The French connection

I have been away on business for the last four days and had some challenges with wireless connections there, so didn't have an opportunity to post. Where I stayed was Chateau Montebello in Quebec, in the small town of Montebello, about one and a quarter hour's drive outside of Ottawa. The building and grounds were glorious and luxurious, but my schedule didn't allow much time for sketching so I did a quick amble around one lunch time and took some photos that will act as memories and references for future drawings or paintings.

This was the view from my room. Very rustic looking decor, but very luxurious. Sometimes there are perks in my job... Being in Quebec of course is being submersed in French culture and language - oh and did I mention food?? Canada is a bilingual country with French and English. However in Quebec, you won't find a single sign anywhere in English. I negotiated my way through restaurants and stores with my brain frantically searching for my high school French language courses. As some French friends have said to me, they can understand what I am saying, but my grammar sucks.

More enroute sketches tomorrow, electronics willing.

Donations

This is a sketch in pen and ink and coloured pencil, which was going to be a donation to an organization for a silent auction. I wanted to frame it before I parted with it, but left it too late and didn't have a stock frame available that would fit it, so instead a print was donated instead.

I'm of two minds about donations. I don't mind supporting causes, provided I receive some recognition from the act in terms of exposure and it needs to be a cause that I have a connection with as well. It is difficult to say no to organizations which I know need support, but sometimes I just have to do so and ensure my own needs are taken care of too.

Life in the rearview mirror is closer than you think....

I was playing with my cellphone camera and trying for an eyes only shot in the rearview mirror for an idea I had for a drawing. This photo is interesting as it seems to show three realities all at once. The past, the present and the future. The photo technically isn't great, but interesting all the same.

And to satisfy the wildlife lovers out there, here's the latest in the Newfoundland animal series. A red fox. Or the start of it anyway. Its about 11 x 14 in graphite. There are a lot of foxes around the farm and the lure of chickens is irresistable to them. I have a sort of mafia-like agreement with them. They get old eggs and dead chicks or other casualties in return for leaving the occupants of the barn intact. So far its working.