News

RH wins a free ebook from the Artists Network.

PanPastel Prize #1 : Julia Payne

Country: USA

The Story behind my drawing:

Six years ago, my husband and I went to see the light installation artist, Bruce Munro’s, exhibit at the Franklin Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio. Our tickets happened to fall on a night when there had been 2 feet of snow. We entered the foyer of the conservatory and our first sight was a spectacular chandelier he had called “Icos”. Ii scribbled a drawing of it so i would never forget it. Every time i look at my drawing, it brings back the whole incredible light show, in the dark, in the snow. Glorious!

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

Pan Pastel Prize #2 : Ruth Oosterman

Country: Canada

The Story behind my drawing:

“Believe”

This timelapse was an idea bouncing around my head for the past year and it feels great to finally bring it to fruition. As a mom with two kids soon to enter the stage of technology and peer pressure, which honestly terrifies me, this lesson of believing in yourself without outside approval is a daily lesson I try to impart onto my children in hopes of preparing them for what is to come.

It is natural to want others to think highly of you and there is no evil in that but it is dangerous to allow your sense of self to be defined by anyone but yourself.

You are the lead in your life story and no one else should be given the power to write your character.

The original writing on the wall said, “I need you to believe in me” but once the little girl waters the seed the plant grows and covers some of the words leaving it to say, “I Believe in Me”

Find my work at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miniTUnJey8&t=1s

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

Strathmore Prize: Nicole Little

Country: Canada

The Story behind my drawing:

These are portraits of “ordinary” people in Tim Hortons. I love the diversity of people out in the world. I feel so lucky to live in Canada where so many cultures and ethnicities come together and coexist peacefully. The diversity certainly doesn’t hurt when you’re looking for a model! This piece is an exploration in pen line-work. I wanted to replicate the crowded feeling of a busy coffee shop.
My brother David lives in Vancouver. I have always wanted to visit him but, with a new baby and all the usual expenses, it looks like it will be several years before I get to eat really fresh lobster, and go for a swim and a ski on the same day. So, I’m sending a part of myself in art form! See you… eventually Vancouver!

Find my work at:
https://littleneocreative.com

S EE THIS DRAWING ON THE BIG PICTURE

Nicole wins 1 Strathmore Sketchbook 9 x 12 inches and a Copic Multiliner set of inking pens

Copic Prize : Luce Pelletier

Country: Canada

The Story behind my drawing:

I had stopped drawing 30 years ago. Recently, illness struck me: I cannot work any longer. I got a zentangle book in the hope of learning to free my hand to draw again. After one year of practice, drawings like this one here are emerging, and it makes me happy. Besides that, I’m a published poet, writing free-form poetry and haiku. I think that somehow, the two (will) meet. Anyhow, drawing and writing are part of my everyday life and they do give me reason to carry on despite my disability, hope and share.

Luce wins 1 Strathmore Sketchbook 5.5 x 8.5 inches and 1 Copic Multiliner set of inking pens

Speedball Prize #1: Angela Read

Country: UK

The Story behind my drawing:

When I was a child walking around the playground I used to feel like I was wearing a target. The obvious reason for this might be because I was bullied, but I don’t like being surrounded by people so it could be that. The target is repeated to show movement but in doing this I have created somthing which looks like a virus which is pretty apt as this is often what I feel like.

Find my work at:
http://www.angelaread.co.uk

Angela wins one Strathmore Watercolor paper pad- 12 sheets cold press and a Speedball Sketching set.

Speedball Prize #2: Farhat Tyebji

Country: Spain

The Story behind my drawing:

I have loved dancing, be it folk or classical. Now I stay in Barcelona, Spain.
Here I got an opportunity to learn Indian classical dance; kathak.
Keeping in touch with the culture of my land, I learn and and also get opportunities to perform on stage. I feel, it is so beautiful, transporting one culture to another land, thus mingling and merging art forms and finding out similarities. This is what I call “Unity in diversity”.!!

Farhat wins one Strathmore Watercolor paper pad- 12 sheets cold press and a Speedball Sketching set.

Speedball Prize #3: Marty Garland

Country: Ireland

The Story behind my drawing:

This is a drawing of my mothers hand holding a little songbook, and although her alzheimers condition was quite advanced she understood the book related to singing and was singing away with gusto, though not necessarily from words on the page! The words of the song depicted are from a folk song called ‘Peggy Gordon’…she thought I had written a song about my sister Peggy (Garland) and used to sing it.

Find my work at:
https://martygarland.com/photo_15987681.html

Marty wins one Speedball sketching set

Once again congratulations to all participating artists, this project would not exist without you !

Whenever you enter a drawing in the Big Picture, you are automatically added to our next draw.

02/26/201902/26/2019

Participate in the Big Picture before April 30th and you will entered to win prizes in our next giveaway

On April 30th, we will select 8 contributions to the Big Picture for our art prizes giveaway and they will win prizes by our sponsors.

If you already participated in the project, you don’t need to do anything, you are automatically eligible to win a prize.

Do you have questions about participating ? Read our FAQ or visit our page : How to participate

Our giveaway prizes

1 inspiring e-book download by the Artists Network.

2 Pan Pastels sets with 5 colors of your choice, a tray and a soft tools starter set

1 Strathmore Sketchbook 9 x 12 inches and a Copic Multiliner set of inking pens

1 Strathmore Sketchbook 5.5 x 8.5 inches and 1 Copic Multiliner set of inking pens

2 Strathmore Watercolor paper pad- 12 sheets cold press and a Speedball Sketching set.

1 Speedball sketching set

If you already uploaded you drawings, you are automatically entered for the giveaways

Each participant can upload up to 4 pictures

Good luck !

02/10/201902/10/2019

Congratulations to the winners of our January giveaway !

We just announced the winners of our art prizes giveaway, thank you to all the participants, you are what makes this project special 🙂

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.

Artist Network Prize : R.H.

Country: Japan

The Story behind my drawing:

When I was in a middle school, my mom made me “obento”, which means lunch box in Japanese, every day. She never forgot or missed to prepare this for 4 years even though she was busy enough doing other work. I had a lot of concerns and conflicts about my friendship or studying, but I remembered that because of this heartful “obento” I could enjoy my school life. This art symbolizes my mom’s deep love and my appreciation toward her. I will never forget this wonderful memory, and I always think that I want to be a woman like my mom who kindly support others in the future.

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

Vancouver gives me a great environment and opportunity to learn how to be a global citizen, and how I can contribute to the society or the world.

SE E THIS DRAWING ON THE BIG PICTURE

RH wins a free ebook from the Artists Network.

PanPastel Prize #1 : Leah Currie

Country: USA

The Story behind my drawing:

My drawing is a display of my life story. While not in chronological order it can be read from any angle and its meaning is left up for interpretation. The chaotic tone of the piece seeks to express my childhood trauma and the uncertainties that life has woven into this chapter of mine. Though my beginnings were not humble experiences with the world and with those in my community has led me to feel humbled and a sense of compassion for others suffering. If you look closely you can read all of the insults I have been lashed with. No label will define me instead I will be a beacon of resilience.

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

My grandfather is a Canadian citizen. So I have a lot of fondness for the country as a whole and a sense of compassion and appreciation for art encourage me to wish to visit!

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

Pan Pastel Prize #2 : Mary Hammel

Country: USA

The Story behind my drawing:

I have been a cancer survivor since 1992, after a successful bone marrow transplant for leukemia. My visceral experience with cancer has led my interest into mapping and interpreting my experiences involving place. Here I have delineated an intimate point of view of my body being not only invaded by the vicious cancer cells in my blood but also examined relentlessly by machines and doctors. My body was on edge from both, and I felt invaded. I am thankful every day that I am a cancer survivor, thanks to the generosity of my brother JP and his life-saving bone marrow.

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

I love nature photography, hiking, and architecture, so Vancouver is a place that I would like to visit someday.

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

Strathmore Prize: Yoonsun Lee

Country: Korea

The Story behind my drawing:

This picture is when I ride bus first time in Canada. I was little bit afraid. I worried that if I rode wrong bus, so I lost way, but I rode successfully. I was so happy and proud myself. Korea bus and Canada Bus is so different. When the night, Canada bus light is blue, also, seat arrangement is different. Korea does not have any facing seats. All are facing the front seats in the bus. Now, I can ride bus freely.

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

I like environment of Vancouver. Clean air and many trees make me happy.

Yoonsun wins 1 Strathmore Sketchbook 9 x 12 inches and a Copic Multiliner set of inking pens

Copic Prize : Shannon Emmanuel

Country: Canada

The Story behind my drawing:

This is our dog, Cleo. She is a Carahoula Leopard dog rescued from a Texas high-kill shelter. She is now living a quiet country life with a big family of human sisters and today is cozied up on the couch while the winds storm outside and the kids are asleep in their beds.

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

Vancouver is my second home. The greenery, water and city have such a beautiful relationship that it inspires me rain or shine.

Find my work at:
http://www.instagram.com/daydreamerillustrations

Shannon wins 1 Strathmore Sketchbook 5.5 x 8.5 inches and 1 Copic Multiliner set of inking pens

Speedball Prize #1: Lilianne Milgrom

Country: United States

The Story behind my drawing:

I am often questioning my existence, my purpose, my goals, my destiny, my motivations, my relationships. When I look at goats, they seem to have a particularly ‘clueless’ expression that suggests that their concerns are anything but philosophical! I sometimes think we’d be better off not thinking so much..

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

A french song, the other side of the world to me…

North, far north, lies a place called Vancouver. I once met an artist from Vancouver when I was in Romania. The image I have in my mind is of good people, good clean air, green, lots of green. It seems to be one of the last strongholds of goodness and clean living left on earth. Maybe I don’t want to find out if it’s true or not…I’d rather continue to cling to that belief.

Find my work at:
http://www.liliannemilgrom.com

Lilianne wins one Strathmore Watercolor paper pad- 12 sheets cold press and a Speedball Sketching set.

Speedball Prize #2: Jesse Taylor

Country: United States

The Story behind my drawing:

In the Summer of 2013 I was at a lake house party/sleep over. In the morning me and three friends were all hungover and wandered down to the dock of the lake. We all three laid on the dock in the sun contemplating and feeling the heat and wind. The lake was alive with hundreds of blue dragonflies mating. The entire surface of the lake was buzzing with activity. This is one important moment for me in awakening to a larger connectedness of nature and the universe. In drawing I use some automatic methods tapping into subconscious to get most of the mass of line and shapes. Then I will often coax out what starts to look like landscape or celestial imagery and in this case I inserted a human profile and eye giving the abstraction context relating to vision as well as mind.

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

I live in Portland Oregon so relatively close to Vancouver! We have a small Vancouver also just over the Columbia river. Id love to visit your Vancouver someday. We are connected by a coastline and ocean. Looking at a map I imagine a sea voyage from Portland to Vancouver would be most spectacular.

Find my work at:
http://albinodragonfly8.weebly.com/

Jesse wins one Strathmore Watercolor paper pad- 12 sheets cold press and a Speedball Sketching set.

Speedball Prize #3: Komachi Goto

Country: scotland

The Story behind my drawing:

This is drawing of my father. my father became forgetful several years ago and to combat memory loss, my mother planned and conducted daily excises for him. every morning, my father’s day start with scaling his weight, to write down his weight on calendar to recognize the date, then physical exercise to loosen his body by stretching and light exercise. then he will sit down to start his brain exercise, he will read out loud and write down few classic poems, then a page of math calculation, which takes about 20 minutes or so. I had been drawing my father while he does those exercise. my father is not aware that I am drawing him, he is concentrated to solve his assignment before breakfast. sometime he moves lots, itching and been uncomfortable. by drawing him everyday, I could tell his mood and condition better than by asking him as his response is not always accurate to his condition. thanks to my mother, his forgetful ness has been paused rather than becoming more forgetful.

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

I was born in Japan and lives in Edinburgh Scotland. Vancouver is still the land of mystery to me, I have visited other side of Canada once before in my life, but not he Vancouver yet, I can not imagine what is it like to be in the city in the North America, the scale must be unimaginable. I do feel both Japan and UK are just so opposite as both countries are an island.. it does fascinate me and tingle my curiosity every time I hear ” Vancouver” and I wonder how life goes there.

Find my work at:
https://komachi.weebly.com

Komachi wins one Speedball fountain pen

Speedball Prize #4: Gail Grow

Country: United States

The Story behind my drawing:

for the past ten years, my husband and I have escaped the snow and ice of the Northwestern winter and traveled to Florida. this year we have had several health challenges that have kept us at home. At first I chomped at the bit and rued my fate. But then I discovered the rewards of being housebound. I’ve been able to spend time dong all the things I love to do, but don’t have enough time for in my usual, busy life – cooking, reading, knitting, writing and making music and art. Every morning I turn on the heat in my studio, enjoy coffee and the paper and then spend a glorious couple of hours making art. My painting and drawing have both improved. But I do miss our Florida getaway, so I’ve been drawing quick sketches from my pictures. I have a soft spot in my heart for seagulls and have taken many pictures of them. This fine fellow posed proudly for my picture and was worthy of a sketchbook page.

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

My son participated in the BC Bike Race in 2016 and my husband and I were groupies for several of the stages. The race is a 7 day single track mountain bike race that begins in North Vancouver and in 2016 ended in Whistler. It is a grueling endeavor and not all of the 650 participants finish. My son did and I was so very proud of him…of the strength of his will and the size of his heart. He is doing it again this year and we will again be his groupies in beautiful British Columbia.

Gail wins one Speedball sketching set

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is unnamed.jpg

Once again congratulations to all participating artists, this project would not exist without you !

11/29/201811/29/2018

Participate in the Big Picture before January 31st and you will entered to win prizes in our next giveaway

On January 31st, we will select 7 contributions to the Big Picture for our art prizes giveaway and they will win prizes by our sponsors. If you already participated in the project, you don’t need to do anything, you are automatically eligible to win a prize.

What are we looking for? We are looking for personal stories that will let us know a bit more about yourself:

where you are from
where you live now
your everyday life
significant events
what you like
who you love
your pets
your inspiration
your state of mind…

Our giveaway prizes

1 drawing e-book download by the Artists Network.

2 Pan Pastels sets with 5 colors of your choice, a tray and a soft tools starter set

1 Strathmore Sketchbook 9 x 12 inches and a Copic Multiliner set of inking pens

1 Strathmore Sketchbook 5.5 x 8.5 inches and 1 Copic Multiliner set of inking pens

2 Strathmore Watercolor paper pad- 12 sheets cold press and a Speedball Sketching set.

1 speedball fountain pen

1 Speedball sketching set

If you already uploaded you drawings, you are automatically entered for the giveaways

Each participant can upload up to 4 pictures

Good luck !

10/20/201810/20/2018

Congratulations to the winners of our October giveaway !

We just announced the winners of our art prizes giveaway, thank you to all the participants, you are what makes this project special 🙂

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.

Artist Network Prize : Corie Walker

Country: USA

The Story behind my drawing:

My name is Corie, and I am an artist. I am an artist even when I draw on post-its. I am an artist even when I work with weird materials. I am an artist even when get rejected from shows. I am an artist even when I don’t know famous artists. I am an artist even when I do a messy drawing. I am an artist even when I hate my work. I am an artist even when I don’t work for weeks. I am an artist even when I feel like I haven’t achieved anything. I am an artist even when I am alone and don’t know anyone at art shows. I am an artist even when I don’t go to museums. I am an artist even when I haven’t been to the Met. I am an artist even when I am still in my hometown. I am an artist even when I don’t sell my work. I am an artist even when I don’t feel like one. I am an artist.

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

To me Vancouver seems far. I’m from and reside in the south of the United States. I’ve never been to Canada, but I envy its awesome healthcare and president. When I think of Vancouver, I think woods, mountains, and mist. I think about rain and snow, and wonder how the people feel about the rain and snow. I think about moose or is it meese? I think about all the creatures non-native to my climate. I think of wolves and then the northern native tribes.

Find my work at:
http://corie-walker.squarespace.com/

Corie wins a free ebook from the Artists Network.

PanPastel Prize #1 : Soloni Freitas

Country: USA

The Story behind my drawing:

This is my mother, the kindest and strongest woman I’ve ever met. She’s definitely my role model. I try every day to follow in her footsteps, but I have much to learn. She grew up in a very small city in southeastern Brazil. She married and had ten children. I am the youngest among them. She had to work all the time to keep the house in order, so she didn’t have much time to play with us, but she could tell stories like no one. She used to do it it while ironing clothes. The three younger ones, sat on the floor beside her to fantasize about the tales of kings, queens, princes, soldiers and animals, all stories with deep meaning. I see today how precious those moments were.

I always thought it would be good to travel and see the world with her, but that wasn’t possible, so I decided to show her to the world, through my eyes with The big picture art project.

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

My connection with Canada is that my brother’s daughter in law have spend one month working as a babysitter there.

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

Pan Pastel Prize #2 : Soma Debnath

Country: United Kingdom

The Story behind my drawing:

This is a traditional Madhubani painting which is a form of Indian folk art done mainly in the state of Bihar.

This painting is deeply personal to me. I have a fond childhood memory of my mother and I reading together(sometimes to each other) during summer vacations. She was a busy lady and she hardly used to get time to sit with me and read books to me or play with me. We looked forward to our month long holidays(twice a year) so that we can spend some quality time with each other,reading, playing, eating our favourite fruit(mangoes).

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

A few years ago 3 of my food photographs along with a little writeup was published in a Vancouver based magazine called Here Magazine. It was a very beautiful surprise.Since then I have been wanting to go there and see the beautiful city and its people in person.

Find my work at:
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Somafolkart

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

Strathmore Prize: Yoonsae Celine Kim

Country: CANADA

The Story behind my drawing:

Kumari is a Nepalese living god believed to have powers of prescience and the ability to cure the sick, fulfill specific wishes, and bestow blessings of protection and prosperity. Above all, Kumari is said to provide an immediate connection between this world and the divine and to generate in their devotees a spirit of loving-kindness toward all. However, After playing God for the last ten years, she will be abandoned and uncomfortable in normal society. The young girl is chosen for Kumari lose her ordinary life with her family and friends. Kumari, in fact, has such a heavy responsibility on her shoulders, that of caring for the Living Goddess.

When I was young, I have lived in Kumari, the myth of ‘Genius’ with incredible academic achievements. I was a famous young girl on the newspaper but did not have an ordinary life with family and friends.
Many Asian parents make the myth of their child and sacrifice their ordinary life and happiness like Kumari.

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

inside-outside
“I refuse to keep playing in fixed notions and frames.I question the boundary of every aspects.As an answer I found that there was an indefinite separation between the in and out mid-space and time factor, and the two could be moving. There is something between inside and outside.” Vancouver is city of inside-outside and we can find something special.

Find my work at:
https://www.facebook.com/kim.yoonsae.14

Yoonsae wins 1 Strathmore Sketchbook 9 x 12 inches and a Copic Multiliner set of inking pens

Copic Prize : Cindy Fan

Country: Canada

The Story behind my drawing:

“Chamber” is about my experience with isolation tanks and sensory deprivation. In contemporary society, we are not only bombarded with various types of visual, audio and physical stimulus but also tend to seek them out for recreation and pleasure. My drawing explores the unique, enriching sensation of purposely placing myself in a space and time without any outside stimulus where it is just me, my thoughts and my imagination. I wanted to illustrate what it was like, for a brief moment, to truly be isolated from the world and just spend time floating in darkness while subjecting myself to the inner workings of my brain.

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

I wish to live in Vancouver one day. I am inspired by how vibrant the people and art scene is there.

Find my work at:
https://cind.ca/

Cindy wins 1 Strathmore Sketchbook 5.5 x 8.5 inches and 1 Copic Multiliner set of inking pens

Speedball Prize #1: TB Titbelsoeur

Country: France

The Story behind my drawing:

Je continue mon exploration du bassin d’Arcachon, en Nouvelle Aquitaine près de Bordeaux. J’ai dessiné ces cabanes en m’inspirant de certains artistes locaux, mais en y ajoutant ma patte ! Je suis très contente de participer à cette fresque géante avec des milliers d’artistes.
Going on with my art travel through the Bassin d’Arcachon, near Bordeaux, France. I have drawn these houses, taking inspiration from local artists, adding my personal touch ! I am so happy to participate in this huge art canvas with so many artists.

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

A french song, the other side of the world to me…

Find my work at:
http://titbelsoeur.eklablog.com

TB wins one Strathmore Watercolor paper pad- 12 sheets cold press and a Speedball Sketching set.

Speedball Prize #2: T Bronwyn Davies

Country: Australia

The Story behind my drawing:

This is Stradbroke Island off the Queensland coast. A place to watch the whales breach as they make their way past on annual migration. A place to swim with dolphins to take stock and reflect. Each year friends, partners, children gather for a weekend camp to remember Francois Langlasse who died in 2014 from Motor Neurone Disease. We cook, we talk, we paint, we make music, we walk, we do yoga omg the beach and reflect on all we have and all we have lost.
Nature helps to put things in perspective.

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

I imagine Canada to be a place of many wild wonders and Vancouver being the portal to those places.

Find my work at:
https://www.bronwyndavies.studio

Bronwyn wins one Strathmore Watercolor paper pad- 12 sheets cold press and a Speedball Sketching set.

Once again congratulations to all participating artists, this project would not exist without you !

08/29/201808/29/2018

Participate in the Big Picture before October 15th and you will entered to win prizes in our next giveaway

On October 15th, we will select 7 contributions to the Big Picture for our art prizes giveaway and they will win prizes by our sponsors. If you already participated in the project, you don’t need to do anything, you are automatically eligible to win a prize.

What are we looking for? We are looking for personal stories that will let us know a bit more about yourself:

where you are from
where you live now
your everyday life
significant events
what you like
who you love
your pets
your inspiration
your state of mind…

Our giveaway prizes

1 drawing e-book download by the Artists Network.

2 Pan Pastels sets with 5 colors of your choice, a tray and a soft tools starter set

1 Strathmore Sketchbook 9 x 12 inches and a Copic Multiliner set of inking pens

1 Strathmore Sketchbook 5.5 x 8.5 inches and 1 Copic Multiliner set of inking pens

2 Strathmore Watercolor paper pad- 12 sheets cold press and a Speedball Sketching set.

If you already uploaded you drawings, you are automatically entered for the giveaways

Each participant can upload up to 4 pictures

Good luck !

08/17/201808/17/2018

Congratulations to the winners of our August giveaway !

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

We keep being moved, interested and amazed by the stories you shared, thank you 🙂

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.

Artist Network Prize : Kassie Ang

Drawing by Kassie Ang

Country: Singapore

The Story behind my drawing:

Today is the 53rd Birthday for Singapore. My artwork shows the enjoyment of watching fireworks during National Day with our loved ones.

In Singapore, the nation loves to commemorate the day that we gain independence, as the many communities in Singapore would come together as one, to celebrate and perform on the largest stage in Singapore and have it broadcasted on national tv. There are plenty of ways to watch the national day parade and one of it is to hop on a river cruise at the right time so as to catch the fireworks during the one hour cruise!

Kassie wins a free ebook from the Artist Network

PanPastel Prize #1 : Susan “Sparky” Kedzie

Drawing by Susan “Sparky” Kedzie

Country: United States

The Story behind my drawing:

I work part time as a substitute teacher at a junior and senior high school. I often work as the sub for the special education teacher. Its amazing to witness some of the challenges kids face with poverty, abuse, neglect, and special learning needs. Some days I just want to help kids smile a little.

So…this year I started asking my students what their favorite animal is. Then I would diligently draw it during breaks and over lunch. Just fast sketches. Erring on the side of “Cute” to get a smile.

This piece entitled “Bunny” was for a student with a very stressful home life and a difficult set of behavioral challenges. When I presented it to him, his reaction was intense: he cried. Sobbed actually. Then he smiled, hugged and thanked me! Then he told me the story about his rabbit and how he lost it and how he misses his dad even though he’s never met him.

I asked him if he could remember to always be kind to himself. He said he would try. He and I have been BBFs ever since.

Find my work at:
http://www.susankedzie.com

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

Pan Pastel Prize #2 : Kishwar Kiani

Drawing by Kishwar Kiani

Country: Pakistan

The Story behind my drawing:

Pretty Ugly:

This piece showcases my natural inclination towards portraiture and anatomy. Since early in my practice, I have been captivated with the imperfect and irregular nature of things. In this modern age, despite social awareness, acne marks are still considered a taboo. With this piece, I highlight my fascination with the socially unacceptable and incorrect by drawing attention to my subject’s facial acne. For this I have used charcoal and conte pastel on a heavy grain sheet to further emphasize the raw nature of the image. The use of light, the positioning of the head and the background all draw focus on the acne marks.

Find my work at:
https://www.instagram.com/kishwarkiani/

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

Strathmore Prize: Caterina Stambolic

Drawing by Caterina Stambolic

Country: Canada

The Story behind my drawing:

Wandering through the city on a grey foggy day, I came across an empty playground, and was struck by memories of playing on swings as a child. The feeling of soaring through the air, and nothing holding you to the ground was the most magical moment when I was young. Seeing the swings still filled me with a sense of melancholy, and I wanted to capture that in this drawing.

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

I remember as a child travelling to Vancouver, and that trip still reminds me of magic and wonder and exploration. These feelings are so strong, and yet so similar to that feeling of soaring through the air on a simple swing. For me, my memories of Vancouver are filled with joy and nostalgia.

Find my work at:
https://catstambolicart.wixsite.com/studio

Caterina wins 1 Strathmore Sketchbook 9 x 12 inches and a Copic Multiliner set of inking pens

Copic Prize : Stephanie Munro

Drawing by Stephanie Munro

Country: United States

The Story behind my drawing:

The drawing I submitted is a drawing I created of my Dungeons and Dragons character, Agnes. My favorite aspect about her is that she represents a part of me that I do not usually show to others. As someone in their twenties, I want to explore my own identity. It is good to have an outlet to explore without the commitment of doing so in the real world. Through my Dungeons and Dragons characters, I can explore different social identities without receiving in negative repercussions of the real world. Agnes is my alter ego. She ended up becoming the ideal version of myself. The version of myself that I wish I was in my own mind.

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

Currently, I reside about 90 minutes south of Vancouver. I live in Bellingham, Washington. When I was in high school I always dreamed of moving to the Bellingham-Vancouver area. I am from a small town in Eastern Washington that not many people have the opportunity to venture away from. Through hard work, I got accepted into Western Washington University, where I am currently attending. I want to participate in your project is to help inspire and encourage others to follow their dreams .

Find my work at:
https://wp.wwu.edu/stephaniemunro/

Stephanie wins 1 Strathmore Sketchbook 5.5 x 8.5 inches and 1 Copic Multiliner set of inking pens

Speedball Prize : Aglaya Nogina

Drawing by Aglaya Nogina

Country: Ukraine

The Story behind my drawing:

It’s hard to explain my paintings. Images are often just born out of sight, they acquire clear forms and meanings and become real. I like to invent unessential ordinary people, because I believe that in this way I will give them life. This woman with a cigar was born to me for a very long time. Her name is Lis. She smokes from childhood and does not plan to leave it because she likes to smoke out of her lips. Forest read Freud, drinking dry wine and collecting records.

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

I’m sure that this program is a great chance to be heard. To see my heroes new people. Perhaps someone will be interested in my graphics and will offer interesting ideas of cooperation, because my main goal is the development of his art. I really want to have a wider audience, have my people around the world, who will be viewers. After all, art does not work without a viewer.

Find my work at:
https://www.instagram.com/detaliochimaaglai/?hl=uk

Aglaya wins 1 Strathmore Watercolor paper pad- 12 sheets cold press and a Speedball Sketching set.

Once again congratulations to all participating artists, this project would not exist without you !

06/06/2018

Participate in the Big Picture before August 15th and you will entered to win prizes in our next giveaway

On August 15th, we will select 6 of the most interesting contributions to the Big Picture for our fifth giveaway and they will win prizes by our sponsors. If you already participated in the project, you don’t need to do anything, you are automatically eligible to win a prize.

What are we looking for? We are looking for personal stories that will let us know a bit more about yourself:

where you are from
where you live now
your everyday life
significant events
what you like
who you love
your pets
your inspiration
your state of mind…

Our giveaway prizes

2 Pan Pastels sets with 5 colors of your choice, a tray and a soft tools starter set

1 Strathmore Sketchbook 9 x 12 inches and a Copic Multiliner set of inking pens

1 Strathmore Sketchbook 5.5 x 8.5 inches and 1 Copic Multiliner set of inking pens

1 Strathmore Watercolor paper pad- 12 sheets cold press and a Speedball Sketching set.

If you already uploaded you drawings, you are automatically entered for the giveaways

Each participant can upload up to 4 pictures

Good luck !

05/20/201805/20/2018

Congratulations to the winners of our sixth giveaway !

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

As it happened with our previous giveaways, it was very challenging to select only 6 winners in all the last 2 months uploads. We were often moved, interested or amazed by the stories you shared, thank you 🙂

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: Nicolas Grégoire

Drawing by Nicolas Grégoire

Country: Canada

The Story behind my drawing:

Oscar the old man who didn’t want to hear a thing.
This evening, every sound is irritating Oscar. It’s as if his upstairs neighbour is proud of his drum & bass and wants to share it with everyone. The melody is hazy and indistinct. All Oscar hears is the blasting bass and its repetitive beat. He’s not in the mood. Even the very thought of going to ask is neighbour to turn it down is burdensome. He’s fed up and grumpy. Might as well be alone tonight.
People usually avoid solitude by filling the sound of silence. But sometimes we just need to be alone in a quiet place. I guess it depends on our mental state.

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

I have a client who lives near Vancouver, on Victoria Island. Our country is vast, the world is immense and so is my family.

Find my work at:
http://www.nicolasgregoire.ca/

Nicolas wins a Strathmore Vision sketchbook 7x 10″ and a Copic Multiliner set of inking pens

Strathmore Prize: Christie Zwick

Drawing by Christie Zwick

Country: Canada

The Story behind my drawing:

This is my beagle, Nile, checking to see if I have forgotten about him. He does this when is am drawing.

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

I love visiting Vancouver. It is such a change from Calgary. The atmosphere just feels more creative…

Click here to read more about the Big Picture Art Project:
https://thebigpictureartproject.com

Christie wins 1 Strathmore Vision sketchbook 5.5 x 8.5″ and 1 Copic Multi-liner set of inking pens

PanPastel Prize #1 : Suzanne Borowicz

Drawing by Suzanne Borowicz

Country: USA

The Story behind my drawing:

A few years ago, my husband underwent surgery to remove a cancer. Luckily, we live near an internationally acclaimed cancer institute, so I felt confident that my husband was receiving the best care. We had the support of family, friends and prayers.
However, cancer brings a distinct isolation with it that cannot be avoided. While my husband slept after his surgery, I peered out the window imagining the bustling lives of the people in the city outside, all unaware of the terror in my heart and the loneliness in my soul.
Without realizing it, I sketched my perspective and my emotions.
My husband recovered. He is now cancer free, and we have rejoined the active life of folks outside hospital windows.
This sketch is a reminder of cancer’s solitary confinement. My husband and I now make every effort to reach out to people with this terrifying diagnosis aware that all we can do is offer a knowing companionship until the loneliness lifts.

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

My connection to Vancouver is Sandrine Pelissier. I have followed her work for a number of years now, and she makes me believe that Vancouver is a beautiful nurturing place to live, work and create. I would like to visit Vancouver and experience its energy for myself.

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

PanPastel Prize #2 : Daniel Pincham-Phipps

Drawing by Daniel Pincham-Phipps

Country: UK

The Story behind my drawing:

After my late father made me a cup of tea. He stood watching out the window, he used to feed the birds, mum does it now.

This drawing is of my late father, he had dementia and wanted to make me a cup of tea. He was standing in his pyjama’s and slippers, half hour later I got my cup of tea and it was perfect.

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

Love, love, love and life and art.

Find my work at:
https://www.facebook.com/dppartist/

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

Speedball Prize #1: Priyanka Dhar

Drawing by Priyanka Dhar

Country: United Kingdom

The Story behind my drawing:

I was few months away from motherhood when a strong desire for Madhubani art settled into me. My son, who is my love and inspiration, and finds his best friend in me playfully takes away my brush and rushes into the backyard on his scooter. I chase him with a candy so that I can divert his attention from my paint brush.

This piece of art is a reflection of me juggling between my passion and my love. It is a snippet of my daily life – me with my art brush in one hand and a candy in the other that my 2 year old relishes.

I am balancing between my artistic career and the naughty toddler whose arrival into this world reinforced my focus and dedication towards Madhubani art when there were bleak chances of me being able to manage my motherhood and my career.

Here I have tried to give a touch of folkart form called Madhubani art to this sketch. Madhubani art originated in India, the country I belong to. All smiles while i draw this. Its an interrelated story of my love & passion.

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

I have never been to Vancouver. How i feel connected to Vancouver is through The Vancouver Art Gallery, which i have heard about and seen in pictures.

Being an budding artist art galleries do make me feel great. I hope to visit this gallery one day may be as a visitor or may be as an exhibitor.

Hope to see Vancouver soon!!!

Find my work at:
http://www.instagram.com/madhubanianand

Priyanka wins a Speedball Artist Set

Speedball Prize #2: S JAYARAJ

Drawing by S JAYARAJ

Country: India

The Story behind my drawing:

My city Chennai is blessed with many heritages, monuments of Dravidian culture, British culture and much more. Living in the city helped me to understand stories of a different era and inspired many of my artworks. Due to the nature of my job, a major part of my life was dedicated for the upliftment and empowering of fishermen community. In these drawings, you can see 7th-8th-century shore temple on the Coromandel coast of Bay of Bengal and traditional fishermen community living around it.

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

I believe it is the heart of people which makes a city beautiful. Many of the famous influential people call Vancouver their home. This city not only raised many actors, activist, musicians and writers but also is blessed with beautiful mountains and wonderful people. To me, Vancouver is not just a beautiful city, it represents Art, music theatre and Literature –some of the finer things which give meaning to the life.