Our Lady Of Mount Carmel

G and I were driving around the back roads of Montecito on a beautiful sunny day when we came across this wonderful little church. It was so imposing yet so humble in its bearing, so perfectly placed under the clear blue sky, and I had the incredible sensation that it was meant to be painted. I loved the clump of tall palms stretched out like a guard of honour on the left and the giant recessed window in the centre, the pinkish blush of the ancient stone walls and the simple green doors standing open in invitation at the entrance. It was magnificent and it was an honour to paint it.