Ancient Basswood (at Broadview and Danforth)

This is a pen & ink project that I just finished- an old basswood that I must have passed hundreds of times and always found inspiring. This particular tree can be found at Broadview and Danforth avenue in Toronto. My neighbourhood and my city are usually where I get my ideas and inspiration, specifically the natural spaces, urban parks, trails and trees of the Don River watershed. 

Here's the illustration in it's early stages:

And here's the final:

- Patrick

Magic Tree

I've suggested this idea before, and I'm sure I will use it again, but a great studio project can start with the prompt: something that you pass everyday. This is also a good way to train the eye to see magic and beauty in the world. For me, I find it in the parks and trails of Toronto.

Here is a recent example:

Inktober Highlights

During the month of October, many artists attempt a global art challenge: Inktober- to do one ink drawing every day for the whole month. This is a great art studio project.

A few years ago, I complete the challenge and I did it again this year. Although many of the ink drawings are quick and rushed, the point is to have fun, get into good drawing habits and find new ways of working with ink. Here are a few of the highlights from this year:

- Patrick