The essence of this scene is the anticipation of a night out: sequins, sparklers, lit pathways, and dancing stars.

Cities always look prettier at night, and cities built on water get double the radiance because of the reflection. This painting is, of course, homage to Van Gogh’s “Starry Night”. You don’t often get truly starry nights in Vancouver because of the ever-present rainy mist obscuring the stars. Nonetheless, the city still sparkles and the lights on the Lion’s Gate bridge mirror the stars and dangle like patio lanterns or garden lights.

One often hears how big cities feel small because you always seem to run into the same people. Vancouver is full of little cliques and enclaves and favorite spots. Despite the often-applied moniker of “No Fun City”, fun persists, often in the least likely places.

The family who commissioned the painting has a piscine surname, so there are many abstract fish shapes buried in the brush strokes in the water, the land, and the stars. The constellation of Pisces is also featured above Harbour Centre. This subtle motif is entirely appropriate for Vancouver.

Acrylic on linen canvas, 24″ x 48″
Located at: Private Collection