WATERCOLOUR PAINTINGS
by
MICHAEL BROUILLET
My watercolour paintings capture a moment in the daily activity of urban scenes in and around Vancouver and the North Shore of British Columbia. As I walk through neighbourhoods, I observe their unique surroundings and recording in photos which are later used as reference for my paintings at my studio. Most scenes include bright colours and shapes of buildings with people active in these neighbourhoods. Some scenes show disrepair and reflect better times gone by. People sitting in outdoor cafes or going about their everyday activities are recorded, there is always some essence of people in the scene. In my series of urban paintings, many hangouts are featured such as restaurants and local coffee houses, they are usually housed in unique or vintage buildings and often have unique signs or painted murals.
NORTH SHORE SERIES
Vancouver's North Shore consists of North and West Vancouver and has small pockets unique shops with water and mountain and water views. There are business locations, coffee shops, nature trails to spectaclar scenery. I love walking in North Vancouver by the water or in forest trails, it had a unique blend of urban life and accessible nature get aways.
VANCOUVER’S COMMERCIAL DRIVE SERIES
Commercial Drive is one of the most well-known streets in Vancouver is known as “The Drive”. I enjoy walking along this bustling street taking in the vibes of this bustling neighbourhood up and down the street featuring many unique businesses and building styles. “The Drive” is always a great to shop or to chill and relax.
CHINATOWN SERIES
I love walking in Vancouver’s Chinatown taking in the bustle and energy of this historic community. There is a strong sense of purpose and drive along with vivid colours, exotic cuisine and a vibrant culture. Rich in history and architecture, this area east of downtown boasts North America's third-largest Chinatown after New York and San Francisco. The main commercial area runs is around six blocks, bordered by East Pender Street, Gore Avenue, East Georgia Street, and Carrall Street. Established back in the 1890s, Vancouver’s Chinatown has been humming busily for more than a century.
VANCOUVER SERIES
Vancouver is made up of a number of smaller neighbourhoods and communities with their own distinct cultures and histories.
SMALL TOWNS SERIES
Smaller, off-the-beaten-path towns, like many found outside the cities offer a chance to explore the iconic scenery of the region at a more congenial pace, with opportunities to see many new neighbourhoods and get to know local cultures.
