Bears make frequent appearances in Luke Ramsey's artwork ... and on his front lawn

What can you learn about an artist from paging through their sketchbooks? See the rough drafts, tossed-off ideas and intimate musings of some of Canada's most interesting artists in our self-shot series Sketchbook.

Hometown: Victoria, BC

Current Location: Sunshine Coast, B.C.

Primary art medium: Drawing and painting 

Something unusual from your sketchbook: Borca (bear and orca)

Tool of choice for sketchbook: 05 size pen

Three words to describe your art: Fun, simple and beautiful (to me)

Fun factoid about you or your art: I've collaborated with 150 visual artists

Strangest place you have used your sketchbook: Mall of America 

For B.C. artist Luke Ramsey, it's normal for a bear to roam around his front lawn or to hang out in a neighborhood tree. "We are really fortunate to be able to witness these amazing creatures from a safe distance," says Ramsey. It's no surprise that bears find their way into his artwork.

Ramsey's sketchbook is somewhat of a detour from his colourful paintings. He chooses to sketch with only a black ink pen creating simplistic line drawings that are full imagination. "This is the way I like to draw: just freestyle, going with the flow." 

In this video, you'll see a glimpse into Ramsey's sketchbooks. And you'll meet Ramsey's new studio assistant Reggie, who is an adorable puppy. Beware: you might fall in love. 

Ramsey explains how his art pulls from two worlds. "One world is usually in landscape with bold forms, shapes, bright colours, nature and animals. The other world is freehand drawing, usually abstract and hyper-detailed."

Want to see Ramsey's work in the near future ... like in person? He is currently preparing for a solo exhibition this coming September at Mayberry Fine Art in Toronto. 

Follow Ramsey's work here.