Embracing Nature's Magic
In my artistic journey, the allure of watercolor painting has enchanted me from the start. The rush of layering colors and washing pigments is pure magic. Its lucid technique follows nature's laws of gravity, setting it apart from all other art forms. In a world driven by technology, watercolor remains beautifully guided by Mother Nature's mainframe.
River's Evolution
Witness the essence of a river's evolution at Mitchell Island, BC. Against the majestic backdrop of Vancouver's iconic Lions and the rugged mountains, this watercolour weeps the harmonious blend of industry and nature. The river's historical significance unfolds as it converges with the boundless Salish Sea, symbolizing the perpetual interplay of land and ocean.
Medium | Water colour | Size 10” X 21” | Location: River Road, Richmond: (49.198362740071566, -123.08444922429933)
Embark on a Maritime Journey
With a childlike passion for tugboats and water transportation, I stumbled upon an ideal painting location while jogging across the Arthur Laing Bridge. Nestled on the east shoreline of Sea Island (YVR), I found inspiration for a few hours, imagining myself as part of the unique history of Mercury Transport Inc. This small barge business proudly offers top-tier Tug and Barge services to our valued partners along the beautiful coast of British Columbia.
Medium: Watercolour, Size: 10" x 14", Location: 7340 Airport Rd, Richmond, BC (49.197154302696404, -123.13636291203488)
Tugs and Fishermen
No. 7 Road Pier Park beckons with its cool charm, offering vistas of South Vancouver and transportation delights.
Medium: Watercolour, Size: 10" x 14", Location: No. 7 Road Pier Park, Richmond, BC (49.20224622126065, -123.0478998041564)
A Ford Truck and Nature's Palette
A sweet little history of Cherry Lane Farms lies within this captivating old Ford truck. Its weathered exterior, reminiscent of mid-June blueberries, caught my eye during a visit to the farm. Surprisingly, the truck's hue mirrored the early developing apples, creating an ironic harmony.
Currently undergoing restoration, this Ford truck's colour continues to evoke thoughts of ripening fruits in the month of June. Experience the timeless charm of this vintage beauty—a testament to the enduring connection between man-made marvels and the natural world.
Medium: Watercolour 14” x 10”, Location Cherry lane Farm Richmond, BC (49.19364762405917, -123.115411519672)
Robert Smart
In the heart of Richmond lies a time-honoured farm that has been passed down through several generations. It's home to a multifaceted individual known for his notoriety in the world of music, his talent as a sound composer, his role as a devoted father, his skill as a farmer, and his undeniable genius. As a tribute to Bob on his birthday, I've created a watercolour painting, dated October 26th, 2023
Medium: Watercolour, Size: 12"x 16", Location: 9571 Beckwith Rd, Richmond BC (49.18870626474669, -123.14215053957204)
Summer Lovers
SS Master portrait. 101 years of service, oldest wooden steam tugboat worldwide. Grand Prix of Art 2023. Timeless allure on 140lb cold press paper. Three-hour plein air watercolor.
Medium: Watercolour, Size: 9.5"x 19 3/4", Location: Steveston, Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site (49.121077199654266, -123.17056892247501)
Moraine Lake
Monique and I proudly present our commissioned watercolor of Moraine Lake in Banff, Alberta, inspired by my photographic journeys with New Zealand artist Matt Quérée during the Travel Alberta campaign. Under "Monique and John Art," we drew from our visits to Moraine Lake, taking three drafts to perfect this piece. Our aim was to depict the fresh snow on the Ten Peaks, unique to Banff, the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
Medium: 140lb Artistico Fabriano Paper and a mix of Windsor & Newton and Daniel Smith paints, Size: 12"x 16", Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Alberta (51°19′21″N 116°11′08″W / 51.32250°N 116.18556°W)
A Plein Air Painter's Delight
No. 7 Road hosts captivating watercraft—a catamaran, nestled amidst aged logs, undergoing construction. Cloaked in tarps and adorned with enigmatic objects, it exudes an air of mystery. A picturesque haven beckoning artists to capture its allure en plein air.
Medium: Watercolour, Size: 10" x 14", Location: River Road, past Tom-Mac Shipyards, Richmond, BC (49.198922804419404, -123.02997558551435)
Finns Slough
Priming the brushes with a classic plein air painting session at Finns Slough, today signified an artistic boot camp where I was exhilarated to warm up with these talented artists who will compete in the grand prix of art in Steveston on July 22nd. This is my watercolour masterpiece, crafted in a mere three hours looking down the line of this historical location. Make sure to join us for the main event, which will also last three hours. Don't miss out!
Medium: Watercolour, Size: 10" x 14", Location: No.4rd South and Dyke Rd, Richmond, BC (49.1127426924149, -123.11796953180145)
Timeless Flow of the Old River
This old river flows past the parking lot of Gilbert Beach in Steveston, offering a picturesque and scenic landscape. It overlooks Westham Island, where the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary and the Alaksen National Wildlife Area are located. The weather in this area can be quite beautiful, with occasional fishing vessels passing by.
Medium: Watercolour, Size: 9" x 12", Location: Gilbert Beach, Parkway, Steveston (49.11359136929524, -123.1514831651286).
Finnish Line River Bends
River Road meanders through a picturesque past adorned with scattered ships, wrecks, and a distinct Western vibe. This river, nestled between mountains and the ocean, captivated me upon discovery. Moored boats lined the shores, and the name "Contender" assured me it was a perfect spot for my painting. The serenity enveloped me as I immersed myself in on-location painting.
Medium: Water colour | Size 10” X 21” | Location: River Road, Richmond: (49.19347365833975, -123.0093188768839)
Land locked
Amphibious by nature, not by design. Sometimes passion needs TLC. This perch unveils our cherished vessels, showcasing their robust hulls. A worm's eye view unveils the essence of ship design. These two watercraft are kindred spirits from separate lineages.
Medium: Watercolour, Size: 10" x 14", Location: 7951 River Rd, Richmond, BC (49.18743365737414, -123.1370545122205)
Navigating B.C.'s Waters with Precision
Hodder Tugboat Co. Ltd. - a secluded powerhouse nestled in Richmond, B.C. With a focus on marine towing, they cater to the vibrant forest industry, shuttling logs, lumber, pulp, and paper to coastal mills and beyond.
Medium: Watercolour, Size: 10" x 14", Location: No. 7 Road Pier Park, Richmond, BC (49.20224622126065, -123.0478998041564)
Dominique's Renovation Journey
River Road, Richmond: A cradle of river history, harbor of marine relics. An ex-Coast Guard vessel, rekindled by Dominique, a worthy sea captain. The boat and shores, a marvel of piers and marine treasures.
Medium: Watercolour, Size: 9.75" x 20" 18569 River Rd , Richmond, BC (49.198685594255146, -123.02936877933419)
Floating dreams
Where university rowers, soaring flights, and moored water vessels converge in a spectacle of land and transportation.
Medium: Watercolour, Size: 10" x 14", Location: 7951 River Rd, Richmond, BC (49.18757560637646, -123.13709300448079)
Extra sensory locations
From the Milltown Bar & Grill parking lot, you'll catch a sweeping view of the marina. Pleasure crafts of all kinds dot the waters, patiently awaiting their owners' next voyage. It's an inviting scene, full of possibilities and the promise of adventure, calling out to those who seek the thrill of the open sea.
Year Medium: Watercolour, Size: 10" x 14", Location: 9191 Bentley St, Richmond, BC (49.2018606314517, -123.14298113555824)
Cherry Lane farm house
This captivating house, now residing in the tranquil surroundings of Richmond, has found its second home on an apple orchard. Originally situated on a West Vancouver apple orchard, it has gracefully transitioned to its new location. Nestled amidst thriving orchards boasting apples, blueberries, cherries, grapes, and mulberries, it continues to be cherished by the Smart family. The house's distinctive character radiates alongside flourishing gardens and meticulously manicured lawns, truly embodying a home filled with enchantment and charm.
Medium: Watercolour, Size: 9.25" x 13.75", Location: No. 4rd Rd, Richmond BC (49.18870626474669, -123.14215053957204)
Ocean-Ready Beauty
As we arrived at the marina, a robust aluminum fishing boat immediately caught our attention amidst a fleet of elegant white pleasure crafts. With its sturdy, forward-angled cabin and squared angles, it truly stands out. This vessel is designed for ocean adventures and can withstand harsh conditions, making it a worthy subject for a watercolour painting.
Medium: Watercolour, Size: 5.25" x 9.75", Location: Sea Island, Richmond, BC (49.18870626474669, -123.14215053957204)
Whispers of Ancient Trees
Old trees hold a special place in my heart, igniting my imagination like nothing else. They stand tall, rooted in one spot, silently witnessing the passage of time. Through the changing seasons, they provide shelter and safety to tiny creatures. Everyone has a cherished memory of a favorite tree from long ago.
Medium: Watercolour 11” x 17” Location Vancouver Island | Watercolour 11” x 17” (49.472508645852535, -124.68488963650532)
G. Tilley Automotive
My uncle Gord, a master of automotive mechanics and carburation. From a young age, he became legendary in the vintage car industry. His work exemplifies precision, yielding remarkable engines and chassis’s from his shop.
Medium: Watercolour 24” x 16.5”, Location Qualicum Bay, Vancouver Island (49.40002727792535, -124.62287701706461)
Old House of Wonders
There's something truly magical about big old houses with their enchanting Victorian-Edwardian design, all seamlessly blending into a tapestry of joy.
Medium: Watercolour 24” x 16.5”, Location (now gone) Albion, BC (49.184190702949024, -122.55618366259144)