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On a recent trip to Paris, I was inspired by seeing the works of other artists, both living and dead.  I was particularly taken by the works of some of the Nabis--a post-Impressionist group who used simple shapes and bright colors.  Vuillard and Bonnard are among this group.  There is something intrinsically appealing to me about these works.  Perhaps it is true that if you are drawn to the work of another artist, it means that you have a seed of the same approach within you.  I decided to give myself the freedom to paint a few "Nabis-inspired" paintings of Paris.  This was one of my efforts.

This is a large (24 inch x 30 inch) painting that I just completed in my studio.  I worked from a small plein air canvas that I painted last month on location, as well as a reference photo and a sketch.  The plein air painting was done in the late afternoon in Venice, standing on the edge of the Guidecca Canal.  I went there with a plan in mind, aiming to paint the Salute Chuch on the opposite side of the canal.  However, when I arrived at my painting location and looked around, I saw this lovely vista on my right.  I loved the sweep of the water and the curve of the canal, and the way it drew the eye to the church dome at the end of the stretch.  So...my original plan went right out the window, and I painted the scene you see here.  I have learned that when something sparks your interest like this, you should go with it!