“Etretat, Normandy, France”

Description

Mama Renée liked this painting a lot – she loved views of nature and the sea. I asked her if she would like one, but a bit larger for her garden – initially. She was delighted. I remember Etretat as a young woman, and when I Iook at this painting, it evokes the cool breeze, the smell of the ocean and the ruggedness of the cliffs and nature all around.

A painting holiday was planned with my very inspiring teacher, Angelika Privalikhina, to Monet’s garden for a week of plein-air painting.  This was not to be as the pandemic halted all international travel plans.  So painting this was as close as I could get at the time.  I have tried to employ some of the painting techniques Angelika taught us on the Tuscany plein-air holiday in 2019, particular use of the palette knife, remembering to balance out the colours. I trust I have done her justice!