In this watercolour, I wanted to capture the enchanting festive magic I felt while visiting Salzburg during the Christmas season. I used soft, wintry blues for the sky and the beautiful fortress on the hill, contrasting them with the warm, golden light reflecting off the market below. The loose brushwork on the green-domed chapel and the snow-dusted trees helps to evoke that crisp, wonderful atmosphere of the city in winter.
The heart of the piece is the memory of a lovely lunch outside, surrounded by the joy of the holiday season. I applied vibrant greens and touches of yellow to bring the decorated Christmas trees and the glowing star to life against the historic backdrop. To me, this painting represents the incredible charm of an Austrian Christmas, where the stunning views and holiday traditions come together perfectly.
Inspired by travel
Material: Sennelier Watercolours on Arches paper, acid free, 300gsm
Year painted 2025