Betty's terrace has sweeping panoramic views across vineyards, olive farms and forests leading to Mt Ventoux.

During the morning and late afternoon the scene changes rapidly due to the weather and light.

Because of this I painted the view from 2o'clock onwards until early evening.

Over the days I began sketching in the mountain and gradually built up fat paint layers.

I wanted the middle area of trees to contrast with the flatness of the building and garden wall.

The strong thrusting tree structures are in stark contrast to the soft leaves and bushes breaking up the foreground terracottas, raw siennas and orange colours.

Same size canvas prints of this original are available from the Prints Gallery.