Venice seems to shimmer and sparkle and as I passed this gondola on it’s way to Burano Island, it seemed to sway and sparkle in the shimmering heat and light.  Colours seem to be transformed with light.  Nearly all gondolas are black but the light and the reflection of the lagoon on this particular day, seemed to lighten the gondola into a rich brown, sitting on a glittering emerald lagoon with a gold sky full of a variety of colours and with the accent dark outline of the Burano houses in the background.  The main accent colour, the blue of the gondolier’s trousers, sharply contrasts with the more mute colours, yet doesn’t distract from the painting, but adds drama and contrast.  I painted this with smooth acrylic paints because it depicts a smooth glide over the peaceful waters on a beautiful day.