Inspired by Eugène Boudin (1824 – 1898) – At the beach (around 1865) – Lead pencil / Watercolour – 6,26 x 8,97 inch

André doesn’t fancy going out but Caroline happened to be so persuasive that he gave up. He loves his wife. That’s how it works.They met in a society dinner to common friends. She was sittong just in front of him. She came with was a silver-haired, grumpy and overweight man . He didn’t open his mouth the whole evening, nore smiled, or even less laughed at untimely sauciness of the end of the meal. As for her, she was glowing in her low and thrilling neckline dress, a light blush on her cheeks and dark brown hair held in a low bun. André spent the entire evening watching her as discreetly as possible. He didn’t want her to notice anything. Obviously, the young woman wasn’t single. Besides, the couple left suddenly the table just after the dessert. He, pretending a most likely indigestion to come. Before leaving, André dared to question the hosts about this delicate and lovely young woman, now that all his mind is entirely concentrated on her. He had nothing to lose after all. Excellente initiative … In fact, this « raving lunatic » guy with bad health turns to be her uncle coming from the Americas. She hadn’t dared to come to supper on her own, and he was the only option. Tremendous news. Too excited to wait any longer, Andre asked for her address to send her flowers.

That’s how their romance started 10 years ago. Before closing their rental house door on the waterfront of Le Havre, André takes his newspaper he has not yet had time to study. It is only 14:30, a beach cabin should still be available. Caroline loves the beach but her pale skin is so delicate and fears the sun so tremendously. The walk is very pleasant with a fresh light wind blowing on an afternoon in August. Arm in arm, the couple made their way to the seaside. It’s not crowded yet. They are lucky. André identifies the perfect beach cabin. Halfway between the sea and the road, it keeps unnecessary noise away. Folding chairs are free to be taken a little further on. He runs for two before it disappears. Then André settles down, the newspaper on his lap and his magnificent wife reading over his shoulder.