This painting in Carole Spandau’s collection of cityscapes of Rue St. Paul, Vieux, Montreal uses vibrant colors and basic shapes to convey a lively and busy city scene.
Very few dark colors can be seen in the painting, and those that are present accent fire truck reds, bright sandy hues, and sunny yellows. The use of these colors throughout the entire composition, without interruption by duller shades, brings a wondrous energy to the scene. Even the faceless human figures exude the same energy. Most of them have warmly colored hair — either red or blonde —and they sport bright clothing. Their tilted postures, from pointing arms to turned heads, convey a sense of constant activity.
The inability of the viewer to perceive detailed features on the faces of the strolling people, or on any aspect of the location, additionally add to the image of a bustling city. Instead of becoming engrossed in insignificant details, the viewer is encouraged to take in how overwhelming the sheer quantity of people and buildings are. There are few empty spaces on the canvas: the bit of sky at the top center and the pavement at the bottom of the painting are the only unoccupied areas of the scene. Not even the horizon is visible. The land beyond what the viewer can see is likely taken over by the same urban livelihood seen in this painting.
The vivid colors and the simpler depiction of urban structures permit the viewer to not just take in the easily perceptible view, but to also be absorbed by the feeling this scene of Montreal offers. The viewer is invited to feel just as joyous and amazed by the animated setting.