We selected the winners of our first giveaway. Congratulations to the talented artists and story tellers!

We will let you know soon the deadline for our next giveaway, with even more prizes by our sponsors. You are entered automatically by participating in the Big Picture.

Copic Prize: Marie Bellu

The story behind my drawing:

My love of drawing grew since I was 6 years and I discovered the series of Dinomir, drawed by Quentin Blake. Later, I have been interested in children’s books with my job (I’m teacher) and it has become a passion.
However, I started taking the pencil a few years ago because I didn’t dare before.
Look and make children’s illustrations are moments of great pleasure for me.

My connection to #Vancouver or what Vancouver evokes to me:

Vancouver is at 8486 km from me. I saw photos and I really want to visit this city a day.

SEE THIS DRAWING ON THE BIG PICTURE

Marie wins a  Strathmore Vision sketchbook 5.5 x 8.5 and a Copic Multiliner set of inking pens

Strathmore Prize: Gwen Moncrieff

The Story behind my drawing:

60 years ago, we drove from Britannia Beach to Vancouver, and of course we always had to cross over the Lion’s Gate Bridge. Years later when I was taking my elderly dad for a trip around his old haunts in Vancouver he told me that one of his first jobs as a young diamond driller was to help drill the holes that hold the huge cables of the Lion’s Gate Bridge in the ground. I feel so much safer on that bridge knowing that! He was a very conscientious, careful worker …definitely what you want when building a bridge!

My connection to #Vancouver or what Vancouver evokes to me:

This bridge makes me remember my Dad and all the changes that the bridge allowed to happen around Vancouver. Moving from a town to huge city in my lifetime!

SEE THIS DRAWING ON THE BIG PICTURE

Gwen wins 1 Strathmore Vision sketchbook 7 x 10 and 1 Copic Multiliner set of inking pens

PanPastel Prize #1 : Dee-Ann LeBlanc

The Story behind my drawing:

In the winter of 2006 I took a dream trip to Tokyo and Sapporo with friends, thanks to the help of my parents. The trip was a pop culture tour, full of people who were genuinely interested in the culture, foods, etc. of modern Japan, and was a joy to participate in. The scene I’ve depicted is from a picture I took in Sapporo, at a conveyer belt sushi place we visited. I remember feeling like the plastic bubbles over the sushi looked like little Jetsons’ cars, and that they were a smart idea given that it’s easy for conveyor belt sushi to pick up germs otherwise. Most places I’ve seen don’t have it covered. I will always have fond memories of this trip.

This is the first time I’ve used my digital tablet to draw a complete image. It was a fun experiment and I think makes for a nice nod to the way the Japanese embrace new technologies and advancements.

My connection to #Vancouver or what Vancouver evokes to me:

In 1994 I moved from the eastern US to North Vancouver and married my online sweetheart. Today, I’m a Canadian citizen and we’re still together, living an hour north of Vancouver. I always enjoy sharing the lower mainland of BC with visiting friends and family, and I feel so fortunate to live in such a beautiful, caring place.

SEE THIS DRAWING ON THE BIG PICTURE

Dee-Ann wins 1 pan pastels sets with 5 colors of your choice, a tray and a soft tools starter set

PanPastel Prize #2 : Marilyn Theisel

The Story behind my drawing:

Bush fires are a major part of life in Australia, and devastation from these cause havoc and destruction, not only to human homes but also to fauna and flora. Here, the life’s work of a wildlife carer has been destroyed, native animals died, but the relief to survive both for herself and an injured kangaroo is expressed as they hug each other. Whatever happens in any place around the world, we should embrace the good, the hope and love around us.

My connection to #Vancouver or what Vancouver evokes to me:

Vancouver, with it’s natural environment, fauna and flora, which are also at risk from human intervention and natural environment forces, is similar to that of my own homeland. We all face disasters, but the camaraderie of the people can be counted on at all times, as we collectively come together as one family to help and support.

SEE THIS DRAWING ON THE BIG PICTURE

Marilyn wins 1 pan pastels sets with 5 colors of your choice, a tray and a soft tools starter set

Speedball Prize: Anna Deligianni

The Story behind my drawing:

One percent:
This is a piece that describes my feelings on living in the city, a place that combines art and technology in a magical way. Growing up in the Athens, I was always fascinated by dancing, as my mother used to take me to many performances throughout my life. The way of expressing yourself through your body and art, is also one of the experiences that encouraged me to lead my life as a visual artist.
theatrical plays I watch, long walks and hikes I like to take, to the moments of rest and relaxation

My connection to #Vancouver or what Vancouver evokes to me:

I find a lot of interest in the activity of artists from Vancouver. I am especially interested in the case of Kathryn Lissack and Anne Sargent, two women with different style, but huge dynamics in their work, as well as a modern flavor.

SEE THIS DRAWING ON THE BIG PICTURE

Anna wins a Speedball Sketching Artist Set

Once again congratulations to all participating artists, we could select only 5 winners and this was a difficult tasks as many of you shared stories and drawings that did touch, interest and amazed us 🙂