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Posted: May 1, 2019 Filed under: Uncategorized 31 CommentsI haven’t sketched in downtown Montreal in a dog’s age, so when I had a mid-morning appointment there today, I left a little early and sketched in Griffintown first.
With luck on my side, I found a coveted parking spot on Wellington, facing this scene. I do love a good jumble of road signs and construction bits, and in this one the pattern of orange cones and signs and barricades was exactly what I was hoping for on a grey day — a few spots of colour in the urban landscape to make up for this endlessly dismal spring in Montreal.
Shari Blaukopf's Sketchbook 
Gee you’re good, a winner! Love that pick-me-upper painting on this grey day, thanks Shari.
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Thanks Elaine. Sorry for the delayed response. It’s been a busy week at school!
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You are so right. The orange cones and signs, left and right really make a grey day come alive. Always, you include sparks of color for added interest. They draw us in with you as you faced the scene to sketch. Beautifully done.
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Thanks Bernadette! And sorry for taking so long to respond!!
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Wow, I love this! The orange of the construction signs really contrasts from the gray-toned background. Hope you’re having a good week. 🙂
~Elizabeth
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It was a busy week, hence the delay in responding to comments. Thanks so much for your patience!
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You can the most boring thing and make it look good. All the things we see every day have the potential for a sketch. Thank you.
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Thanks so much Donna!
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Hi, Shari. Is Griffintown where you, Mark and I sketched so long ago?
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Lee, we sketched in Old Montreal, but this is very close to there. Hope you’re well!
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If you like orange cones and construction bits, then I’m sure you’d love sketching Christchurch (NZ). We’re a bit over the orange in our landscape (it’s been a big part of the city since the earthquakes in 2010-2011). I do love your pic though : )
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I’m sure your city is still recovering, right? We are in it for the long haul here. No earthquakes, but lots of infrastructure problems that need an overhaul. Good thing I like drawing these.
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You can make any subject look great!
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Thanks Kirk! I like the gritty stuff.
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Brings back memories of my years in Montreal. Love your work and am really enjoying your new book.
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Glad you like the book!
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Excellent painting. Is Griffintown where the Lachine Canal empties into the old port?
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Thanks Shawn. It’s kind of in that vicinity but not sure exactly where that happens.
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OMG Shari, you are a genius, always making the banal look exciting and interesting!
There’s a lesson in that! Thanks so much!
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Thanks so much Kristiina!
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Lovely in all respects. May I ask what colors?
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Mostly Cerulean Blue and Transparent Orange in this one Harriet. They make a great grey.
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As said above, you make such good paintings from everyday and mundane things. To me, this is more interesting than a garden scene.
Have you seen Tioh Yi Chie’s review of your book on You Tube ? He praised it highly.
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Thanks Judy. I did see Parka’s review. It was really great!
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Yup, that’s Montreal, the capital of the orange cones….you make them look beautiful!
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We all know the cones, don’t we? I still like to paint them!
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Oh, those oranges make this pop so nicely. I was at the plein air invitational at the NY Botanical Garden today…sorry to see you weren’t there.
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Joan, I couldn’t make it this year because it was during my school semester. The last time I was there was when it took place in June. Looked like a great event though.
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It was great…and not as hot as when they’ve held it in June.
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What a great picture. I feel like I am by the Lincoln tunnel in NY!! I love the pop of color in the otherwise drabness that can be a city on a grey day.
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It really does look like the entrance to the tunnel. Thanks for writing.
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