Painting en plein air during Lafayette Square Plein Air Competition

SUMMARY OF PLACE:: This fountain, located in the plaza, is the heart of Lafayette Square. It is particularly stunning at dusk. The fountain sprays are lit from the pool base, illuminating both the sprays and the pillar. Additionally, large street lamps illuminate the fountain area. I painted this scene in conjunction with the Lafayette Square Plein Air competition. This was my second attempt to capture this scene on canvas. The night before, my friend, Henryk Ptasiewicz, and I had attempted the same scene, but we were both too exhausted to finish.
INSPIRATION:: I was impressed with the brilliance of the pillar and the other illuminated objects against the gloriously blue night sky. My goal for this painting was to capture the glow and radiance of the scene.