutch only and you can read it here

kind regards, Gerard Boersma

Cartman
G. Boersma
acrylics on masonite
13.8" x 11.7" or 35 x 29,6 cm
2009

This painting is available through Amstel Gallery. If you're interested in purchasing this painting, please email the gallery for more information and price.

info@amstelgallery.com
Larger sized image
www.gerardboersma.blogspot.com
www.amstelgallery.com

Library

2009-10-21T10:00:00.002+02:00

It's been a while since I last posted here, that's because I've been mad busy painting Library. On the painting you see a young woman looking for books at the library in my hometown. Getting the lighting straight was quite difficult, especially the blues and whites on the right. Of course painting all the books wasn't easy neither! All in all I think I did a good job here and I sure hope you enjoy Library as well.

In other news I had a blast at the recent opening of my solo show at Artemisia. Peter de Haan, editor of the book Famous Frisians in America had a great talk about my art and even collected comments about my art from all over the world! People from Senegal, China, South Africa, India, America, France and other countries all responded positively to my works which was really flattering. Peter even stressed the fact that somebody should organize an duo-exhibition of me and Edward Hopper. How about that!

In addition to my solo show my works will be represented by Amstel Gallery at the Afordable Art Fair from oct 29 - nov 1 at Gashouder, Westergasfabriek in Amsterdam. For more information about the fair please click here

kind regards, Gerard Boersma

Library
G. Boersma
acrylics on masonite
20.4" x 17.3" or 51,8 x 44 cm
2009

This painting is available through Amstel Gallery. If you're interested in purchasing this painting, please email the gallery for more information and price.

info@amstelgallery.com
Larger sized image
www.gerardboersma.blogspot.com
www.amstelgallery.com

Killah - painting of shopwindow at night

2009-10-07T15:57:00.004+02:00

It feels real good to be fully concentrating on larger scaled paintings once again. There's no stress of finding any new subjects to paint for the day, no deadlines and above all I can go all out with the details, which I absolutely love.

This past week I painted Killah, a painting showing a shopwindow of a clothing store at night. I thought the name of the store was quite odd, Killah is slang for Killer if I understand American slang correctly. I remember standing in front of the shopwindow wondering about this, when I saw that the dummies were already killed so to speak. They all lost their heads, but at least they still looked nice.

This saturday my solo-show at Artemisia will open. Today we decorated the gallery and it really turned out great. A sneak preview of the show can be seen on the website of Artemisia. The show will be opened this saturday at 16.00 h (4 pm) by Peter de Haan, editor of the book Famous Frisians in America. I'm looking forward to the show and I hope to greet you as my guest!

kind regards, Gerard Boersma

Killah
G. Boersma
acrylics on masonite
23.6" x 17.7" or 60 x 45 cm
2009

This painting is available through Amstel Gallery. If you're interested in purchasing this painting, please email the gallery for more information and price.

info@amstelgallery.com
Larger sized image
www.gerardboersma.blogspot.com
www.amstelgallery.com

Solo show 'Unnoticed' (Onopgemerkt) at gallery Artemisia

2009-10-02T16:01:00.003+02:00

From oct 8 untill nov 14 I will show my latest paintings at my solo show 'Unnoticed' (Onopgemerkt) at gallery Artemisia in my hometown Leeuwarden. On saturday oct 10 at 16.00h the show will be opened by Peter de Haan, editor of the book Famous Frisians in America which also features me and my art. You're cordially invited and I hope to greet you as my guest.

kind regards, Gerard

Unnoticed (Onopgemerkt)
Solo show Gerard Boersma
oct 8 - nov 14
opening sat oct 10, 16.00h
Artemisia
Eewal 98
Leeuwarden
open thursday, friday and saterday from 12.30 - 17.00h
www.artemisiainkunstzaken.nl
0031 (0) 58 2998841

No more dailies

2009-09-29T19:03:00.003+02:00

After deliberating with Amstel Gallery I decided to stop making daily paintings. I understand this may come as a shock to you, but I'm now at a point in my career that I don't have to depend on my smaller sized paintings any more.

This means I'm now free to paint whatever I like and I decided to fully concentrate myself on larger scaled paintings once again. That sure is something I'm really looking forward to!

Internationally as well as nationally I'm represented by Amstel Gallery. All my paintings are available through the gallery, including my remaining smaller sized works. If you're interested in purchasing one of my paintings please email Amstel Gallery at info@amstelgallery.com or call them at 0031 6285 678 30.

Of course my blog will continue. I'm going to use it for news and showing new paintings. I'm also thinking about showing pictures of works in progress, but haven't made my mind up about it yet. We'll see how that goes!

kind regards, Gerard

English Literature - painting of bookshelf

2009-09-18T09:27:00.006+02:00

In addition to Art Bookshelf I painted English Literature yesterday, but I didn't find the time to post it then. The books on the shelf are all English literature as you would have guessed by the title. I do read a lot of English books, but I must say I haven't read any of the books on my painting yet, but I'm sure that day will come. On the painting you see books by John Irving, James Joyce and others. The scene is taken from a visit to a second hand bookstore in my hometown.

Today we're getting ready for the show tomorrow in Blitsaerd. We're going to hang all the art in place and make sure everything is top notch. A lot of work, but I'm really looking forward to it! Of course you're welcome to join us in the festivities, we would love to have you as our guest! More information about the show can be found
here
kind regards, Gerard Boersma

English Literature
G. Boersma
acrylics on masonite
6.7" x 6" or 17 x 15 cm
2009

SOLD

Larger sized image
www.gerardboersma.blogspot.com

Art Bookshelf

2009-09-15T15:30:00.004+02:00

Today I completed the large still life painting I spoke about yesterday. On the painting you see a couple of art books as seen in a local bookstore, easy recognizable are Botticelli's Birth of Venus and a selfportrait by Van Gogh. I spend the latter of last week painting it.

I didn't think it would be that hard to complete, but boy did I forget how difficult it is to get the lettering straight. It really takes a lot of concentration, especially when the books are the same, as in the upper right corner. If you wonder where I signed the painting, well take a good look at the 3 books in the center below. That's right, I signed it 3 times:)

This painting is available through Amstel Gallery. If you're interested in purchasing this painting, please email the gallery for more information and price.

kind regards, Gerard Boersma

Art Bookshelf
G. Boersma
acrylics on masonite
20.4" x 17.3" or 51,8 x 44 cm
2009

This painting is available through Amstel Gallery. If you're interested in purchasing this painting, please email the gallery for more information and price.

Detail Art Bookshelf

info@amstelgallery.com
Larger sized image
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www.amstelgallery.com

Night Train

2009-09-08T18:03:00.004+02:00

Something completely different than Obama, but more up my alley I guess. One evening I took a stroll down to the trainstation here in Leeuwarden. I saw a train ready to departure with a beautiful view trhough the windows of the car. Just had to paint that!

kind regards, Gerard Boersma

Night Train
G. Boersma
acrylics on masonite
6" x 6" or 15 x 15 cm
2009

This painting is available through Amstel Gallery. If you're interested in purchasing this painting, please email the gallery for more information and price.

Larger sized image
info@amstelgallery.com
www.amstelgallery.com
www.gerardboersma.blogspot.com

Famous Frisian in America and Obama Superman

2009-09-01T20:24:00.004+02:00

I had a splended day today! This morning I attended the bookpresentation of Famous Frisians in America. The book by Peter de Haan is a collection of fascinating profiles of 70 famous Frisians who positively distinguished themselves in the United States for the last 400 years. From Peter Stuyvesant to Doutzen Kroes...and me! As one of the very few artists I too am included in the book with one page of text and 3 images of my series of paintings about the US.

The presentation began with a nice breakfast, followed by a word of welcome by the commisioner of the Queen. After that a couple of speakers took center stage giving a lot of background info on a selection of people in the book. Very interesting to listen to. It was quite crowded too, over 100 people attended. During the presentation images were projected on a large screen, including some of my paintings! Later I spoke to the author and I got my own copy. The book is not only published in Dutch, but in English as well. On 12 september the first copy of the English version will be presented to topmodel Doutzen Kroes on Governor's Island in New York during the Hudson 400 festivities. More info on the book can be found here

In the spirit of today I give you Obama Superman. I had this idea for a while and just now finished it. At first I didn't want to publish it, because it's so out of character, but then again I couldn't think of a painting more appropriate for today then this one!

kind regards, Gerard Boersma

Obama Superman
G. Boersma
acrylics on masonite
20" x 20" or 51 x 51 cm
2009

The Garden - woman looking at Monet

2009-08-31T17:05:00.006+02:00

I haven't made a museum scene in a while now and just felt like painting one today. On the painting you see a woman looking at a painting by Monet. Not sure about the title of Monets painting, but it's one of his famous series of paintings of his garden. The scene takes place in the Getty Center in LA.

In other news, I got a special day coming up tomorrow. Tomorrow I wll be having breakfast with some of the most prominent figures in my region at the Fries Museum. This all has to do with a book called Famous Frisians in America which also features me. This book will be presented tomorrow in my hometown and in New York on sept 12. If you wish to learn more about the book please click here for detailed information.

kind regards, Gerard Boersma

Garden
G. Boersma
acrylics on masonite
6" x 6" or 15 x 15 cm
2009

This painting is part of my solo show at Artemisia and available through Artemisia. If you're interested in purchasing this painting, please email the gallery for more information and price.

Larger sized image
www.gerardboersma.blogspot.com

Ikea Two - larger sized version

2009-08-28T11:24:00.003+02:00

I painted the Ikea store a couple of times now, but I find there 'gallery' too interesting not to paint. Not that I actually like what there showing there, as an artist I cannot stand these reproductions on canvases and calling it art, but it's just the contrast between those 'pieces' turning into real art when I paint it. Also abstract paintings suddenly are realistic. It raises questions about what real art is and isn't. If you know me a little by now, you probably know how I think about all this.

In other news, the show in Groningen just ended yesterday. The show went really well. A lot of visitors came to see the show and I sold a couple of paintings there. I would like to thank Maurice and everybody at SBK Amsterdam and CBK Groningen for a great show!

kind regards, Gerard

Ikea Two
G. Boersma
acrylics on masonite
23.6" x 23.6" or 60 x 60 cm
2009

Dvd's - painting of man in dvd shop

2009-08-25T20:11:00.005+02:00

At the same train station where Graffiti Train takes place I saw this guy searching for dvd's in one those little shops there. The shop offers a lot for sale, boxes are piled up and dvd's are everywhere. Kind of a strange surrounding to be in, don't you think so?

kind regards, Gerard Boersma

Dvd's
G. Boersma
acrylics on masonite
6" x 6" or 15 x 15 cm
2009

SOLD

Larger sized image
info@amstelgallery.com
www.amstelgallery.com
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Knowledge - painting of man in bookstore

2009-08-21T21:35:00.005+02:00

Yes I told you yesterday I'm concentrating on larger sized work, but that doesn't mean I completely overlook my beloved dailies. Today I got this great scene from a local bookstore for you. A man is willing to expand his knowledge and is there a better way to that then by picking up a book? I especially like the wall of books behind him. It's almost abstract, but then again it's completely the opposite.

kind regards, Gerard Boersma

Knowledge
G. Boersma
acrylics on masonite
6" x 6" or 15 x 15 cm
2009

SOLD

Larger sized image
www.gerardboersma.blogspot.com

Graffiti Train

2009-08-20T19:47:00.004+02:00

Todays painting is the larger sized version of my daily painting Graffiti Train I did a while ago. The painting shows a woman waiting for her train at the central station of Zwolle. In the background you see a train covered with graffiti. Being an artist I always like to see trains like that. Imagine one of my artworks up there riding cross country through the Netherlands, that sure would be something!

It seems I'm getting back into my larger sized painting modus. I don't know why, but somehow it just feels good to do right now. I'm close to finishing a new one soon any day now!

kind regards, Gerard Boersma

Graffiti Train
G. Boersma
acrylics on masonite
13.8" x 12" or 30,6 x 35 cm
2009
This painting is available through Amstel Gallery. If you're interested in purchasing this painting, please email the gallery for more information and price.

Larger sized image
info@amstelgallery.com
www.amstelgallery.com
www.gerardboersma.blogspot.com

Central Station - painting of central station at night

2009-08-17T17:06:00.006+02:00

I still travel by train every now and then. Recently I came back late at night from a trip to Groningen. Usually the central station is quite busy, but at night there's hardly anyone. It makes the place look a little bit eerie, but still comfortable to me, because I was almost home. Todays painting gives a good sense of what I felt when I stepped out of the train.

The opening last saturday of the show Nieuwe Uitleenschatten in Groningen was huge succes. Although it was really warm that day a lot, and I mean a lot, of people showed up. The show itself was a pleasure to visit, great selection of work by great artists. If you haven't seen the show yet, you can do so until aug 28.

kind regards, Gerard Boersma

Central Station
G. Boersma
acrylics on masonite
8.7" x 9.9" or 22 x 25,2 cm
2009

Windows - painting of man behind computer in library Amsterdam

2009-08-11T20:02:00.005+02:00

On todays painting you see a man behind a windows computer in the library of Amsterdam. In the background you see an actual window overlooking the city. The painting is a reminder that there's a real world out there, very much the opposite of the computerscreen. One should not forget to take a peak through that window too.

kind regards, Gerard Boersma

Windows
G. Boersma
acrylics on masonite
6" x 6" or 15 x 15 cm
2009

Street Counter - painting of woman selling food on street counter

2009-08-10T16:06:00.003+02:00

In Holland you got this warehouse called Hema, every city got one. They sell all kinds of stuff, but they're really famous for their sausages. Nowadays most stores have a street counter where you can buy the sausages and sandwiches without going into the warehouse. On todays painting you see a woman selling food at one of those street counters of the Hema. It's almost closing time and all the customers went home, except for one painter.

kind regards, Gerard Boersma

Street Counter
G. Boersma
acrylics on masonite
6" x 6" or 15 x 15 cm
2009

Classic Art: The Huisman family

2009-08-08T07:52:00.004+02:00

Recently Marieke van der Veen wrote an article about me and my painting family entitled 'Classic Art: The Huisman family'. As you might of heard I'm a relative to Jopie Huisman, famous for painting highly detailed old raggs which are on permanent display at his own museum.

The article shows some outstanding works by Jopie and by my other painting relatives Gerrit Wijngaarden and Grietje Huisman. I believe it's the first time I actually see a selection of our works published together in one article. It makes me very proud to be part of such a talented family! Thank you Marieke for writing it. You can read the article in English here

kind regards, Gerard Boersma

Red Shirt
Jopie Huisman
oil on canvas
31,5" x 23,6" or 80 x 60 cm
1975

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Bakery - painting of couple at bakery on central station Amsterdam

2009-08-07T20:50:00.005+02:00

On todays painting you see a couple looking for some nice treat at a bakery on central station in Amsterdam. I always love to paint those shops down at the station, the colors are usually stunning with all the glass and steel going on. Quite an unnatural environment, still the couple on my painting don't mind at all, they're just thinking about the joy of sharing something sweet together.

kind regards, Gerard Boersma

Bakery
G. Boersma
acrylics on masonite
6" x 6" or 15 x 15 cm
2009

Jewelry

2009-08-06T16:16:00.004+02:00

In the Magna Plaza in Amsterdam I saw this couple looking for some jewelry. I love the red color in the background. Usually it is a bad idea to use such a strong color in the background, but somehow it works out great here. It gives the painting a great atmosphere.

kind regards, Gerard Boersma

Jewelry
G. Boersma
acrylics on masonite
6" x 6" or 15 x 15 cm
2009

Cabs - painting of new york yellow cabs

2009-08-05T19:55:00.006+02:00

I simply couldn't resist painting another scene with the yellow cabs on New York today. Nightfall is coming soon which gives the windows this wonderful blue color.

kind regards, Gerard Boersma

Cabs
G. Boersma
acrylics on masonite
6" x 6" or 15 x 15 cm
2009

Searching - woman searching for books in bookstore

2009-08-04T21:14:00.006+02:00

On todays painting you see a woman searching for books in a local bookstore. In a broader sense to me the painting means the quest for knowledge one needs to make it in life. One can argue here if booksmarts are the way to go, after all experience is the best teacher, isn't it?

kind regards, Gerard Boersma

Searching
G. Boersma
acrylics on masonite
6" x 6" or 15 x 15 cm
2009

The Writer

2009-08-03T16:22:00.004+02:00

Recently I was asked by an old friend of mine to spraypaint the frontdoor of her house. It has been a long time since somebody asked me that and I thought it would be fun pick up a spraycan again and help out a friend.

At the same time it was an excellent occasion for me to finally create something with an artist friend of mine Klaas Lageweg. He's greatly influenced by graffiti and we've been talking about creating something together for a while now. Never really got around in actually doing so, but we finally did so now.

Since I was really rusty whith the spraycan we decided to go for a design by Klaas. While working I thought the commisioned door was also a perfect theme for a daily. On todays painting you see Klaas working on the door we did together. It turned out quite colorful! The second picture shows the finished door.

kind regards, Gerard Boersma

The Writer
G. Boersma
acrylics on masonite
6" x 6" or 15 x 15 cm
2009

SOLD

The finished door

Larger sized image info@amstelgallery.com
www.amstelgallery.com
www.gerardboersma.blogspot.com

Three Cabs -yellow cabs in streets nyc

2009-07-31T20:58:00.005+02:00

I had so much fun painting the yellow cabs yesterday that I wanted to try my hand on another painting with the same subject. This time focussing more on the back of the cars and reflections on the ground.

kind regards, Gerard Boersma

Three Cabs
G. Boersma
acrylics on masonite
6" x 6" or 15 x 15 cm
2009

Roxy - yellow cabs on Times Square

2009-07-30T20:19:00.007+02:00

I'm really getting back into my daily painting routine, I love it. Today I got another great scene from New York for you, Times Square to be exact. The cabs are great to paint, the colors are vibrant and it stands out against almost every background. Here the background is Roxy, a restaurant on Times Square.

kind regards, Gerard Boersma

Roxy
G. Boersma
acrylics on masonite
6" x 6" or 15 x 15 cm
2009