Bike Ride Ink Drawings

Four new drawings in pen and ink, revisiting my years living in Vancouver, cycling through busy downtown streets, Chinatown, and all around Stanley Park. Multitudes of views to be had, no matter which direction you look, there are the ocean, sky, and mountains to entertain. 

Bayshore Downtown West-End on the way to Stanley Park.

The Big Picture Collective Art Project in Vancouver, B.C., was posted with a link on Facebook back in April 2017. I decided to join them in an online creative project. It attracted my attention because its featured topic was Vancouver, and immediately, my memories of bike rides and the many photos I took while riding along the pathways of Vancouver, B.C.'s waterfronts came to mind. This inspired my topic, which I explored through the 4 ink drawings I submitted to their project. 

Strathcona, Union Street Bike Pathway.

Vancouver, B.C., was my home for 10 years, living in a loft on East Pender Street. What I miss most about living in Vancouver is springtime, when cherry blossom trees bloom and every plant seems to burst into flowers starting in early April. (moving story to Nova Scotia link here)

China Town, Union Street, and the bike pathway to downtown Vancouver.

The 'Vancouver Bike Ride Ink Drawing series' is a collection of my artistic interpretations of the city's waterfront. Each drawing is a visual narrative of a unique bike ride, capturing the beauty and diversity of Vancouver. My sister Colleen and I would plan a day, pack some water and a snack, and head over to Granville Island Market and then on to Vanier Park. We could go further along for the BIG ride all the way to Jericho Beach. These rides inspired the series, and I hope they inspire you to explore Vancouver's beauty on two wheels. 

East Vancouver Cherry Blossoms in full bloom!

On another day, our bike trip would go past the B.C. Sugar Refining in East Vancouver leads to Gastown, and then onto Stanley Park, where you can relax on the beach for a moment of calm.  Coming home, we would take the David Lam Park route and ride along the new Yaletown waterfront, then cut through Chinatown and home. Either route is a fantastic adventure.

As I got out my various nibs and thinned out ink with water to get 4 different values in India Ink, I stumbled upon an interesting feature. The watery ink changed color when touched with the brass part of the pen nib as I moved in circular motions around the Bristol paper, leaving a blue-tinted color with a golden hue. This delightful surprise found its way into the sky and other areas, adding a touch of unexpected beauty to the artwork.

Enjoy the Ride!

To view Bike Ride Ink Drawings

 In a slideshow, click on any photo to start.

Vancouver Bike Ride: British Columbia Sugar Refining Ltd.
Ink on Bristol Paper by Minaz Jantz
http://thebigpictureartproject.com/

My loft window looked out over the cityscape of Vancouver, allowing me to see the BC Sugar Refining Ltd. with its interesting geometric shapes, set against the backdrop of the mountains.

Vancouver Bike Ride: David Lam Park, Yaletown
Ink on Bristol Paper by Minaz Jantz
http://thebigpictureartproject.com/

The bike ride along the new pathways in Yaletown was a pure joy. The transformation of the rugged old manufacturing areas into a fantastic public biking and walking experience was a stroke of genius. The waterfront, lined with lush plants, bushes, and trees, was a sight to behold. My favorite springtime trees and bushes —the magnolia trees, rhododendrons & azalea bushes —added a burst of color and life to the ride, filling me with delight and appreciation.

Vancouver Bike Ride: Jericho Beach

Ink on Bristol Paper by Minaz Jantz

http://thebigpictureartproject.com/

Jericho Beach Park was one of my favorite beach hangouts. Always something to see with cargo ships and recreational sailboats while sitting on a beautiful sandy beach, set within the views of the mountains.

Vancouver Bike Ride: Vanier Park
Ink on Bristol Paper by Minaz Jantz
http://thebigpictureartproject.com/

Vancouver hosted several large sculptures throughout the city, and it was such a joyful experience to see sculptures mixed with nature. I really enjoyed the views from Vanier Park, where I could watch kites flying, sailboats, and the mountains containing the city skyline.

East Hastings Street, The British Columbia Sugar Refining Co.
My industrial neighborhood and the mountains.

My favorite time to do my circuit was around dinner time at 5:00 pm. Leave East Vancouver, travel through Gastown, and hook up with the Pan Pacific Hotel on the waterfront. Get around Stanley Park, then go under the bridges to visit Yale Town, Chinatown, and Strathcona, ending in the Industrial zone, The Workshop, located at 1220 East Pender. No matter where one travels in Vancouver, a fabulous natural view is available in every direction.

Beauty & The Bike... Minaz