Individual Painting Descriptions
The Moselle Carries the Light of Early Spring
Original plein air watercolour on canvas
1x1m 1200€
This land is shaped by the Moselle which, as it carves its way through the valley, is an integral part of the terroir. It forms the slopes where the vines take root and tempers the air that nurtures them. On this early spring day, the swift current becomes the bearer of light, reflecting it upwards in the enduring dialogue between river, earth and vine.
The First Warm Weather Cloud of the Season Drifts Over the Land
Original plein air watercolour
1m x 50cm → 720€
After a warm spell, a warm-weather cloud drifts in from the Eifel, hinting at thunderstorms yet to come. The sun’s heat encourages new growth on the ground, while the vines above remain stand pruned and tied. Above them, the angular silhouette of the historic Markusturm points to the spring sky, juxtaposed against the rounded, modern architecture of the winery as it looks out across the land.
Under Cold, Damp Air, the Earth Stirs
Original watercolour
60x80cm 650€
This was the very first painting created in the Domaine et Terroir series, in early February. The trees along the brow of the hill were still bare, and crows cawed sharply through the drifting mist. I was dressed warmly, gloves included, working in just three degrees above zero. Yet the land already knew that winter’s slumber was coming to an end.
An earthy scent rose from the soft, yellowish-green cover on the slopes. Here and there, remnants of trimmed branches lay scattered. Nature appeared to be waiting—on hold—yet subtly, almost imperceptibly, it was stirring.
Watched through the Window,
Sunshine and Spring Showers Sweep across the Land
Original watercolour – view from the winery building
70x90cm 800€
It is mid-February, and the vines are still bare under a spring sky that is still bringing showers of sleet and snow. In this unpredictable, chilly weather, I am grateful to be able to paint indoors, in the comfort of the Wäistuff, where the enormous façade of the spectacular Valentiny building opens out to a vista of vineyards stretching up to the forested horizon. This is the land on the other side of the Mosel, in Germany, making this a view that spans borders. Indeed, the sense of borderlessness is central to the identity of Schengen, the village that has given its name to the Schengen Area.
The Building Arches Over the Land
in the First Warmth of Spring
Original plein air watercolour
70x90cm 800€
With its curved architecture, the building rises above the vines, offering panoramic views across the Mosel. It is the end of February and visitors to the Domaine wander out onto the terrace to enjoy the vista and the sun’s first warm rays. Among the grass, the first wildflowers appear — tiny blue forget-me-nots lining the path.
A Labour of Love
Original plein air watercolour
60cmx80cm 650€
The individual parcels of land on the Markusberg are divided among various wineries, but one task they all share in early spring is pruning the vines. An expert eye, along with strong hands and arms, is required for this work. Excess canes are cut decisively, then tugged free and disentangled from the supporting trellis — vine by vine, row by row — in what seems like an endless task. Far from being tiresome, however, I discovered through conversations with several people tending the vines that they take great pleasure in their outdoor work. Their responsibility for the vines is, in fact, a source of pride and joy — a true labour of love.
A Labour Shared
Original plein air watercolour
60cmx80cm 650€
When it comes to pruning vines in spring, the timing isn’t random. The age of the vine, the grape variety, frost risk, and numerous other factors must all be considered. These two men worked swiftly — one with conventional secateurs, the other with handheld power secateurs connected to a pack on his belt. This technology amplifies human strength and reduces fatigue, yet it is their careful attention and steady rhythm that shape the vines with precision. Each cut is deliberate, each row tended with care and the silent camaraderie of the two men is tangible.
Late Afternoon Shadows Fall on the Back Road
to the Domaine
Original plein air watercolour
60cmx80cm 650€
There are two main routes to the winery. One is the panoramic path from the village, winding through the vineyards; the other is this one—a back road that passes a cluster of sheds belonging to neighbouring wine growers with parcels on the Markusberg. Just around the corner, out of sight here, Domaine Henri Ruppert has its own sheds.
This is the largely unseen side of the wine business—a quiet reminder that viticulture is, at heart, agriculture, with tractors, trailers, and spare tyres. Pallets, vineyard posts, and an assortment of attachments tell the story of labour behind the scenes, all part of everyday life on this back road.
Schengen in Bloom
Original plein air watercolour
70 x 70 680€
By mid-March, the days have become tangibly longer and warmer. Voices of people enjoying time on the terrace at the winery drift across to me as I paint this view in the opposite direction. The sun is now slowly setting behind the Markusberg, but it has done its work over these past few days, opening white blossoms on previously bare branches along the edge of the vineyards and bringing tinges of pink and yellow to the gardens in the village. Spring is now truly upon us as life returns to the landscape.
In the Warm Glow of a Spring Evening,
the Road Winds through the Vineyards to the Village
Original plein air watercolour
60cmx80cm 650€
Only the rooftops of the houses along the hillside are visible above the vineyard poles. Against a golden sky, some are silhouetted while sunlight reflects off the slate roofs of others. Shadows stretch and lengthen as evening settles over the vineyards.
To switch to another language please follow these links for Deutsch & Français
<- Back to the previous chapter Concept of the Exhibition
On to the next chapter Behind the Scenes ->