INKtober 2018: My 31 daily studies of Truman Capote’s IN COLD BLOOD

INKTOBER 2018 “Jake Parker created Inktober in 2009 as a challenge to improve his inking skills and develop positive drawing habits. It has since grown into a worldwide endeavor with thousands of artists taking on the challenge every year.” [SOURCE] — Imagination, of course, can open any door– turn the key and let the terror…

Custom Hand-Drawn Pet Portraits.

If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans. James Herriot To honour pets and to celebrate the joy we receive from them, I am offering 18″ x24″ pet portraits for only $57.00 CAD ($40 USD) Chinamarker and acrylic highlights…

Owl wisdom

Taking a somewhat silent retreat today to regroup and prepare for transitions.  Picked up an old sweater (80% merino wool, 20% cashmere) and created these little one inch plus tall baby owls. Perfect for holding in the palm while figuring stuff out. I have always found that sewing and drawing owls is a powerful experience. Stay…

Delightful local Vancouver artist: Amy Tom

I am delighted to introduce an extraordinary Vancouver artist, Amy Tom.  I was introduced to her through my friend Anne Banner, owner/curator of Vancouver curiosity shop and paradise: Salmagundi West.  Amy’s whimsical and magical style inspires me to no end! Check out her ETSY shop! I create postcards, magnets and art prints reproduced from my…

The most beautiful card in the world.

Today was my last session of the Cultural Identity Project with Laura Mathers Grade 8 class. I am so honoured to have worked with such an incredible group of youth. And what a beautiful surprise to receive this hand done card from the students (24 x 43.5 inches):

Drawing on Pain at Espana Gallery Aug 29-Oct 13: exhibit list

A huge thank you to Angie Heintz and The Espana Gallery and to everyone who attended the August 29, 2013 opening. What a fabulous crowd! Thanks for listening so intently and for your support. Thank you as well to those who provided interviews for the documentary FEAR NO ART w. Patti Henderson. You have all empowered me and I am so…

DRAWING ON PAIN: Aug 29 – Oct 13, 2013 at Espana Gallery, Vancouver BC

DRAWING ON PAIN Aug 29- Oct 13, 2013 Opening August 29, 2013 7-9 PM Espana Gallery 689 Abbott Street Vancouver BC Includes Artist Talk DRAWING ON PAIN exhibits my personal therapeutic process as I utilize art to help me process the difficult challenges I have encountered (and continue to encounter) in my life– such as…

Evolution of a portrait- @syncop

Step 1. Meet Instagram friend in person for first time! Step 2. Take photo  Step 3. Gather supplies Step 4. Draw Step 5. Invite subject to paste their portrait on “our wall”!  Stay tuned!

Charlotte Free.

Recall: Drawing Deconstruction Discovery of Charlotte Free   Endlessly inspiring: Check out:   —

Joe Average’s new site! #art #photography

We are SO LUCKY to be able to access more of Joe Average’s work on his new site!  Check it out!  It’s like drinking a cool glass of clear, clean, beautiful water. Joe Average (born 1957) is a Canadian artist who resides in Vancouver, British Columbia. Diagnosed HIV+ at age 27, Average made the decision to commit the rest of…

Exquisite portraits by Tony Noh #photography

I asked my colleague (filmmaker/photographer) Tony Noh to capture my students in the style of Rineke Dijkstra.   I asked for stark raw sources.  He delivered, beautifully. More student portraits by Tony Noh: —   —

Evolution of a #wheatpaste portrait: Justine.

I start with an inspiring person and a photo that really draws me in.   China Marker of course.  Guidelines in orange.   Detail in black.  Highlights in white acrylic. I encouraged Justine to cut out the portrait when I finished.  She will paste it herself in a few days.  It thrills me to watch…

New minimalist work by Julian Bowers

These two new pieces by my son, Julian Bowers, are clean, quiet and peaceful, yet they still have the powerful and voracious exploration found in his previous work. Stay tuned for a blog post on Julian’s band Sleuth, as they prep for their trip to New York!

San Francisco Journal: Portrait #6 @annatfabulous

Watching my children grow into spectacular, fulfilled beings pursuing their passions is the greatest feeling.  If I ever doubt myself, I just have to remember “wow, look at them.  I was part of that.” No matter how others doubted my methods, no matter that my children will have personal struggles as they continue to develop…

San Francisco Journal: Portrait #5 Joseph @killian #deepchats

I will continue to share my incredible weekend in San Francisco (that I spent with my daughter and her friends) through a series of portraits and journal entries over the next week or so. — One of my main reason for traveling to San Francisco was to have deep chats with Joseph.   And I’m pleased to say,…