DAWN JOY RITCHIE

Painting, Works on Paper, Illustration, Digital Art, Collage, Acrylic, Watercolour, Mixed Media

City: Osoyoos, British Columbia

Facebook: Dawn Joy Whimsical Artist

Instagram: @dawnjoyartist

Artist Statement: I'm a self taught artist who works from my imagination to create whimsical images with a naive childlike simplicity. I want my art to be life-affirming with positive affirmations. I never thought I could become an artist or even draw more than a stick man until 20 years ago I closed my eyes to try sketching a cat. Opening my eyes and connecting the lines, a cat image was born. Somehow that action gave me the permission I needed to try and sketch images from my imagination. The abundance has followed and I can't stop my imagination from creating. There's never a shortage of inspiration. I feel it's a gift and I'm grateful every day for discovering my passion as a late-bloomer.

Biography: Born in Glasgow Scotland.

Active in juried shows since 2001.

Resident of Osoyoos, BC since 2017.

Juried member showing with the Federation of Canadian Artists since 2003.

Juried artist in the annual Art Gallery of Victoria Paint-In event for 5 years.

Juried artist in Sooke Fine Arts Show event for 2 years.

Interview in Seaside Magazine, Sidney BC, January 2014.

Currently show with Artists on Main, Osoyoos.

Former juried member Island Illustrations Society, Victoria BC. Showing in 2 theme exhibitions per year for 12 years.

Former member SPAC – Saanich Pennisula Arts Society. Participated in annual show.

Former member CACV – Community Arts Council of Victoria. Participated in annual show.

Painted public art sculpture for Spirit Bears in the City fundraiser - BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities, 2006.

Merchandising my art with fridge magnets, cards, prints in gift stores since 2003.