The King-Cromartie House was originally built in 1907. Now this house is a museum situated in Smoker Park on the south bank of the river, in Fort Lauderdale.

“Paysages de Ciels” means Sky Landscapes.

In order to paint the mood of the sky presents, I work very quickly as it rapidly changes before me.

The challenge is to capture the poetry of a moment in time. I avoid unnecessary details, concentrating instead on the composition created by the cloud formations, the quality of light, and the graduation of color.

Key Biscayne Cap Florida, September 2011, more than 95°F.

I want to paint this lighthouse from an angle that includes a view of the sand, sea, grass, palm trees.

After one or two quick sketches, I feel ready and set up my easel. My large stretched canvas is 1 1/2″ thick and is quite heavy at 24″x30″. The blustery wind makes it move and I fear it will fall over. I must hold the easel with my left hand to steady it. The sun is quite hot and the sand is reflecting its heat on me. After two hours of standing, I cannot stay any more. I need to rest in the shade. The sun is moving and the colors have changed. I have to stop for today.

The best way to capture the light is to paint directly in front of the scenery. Even if it’s inconfortable, plein air painting is the only way to capture what I want. 

Clic on the picture to see the full size of the painting.

You cannot think about Venice, Italy, without thinking about its famous canals. I have always been hypnotized by the constantly moving patterns found in its watery streets.

Most visitors are so busy shopping, or finding their way through Venice’s labyrinth of winding alleys, that they forget to look at the amazing reflections in the waters around them.

These reflections are among my favorite subjects to paint.

clic on the painting to get full image