This is one of two of Coates' Portuguese watercolors I am offering on Etsy. Both are inspired transcriptions of his beloved adopted land. John Coates passed away at the age of 100 years in 2017 in Toronto, Canada, the city where he was born in 1917. He studied at Danforth Technical School in Toronto before beginning his career as a draughtsman, working on the now Air Canada Centre and later in various architectural studios in Canada and the UK. In 1943, aged 26, he joined the Engineers of the Canadian army as a Sapper to help fight the war in Europe. On his return as a decorated WWII veteran he built his own home on the shores of Lake Ontario, which was later the location of the 1981 film, “Improper Channels”. John came to Portugal with his three youngest daughters in 1973, a year before the revolution. He continued with many different projects in the world of art. He became greatly involved with and a huge contributor to the English-speaking community in Portugal. John was well known for his art, and in particular for his watercolours, which included a set commissioned and offered to Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Portugal in 1985. Inscription on the bottom center translates- Fifth of Five Windmills Watercolor and gouache under glass. 8 1/2" x 10 1/2" (sight) Frame dimensions are 12" x 14 1/2". Untouched estate condition. FREE SHIPPING!