Reflets à Fort Royer

The hidden oyster port of Fort Royer, on the island of Oléron, is silent as night falls. The quietly scudding clouds move across the sky echoing the shapes of the illuminated ripples in the water below. Far off the sound of the waves lapping upon the shore can be heard and the insistent cry of a lone gull.

The atmosphere of the oyster ports at night is eery, dramatic and wonderful at the same time. All the senses are heightened in the dim light and the smell and sounds of the coast seem more present that ever. They are an essential part of my Oléron paintings collection.