West Coast artist and naturalist Mark Hobson joined us for a unique acrylic painting workshop aboard the Columbia III. This was a wonderful opportunity for a small group of acrylic enthusiasts to explore BC’s remote and spectacular Great Bear Rainforest while receiving instruction from an accomplished painter and teacher. Mark’s attentive guidance made these six days a unique and valuable experience for those wishing to expand their artistic horizons. The daily itinerary included demonstrations, shore excursions and plenty of time to paint. The Columbia III travelled and anchored in new locations each day, ensuring various West Coast paintable subject matter. The trip was open to beginners and experienced painters alike, with a group size limited to seven.
Mark Hobson is based in Tofino, B.C., on the outer west coast of Vancouver Island, where he has painted for over twenty years. A diverse artist in both subject and media, he is equally comfortable in watercolours, oils, and acrylics. Mark is best known for his passionate portrayals of the B.C. coast, from pounding surf to sheltered cove, from rainforests to the underwater realm. The richness of the natural environment and its wildlife comes alive in his work. Professionally trained as a biologist, he taught high school science for nine years before painting as a career. Self-taught as an artist, his paintings are simultaneously accurate and sensitive depictions of the many moods of wilderness and rural landscapes.
Mark’s work has won many awards in the U.S., Canada and Europe. He has participated in shows throughout North America and as far afield as Hong Kong and Singapore. In 2006, Mark was chosen as “Artist of the Year” by Ducks Unlimited Canada. The Royal Canadian Mint has invited him to design three different sets of coins. The National Geographic Society has displayed his work in Washington D.C., Mark was selected as a member of the Society of Animal Artists in 1997, and as BC’s Wildlife Artist of the Year in 1996. His landscapes have placed in the top 100 of the US Art for Parks competition and three times Artist’s Magazine annual competition has awarded his wildlife images high honours. In 2003 and 2005, he won the Pacific Salmon Foundation‘s stamp award.
A strong advocate for preserving the wilderness he loves to paint, Mark has donated numerous paintings and much of his time to efforts to preserve natural environments. Mark’s floathouse studio is only accessible by boat, surrounded by the natural beauty of Clayoquot Sound.
For further background on Mark’s work, see his website.
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Mark Hobson Tour Reviews:
“Fern, Miray, Luke and Mark; Thank you so much for a wonderful five days. The coastal knowledge, the music, the painting, the shore trips, the food, the scenery, the laughter… What fun!!” – Donna, B.C.
“The music was an “extra” to this most incredible trip. I knew it would be superb and my hopes were far exceeded. The food was wonderful, the ship was awesome, and the atmosphere was friendly. The attention to detail was extraordinary and always the pleasant smile. “Thank you” seems lame, but the best I can say!” – Susie, B.C.
“Thank you for filling us with beauty; our eyes, ears and bellies!” – Maureen, B.C.
“Thank you all for a wonderful time. The music, food and kindness in particular.” – Carol, BC
