Vanorama Autumn

Vanorama Autumn - Winter, 2012
Acrylic on canvas, 72" x 36"

My original "Vanorama" painting has several classic elements of Vancouver captured in that breathtaking sunset moment when every building turns iridescent-beetle-green and the city turns into Oz. This one is a fall version when the sun seems to set closer to the horizon and bathe everything in gold. I remember seeing a sunset like this that made everyone stop and watch.

The mountains and water characterize Vancouver. I've heard some people say Vancouver's architecture is fairly unremarkable. "Take away the mountains and the sea," one critic sniffed, "And you've got Mississauga." Another one spoke about Vancouver having "Cheerleader Beauty" with no real character.

I would disagree. The spectacular light effects amplified by the glass and steel buildings are by design. That is what I tried to capture here. Moreover, while the majority of Vancouver's buildings tend toward a rounded rectangular sameness, the few that *do* stand out as features really stand out. The art deco Burrard Street bridge, for example. Harbour Centre. The new crownlike BC Place. The Scotia tower. Wall Center. The new Ericson building. There are enough recognizable landmarks to make our city's skyline unique and the westernmost sunset light that sets it aglow is our own location-specific blessing and can sometimes make you turn and gasp in awe.