Palgrave and Bolton

Dad and I go for bike rides when we get the chance, although it has been too long since our last one! This scene was done up around Palgrave which is north of Bolton, the scene depicts a fish ladder that was part of the river rehabilitation program. In theory the trout would have a chance to jump up the rock steps to reach their spawning grounds. I don't know if it ever worked but the idea was good and it certainly improved the look of the whole river all the way down to Bolton and beyond. Dad was sitting right next to me, we were having a water break and he was patient enough for me to finish this detailed painting.
 5 x 8" cold press, watercolour, 2005?

I found a photo I took of Dad sitting near the ladder. I spy my painting box (held with duct tape) and green cup there which I was using around this time for painting.

Speaking of Bolton, if there ever was a signature motif from Bolton it would have to be the water tower out in the woods, but a close second would be the outhouse. It was part of a four seasons camp that they ran up in the woods where we would go cross country skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer and fall. It was a favorite place of mine growing up. Seen below is a summer scene of the outhouse. Other paintings of the same outhouse with some embellishment are the very early Winter Palace, and a similar scene outhouse in winter.

 5 x 7" cold press, 1997?