Oil on cardboard – 7 x 9,5 inch – Unique work

The weather is beautiful. The perfect weather for a boat trip on the canals. Amsterdam really lends itself to this activity.

Let’s go, I’ll take you with me. We are a few meters from Berenstraat. The boats cross and recross in joy and good mood. Sometimes, you sail towards a small boat that offers an aperitif with or without alcohol. Some occupants, rather cheerful, shout to you in their respective languages a “Cheers”! A specific atmosphere for every season.

It’s early September, the heat is behind us. The trees are starting to turn yellow, to lose their leaves. The rain is gradually setting in. The water temperature is falling slowly but surely. And yet, this walk is very pleasant. There are fewer tourists, the locals are almost less nervous on their bikes, it’s an excellent thing. A certain serenity is setting in.

The city is even more beautiful from the water. It’s almost magical. And here, we are in broad daylight. Imagine at night. A city is so beautiful at night. All these houses with illuminated windows without curtains. I love to take a look and tell myself a whole bunch of stories afterwards. Dutch interiors are magnificent. Like many northern countries, the comfort of a home and the decoration are very important. And you can see it right away.

Okay, I digress. This boat trip on the canals, during the day, inspired this painting. I like it a lot, in fact, it’s one of my favorites. Because yes, as an artist, I have favorites. And it’s not rational at all. Take this one for example. The photo wasn’t great, rather ordinary. And it took me a while to paint it. I had trouble getting started, concentrating, finding ideas. I was tired. And yes, it happens. And then, I let it happen, at my own pace. As long as I respected the deadline to sign it, there was ultimately no rush.

I favored autumnal colors, soft, harmonious. I give importance to the boats for once. The buildings are set back. At the end of the day, I lived a beautiful story with this painting, I liked giving it life. I remember the exact moment when I took the photo, but shh this moment belongs to me.