Hello friends, it’s June! Are you thinking, “How is it halfway through the year already?” or, “How has it only been half a year?” For me, it’s more of the second statement. The last three months have been rough and I’m really glad for the comfort of this month’s painting. I hope by the time you finish reading this story, you’ll feel the same as well!

“Remember to Breathe” was created as part of my “Keep Glowing” collection last year. Based on a stunning sunset from our first vacation as a family of four, it depicts the view from our rental place on Pender Island (one of the smaller islands close to Vancouver).

Whenever I see a beautiful sky, I can’t help but stop what I’m doing and be present. My breathing slows down and I let awe and delight wash over me. Author Ethan Kross, in his book, Chatter: The Voice in Our Heads and Why it Matters, observes, “When you’re in the presence of something vast and indescribable, it’s hard to maintain the view that you and the voice in your head are the center of the world.” This quote reminds me of why I do what I do – I want to offer portals into awe-filled spaces so that we can remember we are part of something larger.

After I released this painting, one of my collectors reached out to me. They wanted to buy this painting for a friend who was going through a difficult life transition. It was such a honour to know that this piece was going to a home where it could bring some solace and peace.

I titled this piece, “Remember to Breathe,” because I personally need the reminder to pay attention to my body and her basic needs. Breathing is mostly unconscious, but when we are mindful about inhaling and exhaling, it does wonders for our nervous systems and grounds us. I hope that this title invites you, as the viewer, to slow down and attend to your body as well.

June in our household is a relatively busy month with the end of the school year and finishing up projects before the summer. It felt appropriate to choose this piece for this month, especially since it’s an invitation to pause our busyness, to look up, and to remember to breathe.

For those with the Scripture calendar:
I paired this month’s painting with the verse from Job 33:4, which reads, “The spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Each breath we have is a gift and a reminder of the presence of God within us. I hope we can be encouraged by this thought and that breathing itself can become a prayer of gratitude.

Questions for reflection, if you want to go deeper: Take a moment and notice how you are currently breathing – is your chest or shoulder area tight? On your next breath, notice what happens if you let the air sink deeper into your belly. What happens if you allow the breath deeper still into your pelvis? Or down into your legs and feet? Now look at the painting and take a few breaths. How do you feel now? What emotions or thoughts come up for you?

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! On the first day of each month, I will be sharing the story behind that month’s painting in my 2026 art calendar and it would be my joy to journey with you throughout this year. My subscribers also get occasional perks like exclusive previews and discounts. (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!

The post Every Painting Has a Story: June 2026 – “Remember to Breathe” appeared first on Olive Chan Art.

Hello friends and welcome to my favourite month of the year: May! I always look forward to May because it’s my birth month AND it actually feels like spring. Naturally, I chose a painting for this month that brings me joy and I’m excited to tell you about it. 

“Chasing Presence” began as a too-good-to-pass-up art supplies deal. I bought three 24”x36” canvases with no idea what I would paint on them. I had an inkling that maybe I could do a series of cloud paintings but no concrete concepts. 

Then, in April last year, I was offered the opportunity to hang my work at a local beverage shop and suddenly, the canvas had a direction. I chose a dramatic cloud photo taken by my daughter and painted “Chasing Presence” as part of my “Have You Looked Up Lately?” exhibition. 

I had never done such high contrast clouds before and it was so much fun. Looking at this image takes me straight to a sunny spring day, watching the wind shift and sculpt the clouds. That feeling is what I tried to express through the title, “Chasing Presence.” It’s about actively paying attention to the cloud that is right now before it morphs into something else; of getting lost in the joy and wonder of the moment. 

During my exhibition, several people commented on how this piece reminded them of Renaissance art and of the “Creation of Adam” by Michelangelo. I hadn’t considered that before and felt like a very kind compliment. 

While I had hoped that someone would fall absolutely in love with this painting and want to collect it for their space (which hasn’t happened yet – but I’m confident this is meant for someone!), I have been grateful to have its company in our home while I have been recovering from my surgeries. It has reminded me to keep looking up and to remember that though there may be clouds, the sun shines behind them. 

For those with the Scripture calendar:
I paired this month’s painting with the verse from Hebrews 13:5, which reads, “Be content with what you have.” The full context of the verse is, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you;
 never will I forsake you.’” 

When I was putting this calendar together, I chose to focus on the contentment part because it tied in with the practice of living in the present moment. However, as I write this on the couch, unable to work while I wait for my body to heal, I am also convicted by the first part – to not be preoccupied with my finances – as well as the promise that is the foundation for all of this – that God will never leave or forsake us. 

Questions for reflection, if you want to go deeper: What about this image stands out to you? Imagine the wind moving these clouds and changing their shape, how do you feel knowing that each moment is unique? What is one moment you can be fully present for in 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! On the first day of each month, I will be sharing the story behind that month’s painting in my 2026 art calendar and it would be my joy to journey with you throughout this year. My subscribers also get occasional perks like exclusive previews and discounts. (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!

The post Every Painting Has a Story: May 2026 – “Chasing Presence” appeared first on Olive Chan Art.

Hello my friends, is it strange that one quarter of the year is passed already? Time is precious and this month’s story brings that to light in the most profound way. A word of caution before we dive in: this month’s story is about grief and terminal illness. If these topics are too heavy or difficult for you at this time, please feel free to skip it. Take good care of yourself first and foremost.

The painting for this month was a gift for my Dear Friend’s father (to respect their privacy, I’ll refer to her as my Dear Friend throughout this story). I actually created a matching set of paintings, this larger one for Uncle, and a smaller one for my Dear Friend. I sent it to them for Christmas in 2024 in memory of my Dear Friend’s mother.

I met my Dear Friend in grade nine and over the years, our friendship deepened. She was like a sister I never had. We stood at each other’s weddings and she was there for me the day my dad died. In high school, I spent many afternoons and weekends at her place and her parents were always so kind to me. Even though it had been a while since I last saw her parents, it was devastating to receive the news that Auntie had terminal brain cancer.

Auntie was a woman of faith and had the gentlest, kindest heart. A fiercely loving person and always one with a giant smile on her face, her loss left a gaping hole in the world.

After Auntie’s passing, my Dear Friend, her family, and her dad came out to Vancouver where they were able to scatter some of the ashes into the ocean near where Auntie had grown up. When she texted me a photo from the beach that day, I knew I had to paint it for them.

The pair of paintings are titled, “Here She Is” and “She Is Here.” “Here She Is” was to be a reminder of the place Auntie’s ashes were scattered. And “She Is Here” was to remind my Dear Friend that her mother’s love is always with her. (Note: I made a mistake on the calendar and printed the wrong title.)

I chose this piece for the month of April in honour of Auntie who passed on April 16, 2023. Perhaps, too, it is in honour of all those who have loved us deeply and have gone before us. I hope this piece can speak of love’s enduring presence and bring us to places of gratitude for the moments we have been able to share with those closest to us.

For those with the Scripture calendar:
This month’s scripture is from Isaiah 41:10, which says, “Be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” I hope it can be an encouragement to you, whatever challenges you might be facing.

Questions for reflection, if you want to go deeper: The cloud formations in this image are quite dynamic. What do you see in them? Who has been an example of a fiercely loving person in your life? How can you love someone 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! On the first day of each month, I will be sharing the story behind that month’s painting in my 2026 art calendar and it would be my joy to journey with you throughout this year. My subscribers also get occasional perks like exclusive previews and discounts. (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!

The post Every Painting Has a Story: April 2026 – “Here She Is” appeared first on Olive Chan Art.

Hello my friends, I don’t know about you, but world news feels harsh right now and I need some softness. Thankfully, the painting for this month is just that. I look forward to sharing its story with you.

“Let Gentleness Enfold You” was painted for my exhibition, “Have You Looked Up Lately?” which was held last August to November at Bevees, a shop that’s 4 minutes from our house. I was introduced to the owner of the shop, Racquel, by a mutual acquaintance who knew that Raquel was looking for local art to highlight on her walls. It was a lovely space with a store selling all alcohol-free drinks on one side and a sitting area and bar on the other. They were just putting in a new coffee bar as well and it felt like a perfect way to both support a local business and give myself a reason to complete a collection of paintings.

For many years, I had wanted to do a series of paintings that were just clouds. But because I mostly painted commissions (and the majority of my clients did not ask for only clouds), the idea remained a dream. Then, this opportunity at Bevees came up with a 20-something foot wall to fill. I had already completed a 5-foot cloud painting so I reasoned that it wouldn’t be too hard to do a couple more to go with it. It would also be a great way to use the blank canvases sitting around at home.

I looked through my folder of cloud and sky photos and found some that complemented each other while also showing variety. (The other two paintings are featured in my 2026 calendar in the months of May and November and I will tell their stories then!) I chose this one for its softness. The pastel colours and gentle light felt inviting and calming.

Painting this was so much fun. On a 24″x36″ canvas, I had lots of space to play with subtle shifts in colour and to explore the layers of shapes. The result was a floof that I could imagine myself falling into and being surrounded by softness. I titled it, “Let Gentleness Enfold You,” as an invitation to the viewer to do just that.

I chose this painting for the month of February because I associate this month with love (thanks, Hallmark, and St. Valentine!) and the soft and gentle nature of these clouds speak to me of how love can and should be. I could not foresee how our world would so desperately need gentleness at this time, but I’m grateful this piece can remind us of its presence now.

I hope that as we spend this short month with this painting, it would offer you many moments of gentleness and remind you that you are always held by love.

For those with the Scripture calendar:
I paired this month’s painting with one of my favourite verses. It’s from Zephaniah 3:17, which reads, “[God] will quiet you by his love.” The full verse (ESV) is this:
“The LORD your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.”
Other translations express it as “God will rest in his love”, or that “God will calm all your fears with his love.” It always lifts and amazes me to think of God being so delighted over us and holding us in love.

Questions for reflection, if you want to go deeper: If you could nestle into this cloud, which part of it would you choose? Take a moment to imagine yourself surrounded by gentle softness; how does it feel? What parts of you need that rest? What are some ways you can carry that sense of being held within you as you go about your days?

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! On the first day of each month, I will be sharing the story behind that month’s painting in my 2026 art calendar and it would be my joy to journey with you throughout this year. My subscribers also get occasional perks like exclusive previews and discounts. (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!

The post Every Painting Has a Story: February 2026 – “Let Gentleness Enfold You” appeared first on Olive Chan Art.

Hello and welcome to 2026 my friends! There is often a sense of hopefulness at the beginning of a year, isn’t there? The story for this month is a deep and touching one that reflects this sense of hope and I’m looking forward to sharing it with you.

“Linger in the Light” was based off of a photo from a summer evening with my family at French Beach on Vancouver Island. In real life, we are advised to never look at the sun. But in painting form, we can stare for as long as we want. This piece was an invitation to bathe in the sun’s rays and feel its warmth on our skin.

This piece was part of my “Keep Glowing” collection of paintings that I released last April and after I sent out the email announcing the collection to my subscribers, our friends Bill and Mary Lynn replied right away saying that they wanted this piece for their home. We met Bill and Mary Lynn through my husband Tim’s work. They are the sweetest, kindest couple and they have become very dear people to us.

What made their email extra meaningful was that not too long before, Bill had been diagnosed with late stage leukemia. When I saw their message and considered the title for the piece, I teared up. I could not think of anyone more fitting to get a painting titled, “Linger in the Light.” In the months since then, Bill and Mary Lynn have walked the path of cancer treatment with such immense grace and love. It is truly an honour to know that my work accompanies them through this time.

After Bill and Mary Lynn received their painting, I got an email from Bill with the photo (below) of where it lives in their home. Bill wrote, “Perfect! Several times a day I linger in the light. I really do see this as a very specific gift from God for me. Thanks for the part you played in that.” It’s moments like these that affirm the work that I do as an artist.

I chose to begin the 2026 calendar with this piece because we really don’t know how much longer we have with Bill and I wanted him to be able to see his piece in my calendar as well as be reminded to keep praying for them. Sunrises and sunsets can look quite similar, so even though this piece was inspired by a sunset moment, it could just as well represent the dawning of a new day (or, a new year). For our friend who is in this border space between this life and the next, I suppose it is both a sunset and a sunrise.

In addition to Bill’s story, January is also one of the darker months of the year so it felt good to feature an image that was full of light. Where we live in the Pacific Northwest, our days are often grey and overcast so even if there’s no sun outside, this was a way to still have sun inside; to insist that there is always light, even when things feel dark. 

So, my friends, however you might be starting out this new year, may you be encouraged by the light. And may you find the grace to linger in it.

For those with the Scripture calendar:
Going with the theme of light in the darkness, this month’s painting is pared with Psalm 18:28 (ESV) which reads, “The Lord my God lightens my darkness.” I hope it can turn our hearts toward the Source of light, especially when life feels heavy and dark.

Questions for reflection, if you want to go deeper: Does this image feel more like a sunset or a sunrise to you? What parts of your life feel like an ending? What parts of your life feel like a beginning? Consider the invitation to linger in the light – what would that look like in your life? What’s one small way you can linger in the light 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! On the first day of each month, I will be sharing the story behind that month’s painting in my 2026 art calendar and it would be my joy to journey with you throughout this year. My subscribers also get occasional perks like exclusive previews and discounts. (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!

The post Every Painting Has a Story: January 2026 – “Linger in the Light” appeared first on Olive Chan Art.

Hi friends! Welcome to the final month of 2025! I don’t know what highs and lows you experienced this year but I am so grateful to be connected with you here at the end of the year. This month’s story is pretty unique. I hope it inspires you!

Back in October 2023, I received a message on Instagram from a lady named Erin who had been introduced to my work by her friend, Tracy. This was my first time receiving a commission inquiry via social media from someone I didn’t know, and at first, I was unsure if it was a scam message. Thankfully, I did not have to be so concerned because Erin was genuinely interested and a lovely person to get to know! 

Erin and I shared a love for skies and she was drawn to my Tiny Expanses collection. She asked if I might be able to create some tinies for her to give as Christmas gifts as well as some others for her to keep for herself. 

As our conversation progressed, we decided that I would complete 3 two-inch square pieces for her before Christmas to give away and another 3 in the new year, along with an 8”x10” painting of Pike’s Peak in Colorado for her own collection. 

Since Erin loved photographing sunsets, she sent me a selection of images to choose from for the tiny paintings. The image for the larger one was of a personally significant moment and also her own photo. It worked out really well because her photos had similar colours which made the paintings look really nice all together.

“Hope Endures” was the title I gave to this larger piece because Erin had shared with me how the mountain glowing under the storm clouds spoke to her of hope. My wish is that this painting would always remind her of Hope’s presence and that she is loved, regardless of what life’s circumstances might be.

For someone to commission me to create paintings for them, a certain level of trust is required. For that person to only know me from my online profile, the trust needed is even greater. I don’t take for granted the risk Erin was taking in asking me to create this series for her. And she was in the US while I was in Canada!

After the project was over, Erin said, “I could not have found a better person for this project! I am so in love with the paintings! They bring me joy and you did an amazing job! Thank you, Olive. They are even more beautiful in person!” The joy was mutual, truly.

I chose to end this year’s calendar with “Hope Endures” since the snow-capped mountains remind me of winter. When I put the calendar design together last year, I wouldn’t know how appropriate this piece would be for this particular month. 2025 has been a challenging year for many of us (and most of the world, it feels like!) so it feels right to remember as we enter the final month of this year that hope does indeed endure.

For those with the Scripture calendar:
I paired this month’s painting with the verse from 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV) which reads, “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” As we enter Advent and move toward Christmas, may we focus on these things that truly matter. I hope that this verse can help to re-center us within the whirlwind of activities, parties, and gift giving.

Questions for reflection, if you want to go deeper: If hope is the mountain beneath the storm clouds, what is your hope based on or made of? Take a moment to connect with that sense of hope and allow it to steady you as we enter this final (busy) month of the year.

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! While this is the final post for this year, I will begin anew in January where we will be hearing the stories behind each month’s painting in my 2026 art calendar. My subscribers also get occasional perks like exclusive previews and discounts. (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!

The post Every Painting Has a Story: December 2025 – “Hope Endures” appeared first on Olive Chan Art.

How has the summer flown by already? I hope you have had a restful couple months and that you feel energized going into the fall. (I don’t feel quite ready yet but I hope you do!) As we enter into September, I have a heartwarming story to share with you.

“Heart’s Treasure” was a commissioned painting from another dear friend of mine from church. Heather and Mike were part of the same small group as Sue and Marc (whom I shared about last month) and Heather had also previously commissioned pieces with me before (you can read about those pieces in my Oct 2023 blog post.)

Heather’s late sister had been a lover of sunsets and often took photos of the sky. So Heather asked if I could do a painting of one of her sister’s photos to remember and honour her by. She had a space in mind in her home which helped us decide on a 11″x14″ canvas. Heather sent me a few photos she was considering and we discussed which one might make the best painting.

During the process of painting this piece, Heather looked back at the original photo and realized her sister had taken the photo on June 27, 2023. It felt poetically satisfying to deliver it to her on the one year anniversary of when the photo was taken.

I titled this painting “Heart’s Treasure,” as a reflection of the sister relationship and for the way photos of skies were Heather’s sister’s heart’s treasures.

It was such a joy for me to see Heather’s eyes light up when she saw her piece for the first time. What made Heather’s response extra special was that in the ten minutes it took for me to drive home from her place, she already hung it up and sent me a photo of it in its new home.

Thank you, Heather, for choosing to include me in this deeply meaningful way to remember your sister. May this piece always invite you into a calm space and remind you that you are dearly loved.

I chose this piece for September because the rich orangey-red sky colours speak to me of autumn. I hope that it offers you calm moments in the midst of your days.

For those with the Scripture calendar:
I paired this month’s painting with the verse from Matthew 6:21 (NIV) which reads, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” I hope it can be an invitation to examine what we are truly valuing in our lives.

Questions for reflection, if you want to go deeper: This piece is a reflection of both love and grief. As you think about your own loves and losses, what emotions arise in you? Who or what might you count as treasure in your heart?

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! Throughout 2025, we will be hearing the stories behind each month’s painting in my art calendar. My subscribers also get occasional perks like exclusive previews and discounts. (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!

The post Every Painting Has a Story: September 2025 – “Heart’s Treasure” appeared first on Olive Chan Art.

It’s August already! Around where we live, we’ve been enjoying all the fresh blueberries and local produce. Our family is heading on vacation next week and I’m so looking forward to some down time. I hope this month’s story and painting can offer you a little breather, too.

The painting for this month was a commission for one of my dear friends who had previously commissioned a piece. We met Sue and Marc through our church small group and have shared many deep as well as joyful moments with them. Sue had initially approached me to create a piece to brighten up their bedroom (I featured it in my 2023 calendar and you can read the story behind that piece here). Soon after that piece was completed, she asked if I could paint a second piece based on her daughter’s photo from Circlet Lake on Vancouver Island, BC.

Sue was so patient with me as it took me over a year to get to her second painting. After discussing where she wanted to hang it in her living room, we settled on a 24″x30″ deep canvas. She explained to me that what spoke to her about this image was the air of mystery as well as the vibrant blue.

Being someone who longed for the sun during our dreary Pacific Northwest winters, Sue asked that I incorporate a source of light into the painting. I initially put a sun peaking through the tree branches in the upper left side along with a reflection in the water, but the two points of light felt like they were competing against each other. So I took away the sun from the sky and shifted the reflection to be more prominent in the water.

As an artist, what I remember most about painting this piece was that it was my first time trying to paint logs submerged in the water. I learned that if I mixed the blue/teal with brown, it gave me a very natural looking effect. I was actually surprised by how easily that part came together!

I titled it Solace because I hope this piece offers them moments of rest. I also like that the word sol means sun in Latin and this painting brings some sun into their home. Marc texted me the next day to say he was really enjoying the painting. I consider that mission complete!

I chose this piece for August because it strikes me as a very summer painting. To me, it’s a moment of rest in the shade, a pause mid-hike to take in the beauty of the mountains and the lake – and that’s what I hope this painting can be for you: a solace amidst your days.

For those with the Scripture calendar:
I paired this month’s painting with the verse from Psalm 91:1 (NIRV) which reads, “Whoever rests in the shadow of the Most High God will be kept safe by the Mighty One.” It is an invitation to rest and a promise of safety. Afterall, we can’t really rest if we don’t feel safe, can we?

Questions for reflection, if you want to go deeper: Take a moment with this image, what stands out to you? Allow the calmness of the scene to slow down your breathing. Notice where you might be holding tension in your body and let it go. How are you being invited to pause and rest?

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! Throughout 2025, we will be hearing the stories behind each month’s painting in my art calendar. My subscribers also get occasional perks like exclusive previews and discounts. (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.

The post Every Painting Has a Story: August 2025 – “Solace” appeared first on Olive Chan Art.

Welcome to July, my friends. If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere like I am, July is the height of summer and the painting for this month encapsulates a special summer memory for dear clients of mine. Ready for the story?

Way back in May 2022, I received an email from my friend, Allen, who was considering a commissioned work as a gift for his wife, Kay, to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. Allen’s parents and mine were long-time friends (his sister was actually my parents’ flower girl!) and we had seen each other as kids and reconnected more recently through social media. Of course I said it would be an absolute honour to paint them something.

After a phone call and some discussion, they decided they wanted a statement piece for above the couch in their living room. For a while already, Kay had been wanting to get an enlargement of a photo they’d taken on a family excursion to Centre Island. It was, in Kay’s words, “A moment that I wanted to remember… A moment when my 4 kids were carefree, enjoying riding bikes with us parents and with their siblings, and for me to just be present and be grateful for the health and family we have.” How much better would it be to have a painting of it?

At 30″x60″, it was the largest commission I’d done to date and it felt significant that the skyline was of Toronto, the city I was born and raised in. I had been planning to visit Toronto in the summer of 2023 so I asked Allen and Kay if they would be ok with waiting for me to bring the painting to them. They told me not to rush and we made plans to see each other on my visit.

With the canvas being so large, I had to decide how to transport it from Vancouver to Toronto. One option was to build a crate for it and ship it across the country. This was, however, a very expensive option. A more economical and practical option would be for me to remove the canvas from the wooden stretcher bars, roll it up carefully, and transport it in a tube mailer. Once it arrived in Toronto, a framer would re-stretch the canvas. Since I was going to be flying to Toronto, I could bring it with me as a carry-on item.

The plan would be that I would arrive in Toronto, bring the painting to a framer, get it re-stretched and meet Allen and Kay at the framers’ so they could see the painting in-person and also choose a frame for their painting. All this within a week.

What remained for me to figure out was which framer I would use in Toronto. Fortunately, through an online search, I found Peter at Bordered Image, and he was able to accommodate my quick turnaround time and do it within a reasonable budget. (Side note: Bordered Image has recently moved to a larger location with a gallery space. If you’re in the Markham area, check it out!)

Thankfully, my plan worked out and I was able to meet Allen and Kay at Peter’s shop and see their reaction to their painting. Kay chose a beautiful silver frame for their piece and Peter did a wonderful job framing it up for them. A few months after I returned to Vancouver, I received a photo from Allen and Kay of the painting hanging up in their home. This project spanned 17 months from inception to completion and it was truly epic.

I titled this piece, “Where We Belong,” borrowing from the 80’s pop song, “Love Lifts Us Up Where We Belong,” as a reflection of how they belong with each other, and also because it is a painting of the city they call home. More importantly, I hoped that it could remind them that Love is the One who holds them and is their place of ultimate belonging.

After seeing their painting in person, Allen said, “It exceeded my expectations and I love it!” Kay shared the story about the meaning behind the image with me and also wrote, “Your painting captures this moment for me, Olive, and that is a true gift… Feel free to share this as I hope it may encourage others to reach out to you should they have such a moment or photo they want to capture by your artistic eye and talent.”

A significant part of being an artist, for me, is the connection. As much as artwork is a product, I believe what I offer is really a service. It brings me deep satisfaction to be able to bring a concept from an idea into real life alongside of my clients and I hope that the commission process is an experience they will remember with fondness.

For those with the Scripture calendar:
This month’s painting is paired with the verse from Isaiah 43:1 (NIRV) which reads, “Do not be afraid… you belong to me.” I thought it was appropriate to have a reminder of our belonging-ness to go along with the title for this piece. Whatever you may be facing this month, may this promise of belonging to God bring you comfort.

Questions for reflection, if you want to go deeper: Imagine yourself in a similar scene, where would your location of belonging be if it’s not Toronto? What emotions do you associate with belonging? What current fears do you have that would subside knowing that you belong to God?

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! Throughout 2025, we will be hearing the stories behind each month’s painting in my art calendar. My subscribers also get occasional perks like exclusive previews and discounts. (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.

The post Every Painting Has a Story: July 2025 – “Where We Belong” appeared first on Olive Chan Art.

June in our family marks the end of another school year and with it, a whole parade of events. The piece for this month is intentionally calming because I know that I, at the very least, need that visual calm! I’m happy to be sharing this story with you and I hope you enjoy it. Since it’s a busy month for me, this will be short and sweet.

“Luminescent Spirit” was a commission from a lovely person who had followed my writing for a long time. (Fun fact: Tim and I quit our jobs and blogged/wrote books for a year before starting our marketing company – which was my work before going into art. My client had been a reader from those early days!)

For a while, my client had wanted a piece for their home but life circumstances prevented it. Now that life was more settled, she reached out to me for a custom piece.

Typically, when someone approaches me for a commission, I book an initial phone call with them to get a better sense of what they’re looking for. This was no exception. As we talked, my client told me how her favourite skies were gentle pink clouds. After the call, she sent me some photos of skies that she liked. We also explored what locations felt meaningful to her. In the end, she decided on the view from the lakeside in Muskoka where she had taken a retreat and where she had an experience of connecting with God. She gave me artistic freedom in terms of the lighting in this piece, which was really fun for me.

For her piece, I combined the physical elements of her lakeside photo with a soft pink sky that she liked. I added a slight glow behind the landform to add interest and depth.

I titled it, “Luminescent Spirit,” in reference to the glow of the painting but also as a reminder of the Light within her. I hope this painting brings her back to her time at the lake and that it offers her a space to remember that she is deeply loved.

For those with the Scripture calendar:
For this month, I paired the painting with Matthew 5:14 (The Message translation) which reads, “You are here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.” Just as colours become more vibrant in the sunlight, I love how this verse applies the analogy to us. We are invited to point people’s attention to God’s presence and activity in our world.

Questions for reflection, if you want to go deeper: What emotion(s) surface when you spend time looking at this piece? Notice how the light brings out the beautiful colours in the clouds, in what way(s) are you being invited to bring out the “colours” in the people and world around you? Who in your life brings out the unique and beautiful parts of you?

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! Throughout 2025, we will be hearing the stories behind each month’s painting in my art calendar. My subscribers also get occasional perks like exclusive previews and discounts. (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.

The post Every Painting Has a Story: June 2025 – “Luminescent Spirit” appeared first on Olive Chan Art.