I have long wanted to paint Milan’s Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II, but it wasn't until now that I felt I had the skill level to do so. It is a complicated puzzle of light and glass, iron and stone. The soaring perspective adds yet more complexity, as well as movement and drama. I wanted to convey the contrast between the light elegance of iron-framed glass and the weight and shadow of heavily carved stone. This is reflected in my use of charcoal in the glass and watercolour for the stone architecture. My palette is mostly burnt sienna and cadmium yellow, eventually combined with velvety black charcoal. Before starting this piece, I was unaware that all signs in the galleria must adhere to the “Milan Style” of gold lettering on black. This is only a coincidence, but in my mind, this painting couldn’t be anything other than black and gold- so I have in my way, adhered to the rule.