Oil on canvas – 5 x 7 inch – Unique work

Without realizing it, this town marked significant milestones in my life.

It was twenty-six years ago. I had just gone through a divorce. I had to organize a work-related evening event in Honfleur for about twenty people. I drove there from Paris—the number of tolls was insane. I arrived in the town; it was charming. Unfortunately, I didn’t take the time to look around. Back then, I didn’t take the time to actually live or enjoy life. What a shame. I booked a restaurant and headed back. I have no memory of the name; I didn’t even attend the event itself—I was on another planet, truly.

Time has flown by—far too quickly if you ask me. I discovered painting by chance—or perhaps not. To practice my drawing, I bought art books specifically on Eugène Boudin and Johan Barthold Jongkind—two painters I admire immensely. I started with Eugène Boudin, using pastels; I love cows. Then I moved on to Johan Barthold Jongkind, working with watercolors. I thoroughly enjoyed it—drawing, certainly, but also the delicate touch required for watercolor. I found great pleasure in the process. I took the time; I was learning. It was the very beginning of my life with a paintbrush.

Then, a few years later, I moved to a different region—Normandy. And I remembered… Honfleur, just like that. I hadn’t yet taken the time to go there. A friend gave me a photo, and that was it. And this time, it’s an oil painting. A small size with its own easel. I thought it would be fun!

As I painted Honfleur, I found myself thinking that the colorful houses shared a lot in common with those in Amsterdam. It is a joy to imagine the many stories unfolding behind those windows—entire lives, generations of families succeeding one another. So many lives to live and discover.

But let’s get back to Honfleur. I’m planning to visit this autumn. It’s a top priority! Summer isn’t the best time for peace and quiet; there are far too many tourists for me. It will be so much more pleasant then. I’ll be able to capture plenty of photographic memories for future paintings. I have all the time in the world—no rush. I’ll pick the perfect moment when the weather is fine. I’ll head out in the morning for a hike before lunch at a nice restaurant. Perfect life, obviously!