Ride to Canal Deep Snow

The roads were relatively clear and the snow was partially melted which made it possible to ride my bike down to the Lachine Canal. The path along the canal had deep snow so I walked by bike towards the west where there is a sweeping curve. To do this painting I was standing on the footbridge that is visible in the previous canal painting I did at night.  Most of this painting is just the paper (white snow) with delicate washes. The green thing frozen in the ice is a buoy.

Sweeping Curve Frozen Canal,  watercolour 5 x 7" cold press, January 2023 (No. 3387b)

 

Inspecting some old maps of Montreal I noticed that there used to be a small lake where the Turcot interchange is now. The lake had a few names including Small Lake Pierre. I can imagine that this shallow creek was part of the lake, or at least represents some low ground where the water still collects. In the background a train was going by. Behind the train is the renovated embankment that has a recreation trail although it is closed off in the winter.

Creek near Canal, watercolour 5 x 7" cold press, January 2023 (No. 3388a)

 

I've always wanted to make a painting of this billboard but I am usually on the way back from a painting excursion and too tired to do it. Given my limited range today due to the deep snow, I finally did a painting of it. The billboard also provided some much needed colours against an otherwise grey background. The cars in the foreground worked out pretty well I am finally getting the shape of them after years of practicing. 

Billboard near Overpass at Dusk, watercolour 5 x 7" cold press, January 2023 (No. 3389a)