8 October 2025. Autumn atmosphere in Lutry Port. 18x27 cm.

8 October 2025. Autumn Atmosphere in Lutry Port.

This original plein-air oil painting was created in Lutry Port, Switzerland, during the autumn of October 2025 on the shores of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva). Painted directly outdoors, the work captures the distinctive atmosphere of the harbour as the season began to transform the landscape with softer light, deeper colours and the quiet rhythm that settles over the lake after summer.

Lutry is one of the most picturesque lakeside villages of the canton of Vaud and marks the entrance to the Lavaux vineyard region, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape stretching along the northern shores of Lac Léman. Between the vineyards, the historic harbour and the open water, the village offers a constantly changing interplay of light, reflections and seasonal atmosphere. (Lutry)

On this October day, autumn could be felt not only in the colours of the landscape but also in the quality of the air and light. The brightness of summer had softened into warmer tones, while the lake reflected subtle shades of gold, blue and silver. Boats resting in the harbour, the stillness of the water and the slower movement of the season created a sense of calm observation.

Autumn in Lavaux is especially known for its luminous vineyards and changing colours. The terraced slopes above the lake gradually shift into golden and amber tones, while the lower angle of sunlight creates long reflections across the water. These brief seasonal transformations give the region a unique atmosphere that attracts artists, walkers and travellers throughout October. (suisse-rando.ch)

Rather than focusing on a specific event or landmark, this painting explores the feeling of being present in Lutry Port during a moment of seasonal transition. The changing light, the quiet harbour and the atmosphere of Lac Léman became the central elements of the composition.

Created during a single plein-air painting session, this work belongs to my ongoing series dedicated to Lutry, Lavaux and the landscapes surrounding Lake Geneva. Each painting records a direct encounter with a place, a season and a fleeting state of light observed in nature.

Original plein-air oil painting by Olga Tacan.

Location: Lutry Port, Lavaux, Vaud, Switzerland
Subject: Autumn atmosphere on Lac Léman (Lake Geneva)
Region: Lavaux UNESCO World Heritage landscape
Medium: Oil painting
Date painted: 8 October 2025

Oil on paper

Plain air painting

Size 18 x 28 cm

Size with passé-partout  31x 42cm 

Date: 8 October 2025

Location: Lutry, Switzerland