The Sunshine Coast has one of the highest concentrations of artists in Canada. It's one of the reasons why our backyard is so vibrant and inspiring. If you've ever done the Sunshine Coast Art Crawl or followed the Purple Banner Tour, you know what we mean. 

#IntoTheStudio is a virtual, raw and unscripted look inside the home studios of Sunshine Coast artists. We are sharing a behind-the-scenes look at what our artists are currently working on and how they're staying inspired. Maybe you'll get a glimpse of a studio pet (fingers crossed!) or a home garden; watch the five videos below to see for yourself.

More than anything #IntoTheStudio is a celebration of the enduring spirit of our local arts community. 

 

Marleen Vermeulen

Marleen captures the beauty of landscapes and expresses this with incredible large, textured oil paintings. She works out of her home studio in Gibsons, surrounded by the rainforest.

To learn more about Marleen, her paintings and workshops, check out her website or follow her on Instagram.

"The cancellation of so many planned activities has created a vacuum for me, inviting my creative energy and opening up space for new possibilities. Grateful." - Marleen Vermeulen

Lucas Kratochwil

Lucas Kratochwil is a third-generation painter raised in Patagonia who now calls Roberts Creek home. He creates large-scale, high realism oil paintings that capture the essence of nature.

Lucas' mission is to help people connect with their creative side while becoming aware of the importance of preserving our natural environment. Photo: Lucas Kratochwil

Lucas went live on the @sunshinecoastbc Instagram account, showing us around his home garden and art studio, all while answering questions on his process as he worked on his latest painting.

To learn more about Lucas, his paintings and workshops, check out his website or follow him on Instagram.

Marlene Lowen

Marlene Lowden is an abstract painter and educator living in Gibsons. She shared her studio with us during her virtual tour which ends with an incredible time-lapse of her process. There is even a surprise appearance from Bob Ross.

To check out more of Marlene’s work, head to her website, Facebook, or Instagram.

"I'm less focused on producing work and instead I'm allowing myself to be curious and open because art is a safe place for my emotions." - Marlene Lowen. Photo: Lindyn Williams

Jan Poynter

Jan is a designer, illustrator, and painter living on the Sunshine Coast. She has been spending her days getting outside to paint plein air on location and work on larger works in her studio. She trying to balance her time between working in the garden and on the computer.

To check out more of Jan’s work, head to her website or follow her on Instagram.

Prashant Miranda

Prashant Miranda is an artist, animator, and scribe. He is the artist in residence at the Tidal Art Centre in Lund. He has been working on watercolours and wood sculpture while being inspired by his natural surroundings in Lund.

To check out more of Prashant’s work, head to his Instagram.