When life gives you lemons, draw them, 11 x 14 inches dry pastels, graphite on paper

"When life gives you lemons, draw them." (Nikki)

"Color! What a deep and mysterious language." (Paul Gauguin)

The Monte Files

Monte

Monday, February 23rd, 2026


 

Monte in How's The Weather animated video, by Adrian Coulombe, featuring Paul Coulombe
My oldest son created a fun new children’s video featuring our grandson Paul’s voice, called How’s the Weather? (watch Monte Studios link) If I could choose a voice for Monte, it would be this one! 5-year-old Paul’s Mandarin accent gives Monte such personality. Apparently when they were dubbing the audio for the final scene, Paul was very concerned that, “Baba (daddy), the ice cream is melting!”, so Adrian left that part in without translation. Very cute!

Who is Monte?

 

Dr. Ip

Friday, November 25th, 2011


 

Dr. Ip's Home Improvement Tip

The move west, and renovating homes around that, has unfortunately thrown my career on the back burner. Hence the home improvement tip brought to you by Dr. Ip, another new character based on good ol’ Monte, who has evolved since 1974 and still plays a part in my expressions today. He’s getting a good work-out these days!

The secret life of wall paint

Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011


 

The Secret Life Of Wall Paint

Monte paints wallsI have a whole new respect for all trades-people! All I’ve had time and inclination for art-wise are a few little cartoons using my laptop now and then. I’m going a little nutty with all the wall painting here in Ottawa (Canada), renovating a townhouse to get it ready to rent. With no TV in the evenings I’m having some fun with the secrets revealed to me as I work. Monte is optimistic….

Monte rocks!

Tuesday, May 10th, 2011


 

 Monte face seen in a rock

Monte rocks! Who is he?