Parliament Statues Are Great Subjects…Sometimes

Posted on May 19, 2015 by Larry Marshall

Quebec’s Parliament building and grounds are over-grown with statues. Some are very nice, some not so much. One thing is certain, Quebec owns a lot of bronze.

I agreed to meet my buddies to sketch a Native American fisherman, one of the really nice statues. It resides in a fountained grotto right below the main entrance to Parliament. As it turned out, we met at a bad time and on a bad day to sketch it.

There were workmen dissecting the fountain and doing repairs so we sat next to a hulking truck and had to locate so we wouldn’t be in the way of the work crew. Worse, however, was the sun, which was positioned so that the statue was in dark shade, making it very hard to see. I’ll probably go back and sketch it again, but very early in the morning when the sun would be shining into the grotto where the statue resides.

Still, we had fun, as we always do. Here’s my result, such that it is.

Stillman & BIrn Beta (9x12), Namiki Falcon, Platinum Carbon Black

Stillman & BIrn Beta (9×12), Namiki Falcon, Platinum Carbon Black

Sketching A Memory Of 1759

Posted on May 13, 2015 by Larry Marshall

There’s a hospital a mere half hour walk from my house that has a small cemetery associated with it. It’s somewhat special because there is a sculpture that honors French soldiers who died during the Seven Years War (1756-1763) as well as a series of plaques listing their names, by year. It’s also the case that Montcalm, the Commander of French forces is interred there. Montcalm was killed during a battle on the Plains of Abraham, the battle that was the turning point of the war in favor of the British, though the British commander, Wolfe was killed as well.

My Sketch with the sculpture in the background. Stillman & Birn Beta, Namiki Falcon, De Atramentis Document Black

I mention all this because I met with Claudette, Louise and Fernande to draw the sculpture on a day that was too cold and windy for reasonable people to be outside, but we’re tired of waiting for spring. So, bundled up and huddled against the wind, we drew, we laughed, and enjoyed each other’s company. I had the presence of mind (an odd thing for me) to take a photo of the group so you can finally meet some of my friends. I also had the opportunity to take quick photos of their sketches so I can share those with you as well. Hope you enjoy them. They’re very talented sketchers.

LtoR: Louise, Claudette and Fernande

Claudette’s sketch

Fernande’s sketch

Louise’s sketch

Michaud Service – A Limoilu Landmark

Posted on October 28, 2014 by Larry Marshall

One of the fun things about sketching in Quebec City is being able to sketch buildings that have been repurposed and, sometimes, being able to see photos of what the building used to look like. There are a couple photos of Michaud Service from the 50s but they’re copyrighted and so I’m not going to post them here.

Michaud Service used to be an auto service location, with two large bays and an office area, all accessible from the street side of the building. There were also several bays whose doors faced north, on the other side of the building. These days it seems that the north access bays are used for storage while the front of the building houses a couple social service organizations. My sketch was done as I sat in a small park area on the south side of the building, an area that used to be a parking lot associated with Michaud Service.

In a way, this is a fairly plain building but the huge sign that still resides atop the building, and the somewhat organized graffiti along the south wall just spoke to me. There was also the matter that I could sit in the sun which kept me from completely freezing as I sketched. I did high-tail it for home and tea to do the color once I warmed up.

Michaud Service: Stillman & Birn Alpha (10×7), Pilot/Namiki Falcon, Platinum Carbon Black

The Real Entrance To Narnia

Posted on October 18, 2014 by Larry Marshall

Yeah…yeah, I know that the kids got to Narnia by way of a wardrobe but have you ever wondered where the main entrance was? I think I’ve found it. It’s in Levis, Quebec. Just go through this gate and up the steps into the forest. Easy peasy.

Stillman & Birn Alpha (10×7), Pilot Falcon, Platinum Carbon Black

Picnic Sketching At Berthier, Quebec

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Larry Marshall

Last weekend, at the end of September, we had a couple of gorgeous, July-like days. Temps were near 80F, the sun was shining and just a hint of breeze. Ever since I spent the day with a group of sketchers at the marina/park at Berthier, Quebec, I’ve wanted to take my wife there for a picnic. She enjoys sitting by the St. Lawrence and Berthier is the ideal place.

When we arrived we did the tour of the place and then sat down on a bench at the beginning of the quay and both of us got out our sketchbooks. Yep…that’s right. My wife has decided to do some location sketching. Larry was thrilled!!!!

Stillman & Birn Delta (6×8), Pilot Falcon, Platinum Carbon Black

We breathed the fresh air, enjoyed the sunshine, and we sketched. It was so much fun. Then it was time for lunch. We talked about sketching as we ate. Have I mentioned that Larry was thrilled? What a day… what a day.