Montreal North, ride around town

After painting around the Hydro dam on Prairies River I headed up to a park on the river called Park Gouin. The sun was starting to get low, which cast long shadows across the park. A large, covered stage was in the middle of the park. A man was teaching a woman a self-defense class on the stage, it was kind of neat to watch while I painted. In the background was a large apartment building. To anchor the composition I included part of a large circular brick feature that connected several of the paths. 

Park Gouin with Stage, watercolour 8 x 10" Strathmore Gemini, September 2022 (No. 3330)

 

Looking downstream there was a good view of the Highway 25 bridge. I had a lot of trouble with the colours and overworked this one a tad. It shows the bright sun on the bridge spans against a hot and humid overcast sky.

Highway 25 bridge, view from Park Gouin, watercolour 5 x 7" cold press, September 2022 (No. 3244)

This view was on an industrial road on the far east side of Montreal North, approximately 25km from home for me. In the background were rows of apartment buildings on the shore of the river.

Industrial Lot, Montreal North, watercolour 5 x 7" cold press, September 2022 (No. 3245)

On the south-east part of Montreal North there are a lot of big box stores, highways, and street after street of triplex and condo buildings. This row of triplexes went as far as the eye could see. I emphasized the pastel colours and kept the lines loose.

Triplexes, Montreal North, watercolour 5 x 7" cold press, September 2022 (No. 3246)

With the sun almost down I rode across town to the west side near Parc Suavé. This fountain was in a small grassy expanse between two busy roads. There was no way to access the park other than to ride over the grass. In the middle, was an empty fountain. Some tall grass was growing out, mimicking the shape of a water fountain. In the background was an oddly shaped art installation.

Plant Fountain, Montreal North, watercolour 5 x 7" cold press, September 2022

 

To complete the four corners of Montreal North I headed to the intersection of St. Michel and Industrial Road. A Dairy Queen was there, still busy even at the late hour. As usual, I changed the sign to be two of my initials. This scene would have been better if I waited for it to get a bit darker, but I had to get home while there was still some light left.

PJ's Ice Cream Shop, watercolour 5 x 7" cold press, September 2022