Gothenberg Montreal and other scenes

I did some painting in Gothenberg Sweeden at a conference around 2010. Here is an embellished version of the scene with a bright blue sky, a few clouds, and a bright sun. The original painting had a gloomy pale overcast look to it, which was typical of the region in October. There was only like one hour of sunlight per day or something. The flanking buildings are actually from Montreal, I did those today over top of the Gothenberg painting. So this was done on two locations, about 15 years apart! 

Gothenberg Montreal, watercolour 5 x 7" cold press, June 2026

All Montreal, here are some nice trees in what I am calling Triangle park, its a small sliver of grass near the intersection of Blvd Decarie, Miasonneuve and Upper Lachine road near Vendome station. I take care of these trees by pulling vines and fertilizing them every few years. 

Triangle park greenery. watercolour 5 x 7" cold press, June 2026

It was such a wonderful spot to stand and paint, with full warm sun, good sight-lines, and an asphalt path surrounded by grass and trees. Too bad the view is not slightly better, but I paint here a lot anyways. Its also half-way between where we live and downtown, so I stop here after work sometimes, or on the way back from a painting trip. There is also a water station nearby to fill up. The scene shows part of the long wall mural next to the bike path. 

Wall mural bike path, watercolour 5 x 7" cold press, June 2026

I stopped on the way back in front of Homer's donut store with a view of Bustan's Lebanese restaurant, and a popular Korean/Japanese grocery store in the background. I have this idea to paint a version of Nighthawks by Edward Hopper, it would feature the Donut store at night on a perspective angle, with people sitting inside eating donuts. I will try to catch the scene one night, although they turn the lights off on closing which spoils the effect. If I can get the crescent moon over top it would be extra special. 

Bustan study, watercolour 5 x 7" cold press, June 2026

 

I wasn't going to post this one, it was the first of the day in Old Port and I was feeling a little lousy, then the moisture caught me off guard. Once the sun came out things got much more pleasant. I just stared at the scene for some time trying to settle in, then the colourful cart and turquoise hatchback car drove by at the same time and I had to try it.

Stone bridge cart cars, watercolour 5 x 7" cold press, June 2026