Drawing with the Art Guy

Back in front of the Drawing Board

2011-12-30T09:41:00.000-08:00

I would like to do a quick check-in to let everyone know that I am getting back in front of the drawing board. I have sharpened the pencils and gathered my many many tools with which I work. I've poured a cup of coffee and now I am trying to re-learn how to do this drawing thing! :)

After a long bout of "Life" ie, wedding, home reno's, career upgrades and now change I see time at the drawing board slowly returning. The urge has become overwhelming to be back at it so I am ready to ease back into it.

I hope you will continue to join me and watch my art unfold before you. I will be sharing peeks into the art at different stages and always welcome your thoughts.

Thanks for stopping by..... Kevin

"Special Time and Place"- Tonquin Beach

2010-05-26T21:28:00.000-07:00

The west coast of British Columbia, Canada is home to many hidden magical places, so when it was time to compose a piece for our wedding invitation our visit to Tonquin Beach in Tofino provided easy inspiration. At the end of the path, our breath was unexpectedly caught the moment the thick rainforest parted to reveal this pristine cove. With this piece I wanted to show how we are surrounded by the extraordinary and all that is required sometimes is to take the time to look.

Thank-you for stopping by and having a peek.

Image 6"x14" pencil on Illustration Board

Show Time

2010-05-19T11:19:00.000-07:00

Hello again everyone, I wanted to stop in quick with a bit of an update. There has not been much time for many new works as of late since show time is upon us.
I have been busy framing/printing and packaging getting ready for my next show. It is the 8th annual Quadra Island Studio Tour. Last year was my first year in this show and it was a lot of fun. I learned a lot about showing my work in a venue like this and I feel a little more prepared this year. I am also volunteering on the tour commitee so that has also kept my time limited. I'd like to share with you this years poster. One of my newest pieces has made the poster this year. If you are in the area stop on by and say hello.
There are a few things on the sched this summer so I will keep you updated with whats going on.
Bye for now and thank-you for stopping by,
Kevin

Seeking Artistic Balance

2010-03-07T08:12:00.000-08:00

I wanted to stop in and give you a bit of a different update. I wanted to let everyone know about some other art type things going on in my life.
I am a big believer of Yin and Yang and balance in life. In my art I am somewhat of a detail person. I think this has to happen when an artist strives for photo realistic levels of detail. All this detail can sometimes feel very mechanical and processed. I wanted to help with the balance so I needed an outlet.
My wildlife art means a lot to me and so do my other art interests. I really enjoy doing portraits and figure drawings as well in my spare time. Both finished pieces and gestural type styles. I have started attending a small weekly local artists life drawing group. It is such a different type of art and I'm having a lot of fun doing it. It forces an artist to become free and loose with your style. Especially during gesture poses and other quick poses. I am having a lot of fun with it but it is also very humbling. It is very difficult to draw from life and I am learning lots. I think it might be the balance I am looking for.
Hopefully some day I will get to the point that I feel confident enough to share some of them with you. Until then I encourage everyone out there to join a group and have a unique experience as well.

Thanks again for stopping in.
Kevin

"Peek a Boo" - Seal Pup

2010-02-18T20:24:00.000-08:00

There always seems to be a bit of magic present when someone experiences wildlife up close. This is especially the case when this encounter is with a baby of the species. Seals and seal pups are naturally curious creatures with large, deep, obsidian eyes and for some reason they love to follow kayaks. The adults prefer a more stealthy surveillance while young pups can pop up only a few feet away. While kayaking in nearby Gowlland Harbour we are frequently treated to this spectacle. With this piece, I would like to share with you a little of this magic.

Thank-you for stopping by,
Kevin

New for 2010

2010-02-03T08:13:00.000-08:00

I'd like to share with you what is on the board as my first piece for 2010. It is an image that has been in my minds eye for some time now. I've always been fascinated with seals and on the west coast I'm lucky enough to see my fair share of them.
Hope you enjoy this preview...

"The Boatworks"

2009-12-23T11:34:00.001-08:00

I'd like to first wish all my collectors and followers a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday season. I Hope to see everyone again in 2010.

Next I would like to share with you a special Christmas release. This piece is titled "The Boatworks". Since moving to Quadra Island 2 years ago, I am constantly amazed by the calibre and diversity of artists in this community along with the embracing support Islanders extend to each other. This piece represents an example of this generous community spirit. The Cape Mudge Boatworks features a local artist’s work on their annual Christmas card and this year commissioned my piece titled “The Boatworks”. A Great Blue Heron huddled against a winter morning’s mist provided further inspiration to this classic Quadra Island Landmark.

"West Coast Summer"

2009-09-22T08:03:00.000-07:00

The West Coast of Vancouver Island Canada has always been a magical place for me. I have experienced every season and each one of them has something unique to offer. However, the one thing that the seasons share is the surf. Sometimes it is exciting with storm force winds and driving rain. Other times, as depicted in this image, it is quite peaceful almost soothing. It is always interesting to observe how people interact with the surf.
Thank-you for stopping by...

The Summer Slowdown

2009-09-15T08:46:00.000-07:00

Hello again everyone and thank you for stopping by. This summer has been filled with lots of artshows and reference gathering trips in preparation for this winters drawing sessions. Lots ideas are on the board so stay tuned and check back often.

I would like to take a moment to congratulate and thank my newest collector. This client has purchased the original of "Bute Inlet Fishing Hole - Grizzly Bear" I hope you enjoy this piece for many years to come. :)
I would also like to mention my current show. My work is hanging as the feature artist at Impressions Gallery and Custom Framing in Campbell River B.C. A selection of works are hanging until 22 Sep 09. If you are in the local area, stop by and have a look.

Next I'd like to share with you a small study piece I'm working on that was inspired by a recent trip to Tofino, B.C. Canada.

The Art Season is on a roll !

2009-07-01T10:39:00.000-07:00

Well hello again everyone and and thank-you for stopping by. I wanted to give you an update as to the goings on over the past months. It has been a very busy time this past little while. As you can read in the previous entries I have had a couple shows and my first Solo Show. All have been a great success and I'm glad all the hard work has paid-off. I'd like to share with you a few images from the the shows as well as my set-up for this years Quadra Island Studio Tour.
I'd also like to mention that my image of the wolf titled "On the Prowl - Wolf" has won two awards in the Campbell River Art Gallery Annual Juried Show. It won and "Honourable Mention" and also the "Peoples Choice Award" for 80 plus entries. I am quite happy with the outcome.
I hope to be able to get back to the drawing board soon as lots of ideas are piling up...so please stay tuned.
Once again, Thank-you for stopping by... Kevin,

Show Time

2009-04-22T12:32:00.000-07:00

Well the time is here that every artist waits for. The time in the journey to take the next step, or what ever we think that next step might be. For me that next step is getting my art in front of as many people as I can so that they can see and appreciate what it is that I am so passionate about. What better way to do that then to hold an exhibit that features your hard work. I like to call it the "Solo Show". For me, it started last night.
I have spent the past few weeks pouring over the framing table to get the pieces show ready and it was nice last night to sit and enjoy it with the one I love. It does feel nice to see my work hanging for everyone to see.
Wish everyone out there could come see how it looks as well. I will try to share the moment by taking some pictures of the venue later on.
Thank-you to everyone who has stopped by to see this unfold. It is your kind words that mean so much. :)
Kevin

Bute Inlet Fishing Hole - Grizzly Bear

2009-04-07T08:33:00.001-07:00

I'd like to share with you the final image and story for this piece.

Bute Inlet, cutting into the Coastal Mountain Range of mainland British Columbia, is renowned for it’s majestic mountain vistas, rugged unsettled land and Grizzly Bears. In the fall of 2008 I experienced these bears up close and personal at Orford River; so close at some points it was all I could do to stand my ground. Thank goodness for our Guide and his “bear stick”. With this piece I hope to give you an up close glimpse of this magnificent giant. May they continue to fish these waters long after we leave.

Thank you for stopping by my page and taking the time to look at my work. Kevin

Latest Preview

2009-04-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

I thought I would step back from the framing table and take a break from show preparation. I wanted to give you a glimpse of the piece that's on the drawing board. I hope to have this work completed for the upcoming solo show at the end of this month. Here is a tiny preview for now.
Enjoy

Show update

2009-03-26T07:48:00.000-07:00

Hello again and thank you for stopping by.

I've been away for a bit so I thought I would check in and pass along some of the latest news. I have been busy lately preparing for two upcoming shows, so its been a time of decisions and preparation. This will be my first big jump into showing my work off in a venue like this so lots to do...

My first show is my first solo show and it will be at the Heriot Bay Inn which is one of our local island resorts. It will be running from the 20Apr-18May and will feature limited edition prints on the walls through out the resort. http://www.heriotbayinn.com/index.html

The second show is a group show with the Quadra Island Studio Tour in June. This is a show that the island that I live on hosts every year. A lot of island artists open their studios and let guests see what it is that we do. Here is a link to the tour page. http://www.quadraislandarts.com/

If your in the area please feel free to stop by and say hi.
As for the drawing board, I have one last piece to finish for these shows and I will put up an image as soon as I get it past the "ugly duckling" phase.
Thank-you K

"The Three Tenors - Stellar Sealions"

2009-02-06T12:06:00.000-08:00

This image came to me from a whale watching trip to the northern part of Vancouver island on the west coast of Canada.

There is quite a large group that gathers on an island called Stubbs Island. It is quite amusing to watch them singing and barking and fighting for position on the rocks. When I saw these three I couldn't help but think that maybe they are singing togethor.

I hope you enjoy this one. I really enjoyed bringing it to life.

Rock On

2009-01-12T09:56:00.000-08:00

As the title states we are continuing to Rock On with this piece. The stage has now been set with all the back drop rock wall completed and its time to carry on with the main subjects of this piece. Stay tuned for the rest of the show.

Rocking in the New Year

2008-12-31T13:49:00.000-08:00

Well it's New Years Eve and a new work is in progress. Figured it would be fitting to be working on the rock wall as I'm getting ready to rock in the New Year.

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year!!!!

Kevin

Portrait of an Heir - Bald Eagle

2008-12-18T11:43:00.000-08:00

Christmas is coming and I would like to share my latest christmas piece with you all. This is my latest work titled "Portrait of an Heir" and it is also this years christmas card. I thought I would now share this with you as most of you have recieved your cards and are enjoying this piece just like I am. This one is quickly becoming one of my favorites and I hope you enjoy it as well.

It will be availiable on my website soon as a Limited Edition print, so stop by and check out the updates page for its release :)

Merry Christmas from the Studio of Kevin Johnson

Decoration Day

2008-11-30T22:31:00.000-08:00

Well it's that time of the year again. Time to dig deep into the dusty storage areas of the home and pull out all the Christmas decorations and lights and get ready for another wonderfully festive season. Yep the weekend was filled with putting up the new tree and getting the lights up around the yard and house. I do enjoy this time of the year.

Also a few breaks were taken to complete some well needed website updates that were way over due. All in all a very productive weekend. Hope to be back at the drawing board soon as a couple more pieces are on the way.

Bye for now....

Birds of a Feather

2008-11-29T20:36:00.000-08:00

Well with my slow return to art work and to this blog I wanted show the finished piece I was working on before my long break. Looking at it now it seemed so long ago that I started this one...

I hope you like it and thanks again for looking.

Slowing coming back to the board...

2008-11-21T09:19:00.001-08:00

Hello everyone and thank you for your patience.
I have completed the move and settled into my new home, job and now I am finally getting some time to get back to the drawing board. Over the next little while I hope to share with you some up coming artwork as well as some reference shots I have taken while out on the water of the west coast.
So stay tuned and thank you once again for returning.....

Kevin

Tiny but important Update

2008-05-28T09:13:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone,
I'd just like to update you all on my latest goings on and why I have not been updating as of late. I am going down the road to a complete and total career change, plus a relocation move as well. I am officially retiring from the military after 23 years and moving on......I will be back at the drawing board on the other side once my studio is set up again...... so check back in a short while.
Thank you for your support,

Kevin

Birds of a Feather

2008-01-31T14:51:00.001-08:00

It is well into the new year and there are a few ideas on the way. Here is just a peek at one of those ideas. I thought I would try my hand at a songbird triptych. Sometimes the freshest ideas are just outside your window. Stay tuned.......

Evening at the Passage

2007-11-30T14:34:00.000-08:00

Well I'm back again and I've brought with me those special visitors I was hinting about. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. I really do enjoy seeing/drawing Orca Pods and I especially liked this one given the spectacular setting which they live in. The view is looking NW into the beautiful Discovery Passage on the east coast of Vancouver Island. This shot is from one of my favourite spots on Quadra Island. Thank you for stopping by and catching up.....

and the clouds return once again

2007-10-31T12:03:00.000-07:00

Well it seems that once again time has passed quickly and its that time of year. Time when the leaves fall from the trees and the clouds roll in from the west to water the land. A good thing about the clouds this time is that they seem to have brought with them some visitors. I'd like to share with you the latest piece on the drawing board. Stay tuned and see just who these visitors might be and the view that they are also enjoying.......

"On the Prowl"

2007-10-04T11:33:00.000-07:00

Hello again everyone......well after a small break and serveral reference gathering, kayaking trips, I have finished and signed my latest wildlife piece. I hope you like how it has turned out.

Lots of hair/fur did make for a few long sessions at the drawing board. I think it might be time for something a little more on the smooth side next. Stay tuned.....and stop back often.

2007-06-08T23:49:00.000-07:00

I've always found wolves to be very fascinating animals. I like the look and personality in the eyes and the textures and feel of the coat. The fact that they can adapt to many different circumstances and changing worldly times has always interested me. They seem to come in all shapes, sizes and looks. I couldn't resist trying to capture the look and feel of this scruffy fella. He is giving off a cautious look. This look I believe is something you might see from a wolf at the lower end of his pack hierarchy.

I hope you enjoy watching this piece develop along side me. Pull up a chair and enjoy.

Thanks again for stopping by.....

"Sanderling in the Surf"

2007-05-28T14:06:00.001-07:00

After a short drawing break I'm back and have with me the final of my latest work. Sanderling in the Surf.

I hope you enjoy it.

Exploring Break

2007-02-21T10:59:00.000-08:00

I took the opportunity this past weekend to do some exploring/reference gathering on a new island that I have never been to before. The islands name is Salt Spring and it is one of the Southern Gulf Islands located in between Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia. It also happens to be the home of one of my artistic idols, Mr. Robert Bateman. I will try and post a few pics of this picturesque place in weeks to come.

As for the drawing thats on the board now......I have taken some time to complete the subject of this piece.
Stay tuned for the completion of this one shortly.........

2007-02-15T21:21:00.000-08:00

Thought I would show a little progress on this one. The bubbles are taking me longer than I thought. Who knew that you could spend this long doing tiny bubbles and sparkles. I think I will be taking a break from building bubbles and move onto the main subject for a bit.

2007-02-05T13:21:00.000-08:00

Another trip to the waters edge........

"Waiting for the Tide"

2007-01-30T12:35:00.000-08:00

Well here it is......
After a few minor tweaks and improvements, I hope you like how the finished piece has turned out.
Once again, thanks for stopping by.

Taking Another Look

2007-01-17T09:03:00.000-08:00

Hello again and Happy New Year to everyone.

I've decided to take another look at a Work in Progress that I haven't been completely happy with. After playing around with the composition a little and adding a bit of flow to this somewhat static piece, I think you'll like what I've come up with. I hope to have this one completed soon.

Thank you for stopping by......

"Hunter's Gaze"

2006-11-24T12:05:00.000-08:00

Hello again everyone.
I know well this update is well over due, here is the finished Owl Portrait. Thank you for waiting patiently and I hope you like the final outcome.

The Home Stretch

2006-09-27T21:04:00.000-07:00

This one is starting to head down the home stretch with just a little more left. I am quite happy with how this one is progressing.
Thank you for stopping by....

Tiny bit more

2006-09-19T22:29:00.000-07:00

A little more progress done on this up close and personal portrait. Lots of details makes for a sloooooow go.

Whoooo am I ? ?

2006-09-18T16:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a little update to show you what is on the drawing board at the present time. Can you tell Whooooo it's going to be??
Stay tuned and find out..............

Another little update

2006-08-11T10:54:00.000-07:00

I've completed a little bit more on this one now. There are a few more things to add before I call it finished.
Thanks for stopping by for a peek...

Hello Again

2006-08-04T13:21:00.000-07:00

Well after a well deserved vacation and a little time away from the drawing board to deal with the printing side of my art, I am ready to get back down to work. Hopfully soon I will have another update for you and we can continue on with our Work In Progress theme.

Thank you for stopping by.....

Building Some Pilings

2006-06-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

Here is a little update for you. Putting in some pilings today. Four Down three to go.

Back to the Sea

2006-06-05T22:11:00.000-07:00

Well since I live on an island, all roads lead back to the sea eventually. This is where my friends sit patiently waiting for me to draw their picture.

Misty Beach Final Image

2006-05-28T18:41:00.000-07:00

Here is the final......."Misty Beach" image size 5.25 x 14
This piece was inspired by the West Coast of Canada.
I am also very happy to say that this will be avaliable soon as one of my first limited edition prints.

An old friend re-visited

2006-05-22T22:15:00.000-07:00

Well hello again...... After taking a long and very unexpected forced break from my artwork to re-organize some personal affairs, I am happy to say that my artwork has once again come out back on top.
I am giving you another glimse of a "long in the making" Misty Beach. I will hopefully have final images for you soon. Until then, Enjoy....

The beginings of a Storm

2006-04-30T21:47:00.000-07:00

A west coast storms a brewing......

The West Coast of Canada

2006-04-25T19:10:00.000-07:00

The other weekend I took a trip to gather some reference shots. I went to the west coast of the island I live on. I thought I would post a couple pictures so you can get an idea of how nice it is in this part of Canada. I was quite inspired by the views and hopfully will have some nice landscape type drawings soon.
Enjoy

Final Mule Deer steps

2006-04-17T10:08:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a little while since my last update. I've been away shooting some reference for some up coming west coast style pieces I have in mind. Before I continue on with those I would like to finish up with the last two images of my latest work in progress. The last image can also be found on my new website. I hope you enjoyed seeing how this one came together.

2006-04-11T19:23:00.000-07:00

Here I am showing myself working slowly down the face and into the body. Trying to capture as much detail with this first pass as I can.

2006-04-08T15:56:00.000-07:00

Here are another couple pictures showing my progression. I try to lightly finish an area before moving on to the next. This way, once the complete paper is covered, it is only a small amount of tweaking left to complete the piece.

2006-04-07T13:55:00.000-07:00

Here is a little preview of a previous work. I snapped some pictures of this piece along the way and will post them over the next couple of days so you can get a feel of how my portrait style pieces progress.

A Surprise Snowfall

2006-04-04T18:18:00.000-07:00

The part of Canada that I live in doesn't usually recieve snowfall right by the ocean in the winter. A few weeks ago we recieved a surprise snowfall and I thought it would be a nice time to get out and take some wintery reference shots. I'd like to share with you a couple of shots from the area.

Finished Winter Guest

2006-03-31T11:13:00.000-08:00

Well the Winter Guest now has a finished home. Here is the final piece finished just before their departure back north to Alaska.

2006-03-28T20:28:00.000-08:00

Here is the latest work on my swan piece. Finished up the majority of the water. Next the swan will recieve some attention.

Our Winter Guests

2006-03-26T11:16:00.000-08:00

Well I would like to start off the Work in Progress section of this blog with a piece I'm doing of our local winter visiters. Every year the area of Vancouver Island were I live is host to migrating Trumpeter swans. They usually start heading back up north to alaska this time of year so before they left I thought I would capture one of them in a drawing. Here is the starting efforts of this piece.

A Smaller Portrait

2006-03-24T15:31:00.000-08:00

Well for my next jump into the past, I offer to you a smaller portrait. This one is 6x6 in size on Peterboro board. It is of a Golden Eagle.

Another older drawing

2006-03-19T15:55:00.000-08:00

Here is another older drawing that I did for a fellow artist friend of mine. It was an art exchange between the two of us and this was what I did for her. She is a big elephant fan and was quite happy with this one. I recieved a very nicely painted Canadian Loon from her.

Hello and Welcome

2006-03-18T17:32:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome to my Drawing Board. Let me start off with an older picture of a pod of Killer Whales. Even though I drew this one a few years ago, it is still one of my favorites.

Kevin