Across from the Canadian Centre for Architecture, in between the Fort street ramps, there is a wide expanse of landscaping and concrete structures called the Ernest Cormier Esplanade. I discovered the spot awhile ago this year, and have returned to see if the trees were making flowers yet. Its a good spot to paint, although the constant traffic on all sides can be a little noisy at times. This scene it looking at some of the odd art-installation structures made up of abstract architectural elements. I used my 2 inch hog's hair brush to do the stippling effect on the gravel. I started bringing it on my bike trips to do such effects on location.
Ernest Cormier Esplanade watercolour 6 x 7.5" cold press, May 2026
Some trees were indeed still flowering, perhaps crab apple, they had white and pink blossoms. The wind was strong today and I could smell the flower aroma. I tried to keep everything light and bright here like Van Gogh used to paint.
Flowering trees Ernest Cormier Esplanade, watercolour 8 x 10" cold press, May 2026
By close-cropping the composition, I created an abstract scene from surrounding elements on location. Above you see part of the off ramp signage that leads down to the highway, with a bus and car in the foreground. In the background is part of the Esplanade, with one of the bizarre art-installations looming.
Off ramp architecture elements, watercolour 6 x 7.5" cold press, May 2026
No comments:
Post a Comment