Hello friends! This month we are taking a peek into my art as a university student. The art I am going to share this month won’t exactly be paintings, but I promise it will be interesting!
Read More 
Every Painting Has a Story: March 2024 – The Time My Dad Got Me to Paint Frogs on the Garage Doors
Hello friends, are you wondering where the first two months of the year went? Me too. March is a special month for me because it is my dad’s birth-month and also the month of his passing. So in honour of him, I’m going to share about his influence on me as an artist. I hope you enjoy these stories! (Note: if you have a fear of frogs, you might want to skip this post.)
Read More
Every Painting Has a Story: February 2024 – My High School Art
Welcome to February, my friends! This month I will be taking you on a brief tour of my high school art, which I consider to be my most formative years. In today’s post, I will intersperse examples of my work from those years with narrative. I hope you enjoy seeing the pieces that gave me my art foundation!
Read More
Every Painting Has a Story: January 2024 – My Childhood Art
Hello friends, welcome to the first blog post of 2024! In previous years, I shared backstories to paintings featured in my calendars but this year will be a little different. Throughout 2024, I will be featuring some of my past work that will never make it into calendars and maybe not even onto social media. (Gasp!) Consider it a backstage pass to my artist life. I hope you enjoy what I have in store!
When I was planning the blog topics for this year, I thought why not start from the beginning? My mom had kept a folder with some of my earlier work so I have a few examples I can share. When I look back at my early art, I wouldn’t suspect that I would become an artist later. But I do recall always enjoying drawing and painting ever since I was young.
The earliest drawing I have is this crayon drawing. My mom noted who the people in the picture were. I have included my cousin (who was a young adult living with us at the time), my dad, my mom, and me, all wearing what appear to be party hats. In the top left corner I have included a yellow sun with radiating rays, some blue to indicate the sky at the very top of the page, and five rather large birds. On the ground is a flower and we are standing next to a yellow house. I’m guessing I drew this when I was around 5 years old.
I also have this photo of me standing proudly pointing at a painting on display. Judging by my buck teeth and pigtails, I would say I was around 6 years old here. I can’t tell what my painting is about but there are quite a lot of details. I also know that rainbows were a recurring theme in my art around that time.
These next two paintings were from Grade One (6 years old) and they also feature rainbows. It’s interesting to see how some 35+ years later, I’m still painting rainbows! Grade One was also when I got my earliest positive response and affirmation of artistic talent. Unbeknownst to me, my teacher had submitted one of my drawings to a contest for the Ontario Dental Association and it had been chosen as a cover for one of their brochures. I used to have a copy of that brochure but it has since been lost. Along with my drawing being chosen as cover art, I received a prize of $500 – which in 1987 was a big deal! (I think my parents donated the money back to the school.)
By Grade 5, I can start to see a more refined sense of aesthetics come out in my work, as this tulip painting shows. I have a couple workbooks from that year and in my drawings I started to include elements of shading.
By Grade 7, I definitely knew that I enjoyed art. This is one remaining drawing I have from that year – a fantastical monster that is both silly and colourful. I had the same art teacher for Grades 7 and 8 and when I told her I wanted to audition for a fine arts high school, she spent extra time at lunch and after school to help me prepare for that. (Thanks, Mrs. Shadrach!) She had no idea that getting into that school would pave the way for my future career.
There you have it. How my art journey started.
I don’t have any reflection questions this month but if any of my art from childhood connects with you, feel free to spend some time with it. Also, I would love to hear what you might see in my earliest work. Thanks for reading along. I look forward to sharing some of my high school work with you next month!
If you enjoyed this post and want to read a monthly art story, remember to sign up so future posts get delivered to your email! I usually post them the second Friday of each month. (Add me to your contacts list or you might need to check your promotions or junk folders if you don’t see the email.)
As always, I love to hear from you! If something in this story resonated with you, if you’re interested in commissioning a painting, or if you have other thoughts, feel free to email, or connect with me on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks for being part of my journey and for letting me be a part of yours!
Every Painting Has a Story: December 2023 – “Infinite Love”
Friends, we have made it to December. I suspect that as you look back over this year, you can recall both gains and losses. What I hope is that through it all, you have felt carried by love. This month’s painting is about that love and I’m looking forward to sharing its story with you.
In 2021, I was asked to create a painting as a gift for a couple who lived in Shanghai. My client wanted a piece that communicated the scripture verse that says, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is [God’s] love for those who fear him” (Psalm 103:11).
I had been introduced to Canadian photographer Tony Wong’s work shortly beforehand and I knew that I wanted to try to paint one of his night sky photographs. I contacted him to ask for permission to reference his work and he graciously welcomed me to it. (If you’re on Facebook, go take a look at his account, Tony Wong Photography. It is stunning.)
It was my first time painting a night sky and took me quite some time. I wish you could see the original painting in person because there are many shifts in colours and layers that can’t be fully captured by a photo.
Since Shanghai was a city dear to the recipients’ hearts, we chose to feature their city skyline in the foreground. To see Shanghai set against the Milky Way galaxy in real life would be extremely unlikely since the city is always lit up, but the magic of painting is that unlikely views like this can become real.
I finished this painting in July 2021 and sent it off to Asia. Due to cities being intermittently shut down coming out of the pandemic, this painting didn’t arrive to its destination until September 2022. As the artist, waiting for the recipients to actually get their painting was nerve wracking! Thankfully, the painting arrived safely and from what I heard, the daughter claimed it for her room the moment she saw it.
I titled this piece, “Infinite Love,” because I believe that our universe is made and held together by Love. And this Love cannot be quantified or measured. When I look at images of the stars, I am brought to a place of awe and moved that the same Love that is so big also includes me in it. I hope this sense of belovedness is what the recipients of this painting feel.
“Infinite Love” was chosen for the month of December because Christmas happens this month and Christmas is a celebration of Divine Love in our world. The dark sky also echoes what winter feels like here in Vancouver where I live.
For those with the Scripture calendar
It was natural to pair the painting this month with Psalm 103:11 since that verse was what this piece was based on. It’s humbling and astounding to think that God loves us so so so very much.
Questions for reflection, if you want to go deeper: Take some time to gaze at the galaxy in the painting and notice what emotions or thoughts rise up. What comes to your heart as you consider the God of this universe is also the one who created you?
Special Note
If you’ve been following my work, you will know that this is the last month of calendar art as I don’t have a calendar for 2024. I will continue to be sending a monthly email with an art story of either some of my Tiny Expanses pieces, my older work (ever curious about what my work looked like as a kid?), or some “backstage” looks into my art practice. I am planning on putting out a calendar again for 2025 so stick with me! Newsletter subscribers will be the first to know when those are released. Thanks for reading along and journeying with me!
If you enjoyed this post and want to read a monthly art story, remember to sign up so future posts get delivered to your email! I usually post them the second Friday of each month. (Add me to your contacts list or you might need to check your promotions or junk folders if you don’t see the email.)
As always, I love to hear from you! If something in this story resonated with you, if you’re interested in commissioning a painting, or if you have other thoughts, feel free to email, or connect with me on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks for being part of my journey and for letting me be a part of yours!
Every Painting Has a Story: November 2023 – “Planted by the Water”
Rainy season has begun here in Vancouver and this month’s painting is about water. Hope you enjoy the story behind “Planted by the Water”!
A little bit of history: Before I started my art business, my father-in-law was already commissioning artwork from me. Being a well-connected individual, he knew many people he wanted to encourage and he thought my art would make a great gift. For the first three years of Olive Chan Art, he commissioned paintings from me to gift to good friends and supporters of his non-profit work. This piece was one of those gifts. For each of the paintings, I would have several conversations with him to find out more about the recipients and brainstorm what type of image would be most meaningful to them.
The friends who were to receive this painting had a special connection with Nigeria so I chose an image from that country. I found a beautiful reference photo by Irantiola, Olugbenga (@guzeartworld_photography) on Instagram and contacted him to ask if I could use it. Thankfully he replied yes. The image is of Lake Iseyin in Ado Awaye, which is nestled among mountain rocks. It is one of only two suspended lakes in the world (the other one is in Colorado) and people hike an hour up the mountain to go see it.
According to the photographer, this lake always retains the same water levels regardless of how much rain there has been. I love how this tree has flourished because it is right by the water.
I titled this painting, “Planted by the Water,” in reference to Psalm 1 that describes a flourishing that comes from being deeply rooted in God. My prayer for the recipients was that this painting would remind them of the Love that is the source of life.
For those with the Scripture calendar
The painting this month is paired with Ephesians 3:17-18 which says, “I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power… to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Although the roots of the tree are not visible, the result of having deeply watered roots is evident. I hope this can be a visual reminder to us of our own roots in Christ’s love and that we can experience flourishing as well.
Questions for reflection, if you want to go deeper: Take a moment to imagine the roots of your soul sinking into the love of God, what does it look like beneath the surface? Now reflect on your “branches” and “leaves” – are you looking and feeling hydrated and nourished? If so, take a moment of gratitude. If not, is there something that needs to change?
If you enjoyed this post and want to read a monthly art story, remember to sign up so future posts get delivered to your email! I usually post them the second Friday of each month. (Add me to your contacts list or you might need to check your promotions or junk folders if you don’t see the email.)
As always, I love to hear from you! If something in this story resonated with you, if you’re interested in commissioning a painting, or if you have other thoughts, feel free to email, or connect with me on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks for being part of my journey and for letting me be a part of yours!
Every Painting Has a Story: October 2023 – “Cool Waters Beckon Me” and “Abide With Me”
It’s October! I hope you are keeping well as we enter this final quarter of the year. Around this time of year two years ago, I was working on the two paintings featured in the calendar this month. Here’s the story behind them. I hope you enjoy it!
Read More
Every Painting Has a Story: September 2023 – “Still Waters”
Hello friends, as I write this, the first leaves are falling from our neighbour’s walnut tree, temperatures are cooling and the kids are back to school. Welcome to September. Pour yourself a cup of something yummy and join me in this month’s story!
“Still Waters” was created to be part of the Healing Gardens Exhibit in the spring of 2022. One of my friends had invited me to participate in it and I was excited for my first group show. My friend also happened to send me some beautiful photos so I decided to paint one of her photos for the show.
I had a 12″x12″ canvas on hand because the year before, I had applied to an online exhibit featuring square foot sized paintings. I wasn’t accepted into that show so I had this canvas to use.
This painting became one of my favourites from the year. I had done a bright magenta underpainting and I loved that you can see hints of it peaking through in the sky.
During the show, another friend of mine saw the piece and told me he loved it but was saving up for an engagement ring at the time. I felt like this painting should go to him and his soon-to-be fiancée so we decided that if it was still available after the show, we would chat about it. It didn’t sell during the show so we made an arrangement so that he could purchase the painting and part of it would be my gift to the couple. They recently had their wedding and my heart smiles when I think of this piece blessing their home.
I titled this painting, ” Still Waters” because the water, sky, and clouds in this image invite me to a place of calm – to still my anxious heart and take a deep breath.
I chose this piece for the month of September because in my life, September is usually a busy month with the kids returning to school and regular programming starting up again. I wanted a piece that would remind me of quiet spaces and invite me to be still. I hope this painting invites you to take some moments of calm throughout your days this month as well.
For those with the Scripture calendar
The artwork this month is paired with Psalm 23:2 which gives us the familiar words, “He leads me beside quiet waters.” As we transition out of summer and into the fullness of fall, I hope the words of this psalm, along with the image of these still waters offer you the space to breathe. May you find moments to reflect and rest in the midst of your work and responsibilities.
Questions for reflection, if you want to go deeper: Notice the reflection of the sky indicating the water’s stillness. Now notice the ripples indicating life and movement. Both are necessary parts of the water. The same is true of our lives. We need stillness and opportunities for reflection but we also need movement, lest we become stagnant. In which part(s) of your life do you notice or long for stillness? In which part(s) of your life do you notice or long for movement?
If you enjoyed this post and want to read a monthly art story, remember to sign up so future posts get delivered to your email! I usually post them the second Friday of each month. (Add me to your contacts list or you might need to check your promotions or junk folders if you don’t see the email.)
As always, I love to hear from you! If something in this story resonated with you, if you’re interested in commissioning a painting, or if you have other thoughts, feel free to email, or connect with me
Every Painting Has a Story: August 2023 – “The Gift of Time”
Hello my friends, it’s August! Here in our little part of the planet, we are in the middle of summer and getting our fill of sunshine, sweet fruits, and, the favourite for our family: time by the ocean. This month’s painting is one that I hope communicates that summer vibe. Hope you enjoy this story!
“The Gift of Time” was commissioned by my dear friend Sue and her husband, Marc. For 7 years she had been looking for a painting to put above their bed and hadn’t found anything she really wanted. When she found out I was taking commissions, she was very excited to explore the possibility of a custom piece. And I was super honoured she would choose my work for her home!
She chose to have a painting made from a photo her husband had taken on an anniversary trip to the Sunshine Coast. She was particularly drawn to the blues of the sky and water. Being on the West Coast where we get dreary grey winters, she wanted something bright to cheer up her living space.
I titled this piece, “The Gift of Time,” to remind them both of their trip as well as the years of marriage they have traversed together. I hope it brings them joy and continually reminds them of how loved they are.
Being a summertime painting, I thought that August would be the perfect month for it. I hope it brings you a lightness of heart and a sense of ease and rest.
For those with the Scripture calendar
This month’s artwork is paired with Isaiah 58:11 which says, “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.” I chose this verse because the description of a “sun-scorched land” is something I associate with the heat of summer. Where we live, right now we are under water restrictions and our grass is all golden (which is a nice way of saying it all looks brown). It is in these parched conditions that God promises to strengthen us and meet our needs. My hope is that this month, you would experience God’s strengthening whatever you may be facing.
Questions for reflection, if you want to go deeper: Notice the dry, brittle grass on the ledge in the painting. What area(s) of your life feel dry like that? Notice now the lush blue of the ocean. Imagine all the aquatic life contained in it. In what area(s) of your life do you feel the cool abundance of water? How is God meeting you in both the dry and abundant areas of your life today?
If you enjoyed this post and want to read a monthly art story, remember to sign up so future posts get delivered to your email! I usually post them the second Friday of each month. (Add me to your contacts list or you might need to check your promotions or junk folders if you don’t see the email.)
As always, I love to hear from you! If something in this story resonated with you, if you’re interested in commissioning a painting, or if you have other thoughts, feel free to email, or connect with me on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks for being part of my journey and for letting me be a part of yours!
Every Painting Has a Story: July 2023 – “Spiritus”
Hello friends, here we are at the midpoint of 2023. The story for this month is a very special one with quite a journey. I hope you enjoy reading about it!
Read More