Transparency and fog, Léman, Lutry | Original Plein Air Oil Painting, Misty Morning over Lake Léman

Transparency and Fog, Léman, Lutry. 22.02.2026

This original plein-air oil painting was created in Lutry, Switzerland, on a foggy February day along the shores of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva). Painted directly outdoors, the work explores the delicate relationship between visibility and disappearance, where water, light and atmosphere merge into a landscape of subtle transitions.

Lutry lies at the entrance of the Lavaux region, a landscape shaped by the meeting of lake, vineyards and sky. Along Lac Léman, fog often transforms familiar views into something quieter and more contemplative. Distances become uncertain, contours soften and the boundary between water and air begins to dissolve. (lutry.ch)

On this February day, the lake appeared almost transparent beneath layers of mist. Reflections drifted across the water while the fog partially concealed the surrounding landscape, allowing only fragments of light and form to emerge. Rather than obscuring the view completely, the atmosphere revealed a different kind of presence, where space seemed larger, slower and more silent.

Fog over Swiss lakes is created through subtle interactions between water temperature, air and humidity, producing constantly shifting veils of light and movement above the surface. These transformations can change within minutes, making direct observation essential to the painting process. (meteoswiss.admin.ch)

Created during a single plein-air session, this painting focuses not on a specific landmark but on perception itself. The transparency of the water, the softness of the fog and the changing luminosity of Lac Léman became the central elements of the composition.

This work belongs to my ongoing series dedicated to Lutry, Lavaux and the landscapes surrounding Lake Geneva. Each painting preserves a fleeting encounter with atmosphere, season and light observed directly in nature.

Original plein-air oil painting by Olga Tacan.

Location: Lutry, Lavaux, Vaud, Switzerland
Subject: Fog and transparency over Lac Léman (Lake Geneva)
Region: Lavaux lakeshore landscape
Medium: Oil painting
Date painted: 22 February 2026

Oil on paper

Plain air painting

Size 14.5 x 26 cm

Size with passé partout: 30 x 44 cm

Date: 20 January 2026

Location: Lutry, Switzerland