- Schildersweek
- Katwijk aan Zee
A week painting in Domburg and her surroundings was a great experience.
The light, the atmosphere, the rhythm of the 'wave breakers' that captured the artist community of Mondrian, Toorop and so many others 100 years ago is still a source of inspiration. I was particularly struck by the early morning and evening light and changing skies, the sense of rhythms and tones you find along the coast and in the woods of Westhove. The general atmosphere with 29 artists and the enthusiastic organising team contributed to an overall fun and inspiring week!
‘Katwijk en Plein Air’, painting at zee
On the 1 of July 2011 ‘Katwijk en Plein Air’ begins its annual event which draws artists, both local and from abroad. For a whole week they can be found painting on the beach, along the boulevard and in the villages of Katwijk, Rijnsburg and Valkenburg, searching for subjects in these surroundings to translate onto canvas. During that week the general public can see the artists at work as well as attending an exhibition of all the work as it is completed at the DunaAtelier located on the beach (at exit 8 opposite the Old Church) where the work can be purchased. This exhibition will continue until mid September. Entrance is free and the artists will be present regularly to explain their work. The work will continue to be on display and for sale after the 8th of July at the DunaAtelier. Opening hours 14.00 – 1700 hours, and on sunny evenings as well.
Background History to the event:
In 1995, the Katwijks Museum and The Amsterdam Institute for Painting formed a partnership to create the "Katwijk Painting Summer Festival". Many painters were invited to Katwijk where they painted scenes of the beach and Boulevard in 'en plein air' style, as the artists had done 87 years previously in 1908. The completed works were then exhibited in the Museum under the title ‘Back to Katwijk.'
Once again in 2005 the event was held and in 2008, in its centenary year the original aims of 1908 formalised into The Katwijk Art Association, which now organises this annual event. Its objectives being: "The purpose of the (present) Association is to inform the public about the work of its members and follow the aims of The Association that was founded in 1908". Consequently, a century later a platform for artists has been resurrected in Katwijk. Artists who paint ‘en plein air' will be welcome to Katwijk's en Plein Air’ Painting at the Sea. One of the aims realized is the building of a pavilion on the beach from which the artists can work and sell their paintings.
Benefits to the public are the enjoyment of seeing the artists working in the township, viewing the exhibits which have resulted in increased tourism which in turn benefits the locals. An added benefit is that this wonderful artistic heritage of Katwijk will be witnessed by the young generation of Katwijkers, during this week they will be invited to come and paint for themselves and experience the work by some fine artists.