Late Night Cafe

This cafe in Aix-en-Provence is in the same square as the daily market I painted many times over my two extended trips there.  As dusk and night fell there, I felt sucked into the scene in the cafe ... with its gorgeous chandelier and draped lights.

It was one of those I have to paint it scenes and one of my favorite paintings of the trip.

I don't speak French and am shyer than normal out of the country. The appeal of this scene was the open window and lighting. I was a little worried that they'd shut the window and that would be that.  At one point, two of the staff climbed through the window to bring out the trash. They did ask if the trash was a problem for me.

Shortly afterward, a trash truck came through the narrow street, gesturing all sorts of negative stuff my way.  I'd moved aside and they were on their way. 

Moments later, a much larger trash truck came through. I bet that's what all the warnings were about with the first. I moved everything -- suitcase, easel, all gear for that one and returned after that pass for a short time to finish up. No light. In the way. But I love what I captured.

To me, the open window offers a bit of mystery and invitation. This looks like the coziest of places and romantic to boot.

The piece is beautifully framed and that is included in the price.

For my 16 days of painting in the South of France this July, I came home with 30 paintings at least in progress. 11 have already been spoken for ... and this one's a beauty. Email: [email protected]. Phone: (703) 403-7435

Late Night Café - framed size is 22.5"h x  14.5"w