You’re in Number 15, Just up These Steps (Chefchaouen, Morocco)

Oil on Canvas
16”W x 26”H, framed
2026
$1,040

I found this crazy entry stair in the medina (old city) of Chefchaouen, Morocco’s famous “Blue City”. I really admire the builder who, perhaps 600 years ago, faced a challenge to provide access to a second story entry door without taking up more than an absolute minimum of sidewalk area. His solution is simply brilliant, although I would prefer not to have to drag a large suitcase up it.

The title envisions a fictional Air BnB conversation where a weary traveler is informed that he’s staying in the upper apartment.

In rendering it on canvas, my first task was to remove all the clutter typical of these medina alleyways: tourists, vendors, merchandise, signs, carts, bicycles, trash, etc. Once simplified to its basic elements, the beauty of the stairway design is obvious.