The library is one of my favorite places in any city or town and so when I am asked to teach a workshop at the library, I always make the time. This year i facilitated a workshop at the Crowfoot Library and the subject was CITYSCAPE painting. Below are some images of the class and a one participant and her beautiful painting!

Earlier this year, a new ELL Practical / Literacy Student Award was created by a dedicated group of School of Global Access instructors in an effort to recognize practical and literacy stream learners. This nominated $500 award will honour learners who demonstrate resilience and progress.
 
Thanks to a generous donation of two pieces of art from ELL instructor and local artist JAKE JOY MULYK we’re pleased to announce an art auction to raise funds for this new award.
 
Starting Monday, April 9 Jake’s two pieces – Smiling Buddha Girl and Stampede and River both valued at $295 – will be on display in the Intercultural Centre (3rd Floor, North Campus).
 
The auction will run until Thursday, April 12 with the winners being contacted on Friday. Please note that each piece will have a $175 reserve and successful bids must be paid in cash. All proceeds to support the ELL Practical/Literacy Award.

I am in an apartment at the bottom this hill. I come up here often to see the view, to run, to relax, to meditate, to take photos and now to draw.

I carried this birch canvas up the hill along with a little tin of watercolours, one paint brush, pencil, charcoal and a little stool. I sat on my little fold out stool, put on my headphones and I listened to Cindy Lauper while I took in the scene. It isn't always Cindy Lauper. This is absolutely my favourite activity - drawing plein air. You know, on location. I have drawn from this view point before, although a different scene.  Here is a video of a painting I did from this hill 6 or 7 years ago! I am happy to revisit the location, but with a new approach. All is fresh, but familiar. It is a nice feeling. 

I'm working on a new body of work. Cityscapes for a show at Arton9th scheduled for Mid September. This work is a combination of phototransfer, acrylic paint, oil paint and encaustic. New directions in my work has me very excited!  Here is a little peak.

ORIGINAL ARTWORK. PROFESSIONALLY FRAMED AND READY TO HANG. SIGNED AND ARTIST BIO ON THE BACK. Available at the Western Showcase July 5-16th. View my FACEBOOK PAGE to see my shop!

THE DOWNTOWN VITALITY AWARDS ARE GIVEN ANNUALLY TO BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS IN RECOGNITION OF SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS IN ENHANCING THE VITALITY OF DOWNTOWN CALGARY.

The painting they used is called, 'Stephen Avenue' and you can find it in my Big City Living painting series.
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This was a commissioned piece. This couple has a home in Nelson, BC and they wanted a painting of the house, but also to include the beauty of the mountains and their view. Susan provided me with a few photos and the story about the house.  It was a pleasure to create these pieces for Susan and John. 
Here is their response:
Hi Jake, 
 John and I love the pieces, we hung them in our entry so we see them as we come and go to work, to remind us of our dream. We’ve had lots of compliments and have sent a number of people to your website.  Thanks again Jake, I really enjoy your work, 
Susan Otterson
Owner & President of ABL Imaging