Uncertain Weather

A beautiful spring day on the île d’Oléron off the west coast of France. The luminous waterway shines a brilliant turquoise and the sky is blue. But not so far off in the distance are some ominous looking clouds. Do they depict tougher times ahead?

Oléron is famous for its oyster ports where pretty coloured wooden cabins sit beside the canals that intertwine around the marshes. But the weathered façades and half finished walls of more recent constructions give a raw vision of the more onerous side of oyster cultivation for the smaller independant business.

Artist’s notes :
Whilst there are many postcard like depictions of this french island, I have always wanted to paint more authentic views. I find the wilder, out of season views much more appealing. The light changes all the time but its beauty stays constant and the depth and feeling of distance in this scène made me want to lose myself in a landscape seemingly with no end.

I used various mediums mixed with the oil paint to create a range of different textures : the glassy surface of the water, with its gentle rippled surface from a soft breeze; the textured spikyness of the thick végétation; the contrasting clouds, wispy and fluffy. The cool palette of greens and blues is softened by hints of reds and ochres in the grasses and buildings.

This painting is finished to the sides in black linen tape and has fixings in place, ready to hang, making framing optional.