Palais Royal 2011

Pietropoli Patrick made this ‘Palais Royal’ painting, we’re not sure exactly when, but it’s a pretty large canvas, about 160cm square. There’s something so dreamlike in the way he’s rendered the Parisian skyline with this soft, hazy light. The textures are incredible - look at the way he’s built up the layers of paint on the rooftops, it’s almost like you can feel the grit and grime of the city. Then there's the French flag, way up there, asserting itself. I’m really drawn to the almost monochromatic palette; those muted blues, greys, and creams create such a mood. You can really see the hand of the artist in this piece; it feels like every brushstroke was a conscious decision. This reminds me of some of the work of Giorgio Morandi, particularly how he was able to achieve so much with a restrained palette and a focus on form. This painting really captures the essence of Paris, don't you think?