Claire’s Colouring Page: Coastal Ravens

Claire and her husband Adam reside in Tofino, British Columbia. You can find her Saturdays from late May to early October at the Tofino Market in the Village Green from 10-2pm.  Scroll down for her detailed bio!

A little break from Inktober madness for a colouring page as we have some storm force winds heading our way today for the first storm of the season. I figured now its getting time to cozy up with some tea and coloured pencils and get at it. Drawing line work on a rocking boat provides its own challenges, but I still enjoy looking out the wheelhouse windows and seeing the weather stir up the clouds and the seas.

I always know storms are coming as there are flocks of grounded seagulls on the breakwater. Around the docks you’ll find plenty of birds, but ravens are some of my favourites. They are beautiful and mysterious, but don’t turn your back on them. They are known to unzip back packs, open coolers and take your snacks away. Smart as a whip these tricksters are…

Claire Watson’s Bio:

Being raised on the coast of Vancouver Island, I was immersed in the natural culture of the ocean early in life. I had many opportunities to travel and explore by sea much of the coastline of North America mostly by sailboat or salmon packer in which I developed a deep connection and admiration for this coast. The rugged shores, ocean swells, hardy forest fringes, mountain vistas, starry nights, dynamic daily changes in light and weather, secluded beaches… a rugged, yet fragile landscape makes up the environment I call home. We are all tethered to nature and must respect who and what we are, and this, in essence, has become the inspiration behind my work.

I work primarily in pen and ink and watercolour – the ability to control the fine line work detail but then let it go with the unpredictable nature of watercolour is something I can identify with. I have also been enjoying acrylic and tackling the surfaces of Surfboards, Skateboards and hats when the weather is right and I can work outside (the lack of a studio has me getting creative with my small spaces)! My illustrations have been featured to promote many of the popular large events and organizations of the Pacific Rim Coast including the Pacific Rim Whale Festival (2015), Tofino Food and Wine Festival (2016), and the Pacific Rim Arts Society (PRAS) Summer Festival (2015 and 2016). I also volunteer my design and illustration services for Surfrider Pacific Rim and Clayoquot CleanUp, and am on the board of directors for the Tofino Arts Council. Clients and collaborations include Patagonia, HSBC, Natures Path Organic Foods, Tofitian, Tourism Ucluelet, District of Tofino amongst others.

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