Reggae Festival

The old pier at the Peel Basin is used for food and music festivals during the summer, and this year they let cars park on the open area under the highway. Standing on the east side of the basin looking at the pier, I got a decent view of the main stage and could obviously hear the host talking and the reggae music quite loudly. The show has a long history going back to 2012 apparently, and just came back this year after a hiatus. I did a night painting from the other side when it was the food festival in July. 

Reggae stage, watercolour 6 x 7.5" cold press, August 2025

The lights and colours of the reggae festival complimented the odd shapes and tints of the condos in the background. I let the music and the aromas wafting over the basin seep into the painting. I mentioned this before a few times... the reason location painting can be better than studio painting is the total immersion in the moment. 

Reggae and condos, watercolour 6 x 7.5" cold press, August 2025

Back on the bike path looking towards the festival, I found this neat scene of the elevated highway with all the pointy tent tops underneath. This Lachine canal and basin has certainly been a boon to the people who make and maintain bridges. The Griffintown condos also make a great background for any painting in the area. Not too many artists feature condos (and dumpsters) quite as much as I do perhaps. 

Reggae under highway, watercolour 6 x 7.5" cold press, August 2025