Spent an hour or so at the Gannet colony on Bonaventure Island; sketching, watching,listening and smelling the thousands of birds (and flies). The birds were very close and still, allowing plenty of time to observe, photograph and sketch.
The island is quite large and would be worth spending a lot more time, but we were limited by the ferry scedule and our travel time back to the camp site.

From behind the "casse-croute" where we bought ice cream cones dipped in chocolate.

Went for ice cream near Cap des Rosiers lighthouse; good ice cream but  had to eat it fast in the mid-day heat.
The beautiful weather held for our whole trip making outdoor sketching a pleasure.

Lighthouse reflections.

Looking toward the mountains of Forillon National Park, our camp site is just this side of them.

I carried one of the 3.5 x 5.5 inch pads I made and a Pilot v ball pen in my shirt pocket on a hike to "la Chute". This became a habit while out and about, I would sketch in "the field" and add watercolour later at camp.
I liked the results of the top of the falls,but it gave a better idea of the scene to include the forground at my feet.
Having the person in the picture adds interest and perspective, I think.
I would have liked to spend some quiet time here as it was quite "magical".

The hiking trail crossed the meandering tree shaded stream, and slowly crept up the hill to cross the water above the falls.
We took the rising pathway slowly, enjoying the surrounding forest, and as the others photographed the picturesque scene I drew an image of the falls disappearing over the edge to where we once stood.
There is something mystical about forests and streams and falling water.

Forillon National Park, Gaspe region of Quebec, our first walk on the beach after setting up camp.
The distant cliffs abound with seabirds.
Very soothing is the sound of water playing with the pebbles, gently relaxing the mind after the days travel.

Centre D'Art Marcel Gagnon Sainte Flavie Quebec, is an amazing place to visit. We stopped to see the sculptures and art gallery of this very talented family of artists. The beautiful stone building, housing the inn, restaurent (great food) and galleries, is a work of art in itself adorned with mosaics and sculptures.
I made some quick sketches of the outside sculptures before breakfast.

We park our Trillium trailer ( Chooky) in the free overnight parking area at the Point -au-Pere lighthouse.
Having booked our campsite at Forillon for tomorrow night, we decided to stay one night here to split the driving time.
I found myself using the two page panoramic space quite often during the trip.

 Just back from a two week trip to Forillon National park in the Gaspe region of Quebec and New Brunswick's Kougibouguac National park.
In the past I have spent a lot of time concentrating on photography while on holidays but this trip proved to be a great one for sketching.
When time was limited, I would sketch in ink and add colour when back in camp or the next morning while having tea.




Our lunch stop on the first day of travel, a rest area near St.Jean-Port-Joli. The wind proved to be a 
challenge as I held onto everything while sketching.
I painted the first piece, of the distant mountains river and rocks, on site. The shallow river near the shore made for very muddy waters.


I made the ink sketch of the people at the picnic table on site and added watercolour later.






I did manage to get one more painting done on-site, of the man looking out to the river.
There is something about the complete watercolour sketch done while on location, very immediate and real. The mix of time limit and weather conditions adds it's own flavor too, hopefully good flavor :)

I was unable to post while away so will be adding the many drawings over the next little while.