Calvi - canvas print

I have been fortunate enough to sail into Calvi many times, and that glorious view as you enter the harbour is something I never tire of. I painted this piece to capture the way in which, as you arrive, the sun-bleached buildings start to take shape and the massive dome of the Cathedral rises up to greet you. For me, this view is the definition of joie de vivre; it’s that instant shift into holiday mode.

To bring out the lively, bustling energy of the port, I’ve packed the foreground with a dense row of my signature boats. I like to think of them as little bursts of colour and pattern that lead your eye toward the historic citadel. By using bright, primary tones and bold shapes, I wanted to create a sense of movement and excitement. The way that the clear harbour water breaks up the reflections of the masts and the old stone walls is my attempt to bottle that shimmering, sun-drenched atmosphere. This piece is really a celebration of my own favourite voyages, and I hope it gives the observer that same sense of happy arrival.