View of the canal from the Nepomucenus Bridge in Bruges

by Bruges Artworks

This original watercolour depicts the view from the Nepomucenus Bridge in Bruges during an atmospheric sunset. Warm, historic façades line the Brugse Rei, with the characteristic turret of Huidenvettersplein visible in the background. The soft evening light casts a golden-yellow glow over the architecture, whilst grey and blue clouds drift slowly across the city.

A large weeping beech forms a key part of the composition. Its long, heavy branches hang almost down to the water’s edge, bringing a natural and lively element to the cityscape. Small, light highlights amongst the leaves allow the last rays of sunlight to play through the canopy. In the still water, the façades, windows, tree and sky are reflected in muted shades of gold, green, blue and grey. The moored boats enhance the tranquil atmosphere along the canal. I live and work as an artist and city guide in Bruges and based this watercolour on my own photograph of the city. Above all, I wanted to capture the interplay between the historic architecture, the monumental weeping beech, the water and the changing evening light.

Transparent layers of watercolour and alternating flowing and finer brushstrokes give the work a warm, lively yet tranquil feel. In this way, this watercolour brings the romantic atmosphere of an evening in Bruges into an interior.