Sunday walk in the boatyard
Posted: January 4, 2026 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: boats, hudson yacht club, watercolour, winter, winter boats 22 CommentsIt’s been cold in Montreal. Very cold. But with a pre-warmed car and some heavy boots on, I managed to do some painting (from my car) at the boatyard in Hudson this morning. The giant shrouded boats are always a favourite of mine. I don’t often see anyone when I’m parked there, but today I had a little company: a couple walking their black lab. Lucky me! I grabbed a small brush and added them in, making sure to check where their heads and feet lined up with the boats. I think it makes it so much more interesting to have them in there for scale. Painted on a 12″ x 9″ block of Milford paper from St. Cuthberts Mill.
Happy New Year! Boats in shrouds are so interesting, but I expect in an icy region like Montreal they become even more fascinating with icicles and snow adding to their shapes. You are right – the couple add a lot to the painting.
On a different note, I have been using the Bockingford paper from St Cuthberts, and find it to be the best non-cotton watercolor paper I have tried to date. Its surface is very close to cotton. The only drawback I have found is that tape does tend to pull off the surface of the paper, so I have used a hair dryer to keep it intact.
HI Naomi. I love the paper from that mill but I mostly use Saunders. I have tried Bockingford too and it’s not bad. I have a pad that I use in class for exercises but for a full painting I would probably still use the Saunders. It’s one of my favourites.
I agree with you on that – I would use it for students before any other paper. Good cotton paper is still the best. I was surprised at how much I like it, to tell the truth.
You captured the winter light perfectly. Lovley –
Happy New Year
Happy New Year to you too!
I have happy memories of my recent visit to Hudson while my husband reconnected with friends in Montreal. I could recommend a visit to the Embers cafe too.
Thanks for the reminder.
Beverly
Thanks Beverly. And thanks for the tip about Embers. I appreciate that.
Bravo! I agree- the people and dog add a lot, but the boats and misty trees are super, too. Glad you were able to get out for a car sketch!
Jean, thanks. I was so happy to be out there despite the cold. The light on a sunny morning is always spectacular from that spot. Hope you are well. Love the nests you posted today.
Thanks! I have not been able to get out much and I can feel the nagging sense of missing it. Winter can be tough…I’ve got to try the car studio again.
This is an absolutely gorgeous piece! How I wish i could develop that skill. Thans for sharing
Karen, thanks so much. I was really happy to be out there today. Glad you enjoyed seeing this.
Happy New Year! Inspiring to see you out there catching the light in the boatyard.☺️☺️.
Michele, I was thinking of you when I was there this morning. I was evening wondering if you had a black dog and if that was you : ) Happy New Year to you too!!
Lovely! And love the way you tell us what materials you used. Have a great 2026!
I love the contrast of the sky to the snow shadows. Bravo to you for getting out there!
Alison, your comment came through! A miracle. Thanks! It was really great to get out there today.And surprisingly warm in the car.
I love your light everytime I see it. Your people and lab are perfect! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you too Chris! I hope it’s a good one.
You do such a great job on snow scenes, Shari. I guess living where you do, you get lots of opportunity. This one came out really good, and I definitely like the additional of the people.
Thanks so much Rita. I was glad I added the people too!!
Happy New Year, Shari! This is such a great painting. I love the feel of the light yellow sky behind the trees and the solid look to the boats. I agree that you were so lucky to have the couple and the dog there for scale. I’m still smiling at this!