Perched quietly along the dike, the white church of Slijk-Ewijk is a striking landmark in the wide, open landscape of the Gelderland river region. This modest yet graceful Protestant church, with its whitewashed walls and simple architecture, has watched over the village for centuries. Beside it stands a towering dark beech tree—its broad canopy casting long shadows, adding both contrast and a sense of shelter.
In this watercolor, the scene is rendered with soft light and subtle tonal shifts. The church catches the rays of the sun, while the beech tree anchors the composition in deep, cool hues. The curve of the grass, the slope of the roof, and the quiet presence of the tree together create a rhythm that reflects the calm and continuity of village life.
This painting honors the serene character of Slijk-Ewijk and its little white church—a place where time seems to slow, and the elements of land, sky, and history come together in quiet harmony.
Background
The Hervormde Kerk of Slijk-Ewijk dates back to the 14th century, though it has been rebuilt and restored over time. It stands on an elevated part of the village, right along the Waalbandijk, offering views over the surrounding countryside. The nearby beech tree is one of the oldest and most imposing in the region, and together with the church it forms a beloved silhouette in the Betuwe landscape.
