From the romantic streets of Paris to sun-dappled walkways of Mediterranean villages, Sergiu Ciochină’s paintings (previously) transport us to remarkable places. The artist, who is based in Moldova, recently embarked on a journey through northern France, Paris, Portugal, Madeira, and Morocco.

“Paris is undeniably a powerful source of inspiration but also challenging to capture,” Ciochină tells Colossal. “It is so diverse, rich, and at the same time subtle and difficult to reinterpret while capturing the feelings and atmosphere of the place.” He focuses on architecture, flora, and daylight but omits a human presence, evoking the inimitable sensation of discovery one feels when traveling to new destinations.

Ciochină is fascinated by the interplay of light and texture, drawing on the legacy of the Impressionists in the way he captures the intricacies of landscapes in oil. He captures the sun dashing off the sea, glows in narrow streets, or casts dramatic shadows of trees onto buildings and paths. Employing an impasto technique featuring energetic, visible brushstrokes, he highlights the unique textures and patterns of each place, bordering on low relief.

While his paintings resist a narrative or chronological approach, Ciochină views each work as a continuous journey from one to the next, mirroring travel itself. “The places, people, colors, rays of sunshine, and the shadows they cast—these are what inspire me during my travels,” he says.

Explore more on the artist’s Instagram, and find available works and prints on his website.