When travelling with my friends, one of our traditions is enjoying a late-afternoon drink or aperitivo at a cafe. It’s a time to review the shared adventures of the day, often accompanied with lots of laughter and a cold beverage. And of course, there is the requisite people-watching!

One of the most wonderful spots where I’ve had that experience was in Place de l’Hôtel de Ville in Aix-en-Provence – a square filled with cafe tables and chairs spread out beneath plane trees and a bubbling fountain. After a hot June day of hiking, we freshened up and headed to this square for a refreshing aperitif of Kir Royale, a cocktail of cassis liqueur mixed with champagne.

Finding a table, the first thing that struck me was the light in the square – the afternoon sun was peaking through the plane trees, leaving curious shadows on the buildings. And as the breeze rustled the leaves, those shadows would dance on the centuries-old walls. At the time I thought that this is what the term “dappled light” must mean.

We did briefly share some conversation and laughter, but for the most part, we just sat quietly and watched the goings-on. One of the few times in my life where I had felt completely relaxed and absolutely present. I think there was something quite magical about that light, and the ambiance it had established… since all of us chatterboxes were now speechless!

That Provençal light has inspired many artists over the years, and I am happy to count myself among them. For this ink and watercolour miniature, I wanted to capture the light, the relaxation, and enough detail to put you, the observer, in one of those chairs, sitting with us sipping on a Kir Royale!

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