The year 1989 marked a particularly dynamic period for Marcel Barbeau. The Musée de Joliette exhibited new acquisitions, while the Kaspar Gallery in Toronto dedicated a spring presentation to his work. That same year, a sculpture project by the artist was selected by a jury for the city of Montreal East, and he also participated in a group exhibition bringing together Quebec artists in New York.

During the summer, Barbeau moved to Piedmont to continue his research in sculpture, while simultaneously developing a production of works on paper and acrylics on canvas inspired by the surrounding nature. The paintings "Lac Croche" and "Lac Violon" reflect his personal interpretation of the vast lake landscapes of the Laurentians.