There’s a superb piece of architecture in Limoilou that used to be a firehouse. While I’ve lived in Quebec it’s been used as a daycare center, some sort of base for a charitable organization and has probably had other uses as well. Right now, it’s undergoing some exterior restoration and interior remodeling. I drew the top portion of one end of it because below this view are all sorts of machines, dumpsters and debris.
Stillman & Birn Beta (7×7 spiral), Pilot Falcon, DeAtramentis Document Black
Chantal: “Where are you going?
Me: “I’m meeting Yvan and Claudette on 3rd Avenue.”
Chantal: “Ok. Don’t sit on your stool.”
That’s the conversation that took place following my “banging head against the wall” day on Tuesday. She needn’t worry. My Walkstool has worked flawlessly for years and excepting the need to replace the rubber feet that just wore out, it has been a reliable companion. The calamity was all on me; I screwed up… again.
Anyways, I did meet “the guys” and drew this little scene. Not my best but I am trying to recoup my blood supply after all. I did another sketch, a more complete one, but I didn’t get to put color on it so I’ll post that one tomorrow. Great day but REALLY cold.
Stillman & Birn Beta (7×7 spiral), Pilot Falcon, DeAtramentis Document Black
This little scene is in Victoria Park, near my home in Quebec City. As it’s my favorite subject, I had to sketch it. The sign on the tall post is to let people know where the hydrant is when everything is covered in snow.
Stillman & Birn Beta (7×7 spiral)
Here it is, the middle of May, and we’re still having a hard time getting outdoors in Quebec City because of cool weather and a lot of rain. But it happened. In fact, we had a bright, hot summer day on the 16th and our little sketching group took advantage of it. We headed to an older part of the city where they have alleyways.
Alleyways provide sort of grungy views but views with lots of shapes that make for great sketching subjects. I just love them. In this scene you’ll find two large “towers.” These are actually enclosed stairways, loosely constructed but effective in keeping the snow off the stairs. They are very common in these neighborhoods. I had a lot of fun doing this one.
Stillman & Birn Beta (8×10), Pilot Falcon, DeAtramentis Document Black
Besides yelling at the sky because of all the rain we’ve been getting (parts of Quebec are considered disaster areas because of the flooding), I’ve been struggling with arthritis in my drawing hand. The two things are related because low barometric pressure triggers my arthritic problems. Regularly I think of Babette, in Gilmore Girls as she runs down the street saying “It’s gonna rain, my ankles are never wrong” as I’m in the same boat it seems.
But I did get out one damp, cool day. It was only 7C with on/off misty rain but I was out walking and decided to do a quick drawing just to say I did. Here’s one of the side entrances to our city hall building. I hope things get on track soon so I can get out and do some real sketching.
Stillman & Birn Beta (7×7), Pilot Falcon