Author Archives: Linda Denis

We are now into the heart of a Quebec winter, lots of snow and cold winds. This weather does not stop the committed. Here is a photograph of British artist, Edward Seago ( 1910-1957) at Camp “W” Anderson Island, Antarctic – January 1957

My first introduction to Seago started with a conversation with artist friend Jean Guthrie. A few years back, she walked past a landscape painting of Seago in a Toronto store window. Jean went in and bought it. Thanks for the introduction as I have been a fan of his work ever since.

Edward Seago, View of Hungerford Bridge across the Thames, oil

If you are interested visit Jim Serrett post on Seago with paintings and short biography  at Pochade Box Paintings.

I continue to sketch but from the comfort of my car.

The bridge in winter, watercolour

Last Saturday, we visited the paintings of artist Claude Monet (1840-1926),  A Bridge To Modernity, at the National Gallery in Ottawa. There are twelve paintings (1871- 1878) in this exhibition completed at Argenteuil where Monet lived in the village – close to Paris and on the Seine River. It was here he used the scenery and the bridges to further explore his composition and impressionist approach. Prior to his return to France, Monet lived in Holland and England to avoid the Franco-Prussian war (1870-1871). The devastation of war was here when Monet and Family arrived. One of his first paintings was Argenteuil, the Bridge Under Repair. To be informed about this period of Monet’s life go to the National Gallery website where Katherine Stauble writes about  Monet’s Impressive Bridges at Argenteuil.

The Gallery has made the exhibition interactive. You can pose in front of a vintage postcard, activate the computer camera and e-mail the results. There are different props and enough room for a family photo.  Secondly, a separate room supplies four iPads with the app Art Set. Summer scenes of Ottawa bridges are cast on the wall for you to interpret. Again, you can email your results or see it with many others on the side wall. The beauty of Ottawa bridges is well worth a visit to this room. There are benches at the back to sit and view these rotating videos.

This month I sketch my local bridges.

Looking towards the bridge, Rigaud, watercolour, 2015

Train bridge, Rigaud, watercolour, 2015

Under the bridge, Rigaud, watercolour, 2015

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My Dad, of Irish blood, would say “If a circle forms ’round the moon, ’twill rain or snow soon”. Until this week we have enjoyed warm sunny weather (12-18) but now rain and occasional snow flakes have arrived. Intuitively, my friend Chi Mai sent me this photo by Michel, of art students outdoors sketching in China; dressed for the weather and focused.

Photo by Michel Goossens, Plein Air China, 2015

For myself, plein air makes me paint in the moment. I lose track of time. I become responsive to the elements and answer back. There is a strong cool wind, the sun is low but gives warmth. I sit on the bank of the Soulanges Canal looking east. Time to sketch quickly. The sun will set soon. By the end of the month one hour of daylight will disappear.

Coteau Landing, Soulanges Canal Aquaduct, watercolour, 2015

One week later I return to the canal and paint towards the west. The canal water is dense and opaque with little reflections. The trees along the shoreline have lost their leaves and the brilliant colours have passed.

Coteau Landing, Soulanges Canal, watercolour, 2015

Coteau Landing, Abandoned Canal, watercolour, 2015

There is still time to paint and enjoy the last flowers of the season.

Gift of Summer, watercolour, 2015

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Stewart Hall, Point Claire, Qc  presents the 2016 Collection of Art Rental from October 31 to November 2015. The vernissage is Sunday November 1 at 2pm. You can rent or buy a piece of Art.

Linda is in the show. This piece was selected by the jury.

Tidal Flats, St. Joseph de la Rive, 50cmx50cm, oil, 2015

The weather continues to be ideal for plein air painting. We paint boats at St. Anne de Bellevue and Beaconsfield Yacht club before they are moored for the winter. Then take a few days in Kamouraska to enjoy the tidal flats, churches, and salt marshes. This weekend, 26-27 September the Hudson & Region Studio Tour opens their doors to 12 artists. Linda is on the tour and welcomes all daily from 10am to 4:30pm.

Beaconsfield waterside, watercolour

Beaconsfield Park, watercolour

Route de la Gréve, Kamouraska, watercolour

Kamouraska wharf, watercolour

And, there is time to paint some of my garden flowers.