Drawing 3-D eyes and the human face.

Last Wednesday, I was invited by Susan Clements-Vivian to be guest speaker at SFU for the course IAT 208 Introduction to Drawing in SIAT.  The course is “an overview of the various forms and languages of drawing as both a critical and creative research tool.” I did two follow-me exercises: 3-D eyes (using charcoal), human…

Special low portrait price ends May 31!

 THIS WILL BE MY LAST SALE AT THIS SPECIAL PRICE!  PLACE YOUR ORDER NOW! Expect 2-4 weeks for delivery  Custom drawing in my signature style 11 x 14 China Marker on Newsprint $45.00 (plus $5.00 shipping)  How to purchase! 1. Place your order by May 31, 2017 midnight: $45.00 CAD (plus $5.00 Shipping) [Mailed in a…

We are made of star-stuff…

To get myself realigned and prepared for diving into writing/drawing/reflection, I check in with my Church that is Frida Kahlo and let the stream of consciousness flow. Head to heart to hand. To prepare for output, there must be some quiet me time, input.  Some meditation.  And for me that is the private act of…

I would encourage you to meditate upon the squirrel…

I’ve been obsessing about squirrels of late, knowing that my encounters with them hold a deep meaning- one I haven’t really understood yet. In time. Meanwhile, I am head-over-heels in love with @this_girl_is_a_squirrel . I can’t stop looking at her IG feed. MUST DRAW. So I did. I would encourage you to meditate upon the…

Evolution of a portrait: “Calavera Kim”

           Hope is like a harebell, trembling from its birth, Love is like a rose, the joy of all the earth, Faith is like a lily, lifted high and white, Love is like a lovely rose, the world’s delight. Harebells and sweet lilies show a thornless growth, But the rose with all its thorns excels…

Portrait of the artist as a sugar skull: @julianlawrence

     Julian Lawrence TO ORDER YOUR CUSTOM PORTRAIT VISIT MY ETSY SHOP: YOUR PURCHASE HELPS ME PROVIDE SOCK MONKEY THERAPY FOR AT RISK YOUTH ON THE LOWER MAINLAND, BC, CANADA! Original art by Katarina Thorsen 18×24″ on newsprint in china marker Once you have placed your order, EMAIL YOUR PHOTOS TO britakatarina@gmail.com or on ETSY…

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…

10 Tuesdays. 10 Fridas. Frida No.10: Moomin Frida.

I’ve been celebrating my blog with an art event. The event honors the woman who inspires me to keep it going as an artist: Frida Kahlo. — For 10 Tuesdays, I have been creating/posting 10 different portraits of Frida Kahlo (plus some additional posts here and there) in some form/medium or another. It may be a…

10 Tuesdays. 10 Fridas. Frida No. 9: Frida and the magpie portrait

I’ve been celebrating my blog with an art event. The event honors the woman who inspires me to keep it going as an artist: Frida Kahlo. — For 10 Tuesdays, I have been creating/posting 10 different portraits of Frida Kahlo (plus some additional posts here and there) in some form/medium or another. It may be a…

One day super sale! Hand-drawn portraits in the spirit of the Calavera

To raise immediate funds for art supplies as well as for coffee and snacks, I am offering hand-drawn Calavera inspired portraits for only $55 CAD [$43.40 USD] (includes shipping) 18″ x 24″ china marker, dry pastel, felt pen, acrylic paint on newsprint until Midnight PT July 13, 2015. I will email you photos of the portrait before and…

10 Tuesdays. 10 Fridas. Frida No. 6: Sock doll in Tehuana headdress

 I’m celebrating my blog with an art event. The event honors the woman who inspires me to keep it going as an artist: Frida Kahlo. — For 10 Tuesdays, I am creating/posting 10 different portraits of Frida Kahlo in some form/medium or another. It may be a drawing, an object, a doll, whatever… A surprise. I…

STARVING ARTIST LONG WEEKEND PORTRAIT SALE! ENDS May 18, 2015 MIDNIGHT PT

STARVING ARTIST LONG WEEKEND PORTRAIT SALE! ENDS May 18, 2015 MIDNIGHT PT HAND-DRAWN PORTRAITS IN MY SIGNATURE STYLE  $40.00 CAD EACH 12 X18 CHINAMARKER ON NEWSPRINT     All portraits [unless otherwise specified] will be shared on my instagram.   The portrait will be completed about 2-4 weeks after payment. HOW TO PURCHASE: OPTION 1. $40 SAVE…

Inside Out: youth empowerment, peer to peer interaction and community connections.

I am so excited to be part of this incredible project inspired by my hero JR: MOUNTAINSIDE SECONDARY: Inside Out Project: Own Your Journey Youth-run initiative using the vehicle of portrait photography and street art to learn life and transferable skills while developing self-empowerment, peer to peer interaction and community connections. THEMES: Connection and Empowerment CO-FACILITATORS:…

Why the need to draw what draws us? #journal #rambling

Why are we drawn to the human face? What draws us in? Why the need to draw what draws us? Why do we fixate on the stare of an eye meeting an eye? Is the draw of the portrait the silence in the glance, the fastidiousness of the stare? The reflection in a mirror- a…

Sale ends June 30 Midnight! Portraits in my signature style only $60 CAD!

Portrait Sale! ENDS JUNE 30, 2014 MIDNIGHT 18×24 on newsprint From May 17-June 30, 2014, I have been offering handdrawn portraits in my signature style for only $60.00 CAD each (free shipping within Canada and US) Regular price ranges from $100-$300 Proceeds go towards  Sock Monkey Lifeskills Entrepreneurship Curriculum Development       All portraits [unless otherwise specified] will…

Does wheatpasting work on a ceiling tile? Hmmm…

I will be facilitating a really exciting Cultural Portrait pilot project at a local high school in a couple of weeks. The plan is for the 30 students to create a street art type ceiling as they explore self and cultural identity. The work is to go on those classic porous school ceiling tiles- you…