Red balconies overlooking the still river

by Patrick Wittling

White houses with red wooden balconies and shutters line a tranquil river. Their striking façades frame the view of trees, lush greenery along the banks and rolling hills in the distance. Above, a vast sky stretches out, dotted with scattered clouds which, in the warm light, take on a delicate peach hue in places.

The houses and trees are reflected in the water as gentle mirror images. A low weir draws a curved line through the scene; at the sides, the water flows down in a small white curtain. It is precisely this alternation between a smooth surface and flowing water that lends the scene its distinctive rhythm. On the right bank, scattered yellow leaves add small splashes of colour, whilst on the left the darker plants provide a calm counterpoint.

The photograph conveys the atmosphere of a place where architecture and landscape have been intertwined for a long time. It invites you to pause in your mind’s eye on the bank, observe the water and discover the many details of the houses.

The rich red lends the image character without disrupting its tranquillity. In living or working spaces, the motif combines the warmth of traditional architecture with the freshness of a riverside landscape. Wood, natural tones and subtle red accents complement its colours particularly well.