Framed oil painting

20 x 24 (image size) oil on canvas

Châtillon-sur-Seine is situated on a rocky bluff with the early Romanesque church of St.-Vorles overlooking it. I was inspired by the composition created by the close proximity of the homes and buildings and by the impressive stonework of the arched bridge. I wanted the charming bridge to be the main focus of the painting and I endeavored to create a painting which would evoke a sense of romance and wonderment. Admiring the French Impressionists as much as I do, I set out to apply some of their well known techniques to this painting. I used the weave in the canvas to bring texture to the stone bridge, water and sidewalk. The stucco buildings have several coats of heavy paint applied with a palette-knife to give them a sense of age and patina.