Abbey of Senanque

Original Materials: Oil on Canvas
Dimensions: 23 1/4" x 29"
Year: 2018

"Abbey of Senanque" is a highly textured oil painting created in 2005, depicting the iconic Abbey of Senanque in France. The inspiration for this piece came from an image found in an American Express Departures magazine, which captivated the artist with its serene beauty and historical significance.

The painting features the long, impressionistic lavender fields in the foreground, leading the viewer's eye towards the stark stone abbey in the background. While the technical execution of the lavender fields is intentionally inaccurate and impressionistic, the contrast with the detailed architecture of the abbey creates a unique and compelling visual effect. The stone structure, though depicted with clarity, is intended to evoke a sense of timelessness and history, standing in contrast to the vibrant, textured fields.

The artist, self-taught and experimenting at the time, found great joy in creating this piece despite its challenges. The process was one of learning and exploration, resulting in a work that combines technical experimentation with a deep appreciation for the subject matter.

"Creating 'Abbey of Senanque' was a joyful yet challenging experience. As a self-taught artist, I was still learning the intricacies of painting and exploring different techniques. The image of the abbey and its surrounding lavender fields captivated me, and I wanted to capture its essence despite my technical limitations. The impressionistic lavender fields and the detailed abbey reflect my journey of experimentation and discovery. This painting holds a special place in my heart as a testament to the joy and challenges of self-taught artistry."