There are a lot of items in Amsterdam which are enormously interesting and fun to paint. For different reasons, I am fascinated by a special place called “The Golden Bend” (De Gouden Bocht). It is the name of a part of the “Herengracht” located between “Vijzelstraat” and “Koningsplein”. We are talking about the ancient center of Amsterdam. This part is build around 1670. 

In this area of you feel the prosperity during the Golden Age. There is this famous Dutch Golden Age painter, Berckheyde (1638-1698) who created a few beautiful painting. Of course there are more pictures, but this one inspired me very much to start a painting of the Golden Bend. Enough history for now.

My homework. I have visited the Golden Bend a few times. To take a close look what going on right now. I also went a few times to the Rijksmuseum to see the mentioned work of Berkheyde. To take a closer look what was going on in that period of time.

With these and more impressions to fill my fantasy, I will start my "Golden Bend”. Bright colors and smart lightfall are very important. And above all, it must be a cheerful painting.