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Cathedral in Clermont-Ferrand (photo)

Entering the Auvergne region from other parts of France, one marvels at the dramatic change of landscapes from the flat farmland to the rugged, mountainous Massif Central.  Clermont-Ferrand is a major city in the region.  Situated in the heart of l'Hexagone, it is also one of the oldest cities of France with its history going back to the pre-Roman era.

Once in Clermont-Ferrand, it doesn't take long to notice the city, especially in the old historic part of town, looks much darker compared to other French towns.  For anybody wondering why, the answer is volcanoes (I don't mean volcanic ashes covering the sun or anything).  Black volcanic stone, especially pierre de Volvic (rock of Volvic), mined from nearby quarries has been used for many houses, churches and fountains. This particular type of stone is said to be very strong, thus making it ideal construction materials.

The atmosphere of the city streets created by dark-colored stone buildings is simply solemn.  On a cloudy day, the effect is even more enhanced, almost to the point of being sacred.  As an artist who is passionate about painting streetscapes, I was both excited and stunned at the different kind of visual input Clermont-Ferrand offered.  So I am planning to make a series of paintings of the city while my memory is still fresh and I may be able to communicate those feelings more eloquently.

"Eloquence is a painting of the thoughts." -- Blaise Pascal, mathematician, philosopher from Clermont-Ferrand

- Visit my website to see other French landscape paintings.