Few landmarks in the world carry the emotional and cultural weight of the Eiffel Tower. For me, painting this iconic structure en plein air in Paris, was not only an artistic challenge, but also a deeply rewarding personal experience. The inspiration for this painting began the day before I set up my easel. 
Ilse and I took a leisurely boat cruise along the Seine River, departing from the base of the Eiffel Tower. As the boat glided along the water, I carefully studied the changing perspectives of the tower, the surrounding trees, and the way the light danced across the river’s surface. That quiet observation allowed me to identify the exact viewpoint I wanted for my painting: a strong, elegant angle of the tower with its reflection stretching into the Seine.
Early the following morning, we travelled by Metro to ensure I could set up before the inevitable crowds arrived. The Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited monuments in the world, with between 7 and 10 million visitors annual, and capturing a moment of calm there, requires planning and patience. Plein air painting demands quick decision-making—light changes rapidly, colours shift, and the atmosphere evolves minute by minute. On this particular day, the weather was overcast and slightly gloomy. While the muted light created a soft mood, I chose to interpret the scene through my own artistic lens. Rather than replicate the grey sky, I transformed it into a warm sunset, using glowing tones of rose, gold, and violet.
This choice was intentional: plein air painting is not merely about copying what is in front of you, but about translating the emotion and spirit of a place onto canvas. The reflection of the Eiffel Tower in the Seine became a central element of the composition. Painted loosely and expressively, it adds movement and rhythm to the scene, echoing the life and energy of Paris itself. The glowing lights along the riverbank suggest the city is transitioning into evening, a time when Paris truly earns its reputation as the City of Light.
This painting represents more than a famous monument. It captures a fleeting moment in time—an early evening calm, a personal connection to a place, and the timeless romance of Paris. Painting outdoors, surrounded by history, architecture, and everyday life, reminds me why plein air painting remains such an essential part of my artistic journey and career.