Early morning rain didn’t stop a spring plein air painting date at Government House in Victoria. This official residence of the lieutenant governor is endowed with well maintained formal gardens, but on this particular visit the actual residence structure became the subject of my painting. Interestingly the soft light of the damp foggy morning allowed one to see the forms more clearly without intense shadow. As the building could only be seen at close range the view required a “fish bowl lens” approach to arrange such a large subject on the 24 x 30 canvas. The porte cochère was of special interest and I understand it was the one element which survived in this new official residence built  after fire destroyed the earlier Rattenbury-Maclure designed structure in 1957.

In this year of the diamond Jubilee it is an honour for everyone to be able to visit Government House. The grounds are open to the public. We thank the many volunteers who labour with love in the gardens.

Address: 1401 Rockland Avenue Victoria, British Columbia