Illustration & Watercolour
Favourite Supplies:
Pencils Colorase colored pencils
Paper Arches cold-press paper, Arches hot-press paper for work with ink, Canson XL watercolor paper.
Paints I’m not faithful to just one brand, though I haven’t experimented with different brands very much. I currently use mostly Windsor Newton student and pro water-colour paints, and M. Graham gouache, and Acryla Acryl Gouache.
Brushes I have a mix of brushes, some inherited from my mother, some new ones of different brands including Windsor Newton cotman brushes. I use cheaper man-made brushes on non-cotton paper because they grab less water and non-cotton paper pools water. I use higher quality brushes when using cotton-based paper likes Arches cold press, because it drinks up much more water. Of my mother’s brushes, not are animal hair. I’m a vegetarian and wouldn’t normally seek out animal hair brushes, but since I’m recycling them, I use them.
Sketchbooks Vision Strathmore Mixed Media Sketchbook , Strathmore Sketch Recycled sketch paper.
Tech iPad Pro 2017, Procreate application. Adobe creative cloud (Photoshop,
Are you accepting commissions at this time?
I sometimes accept a limited amount of commissions as projects allow. Please reach out for availability.
For editorials and other business inquiries please use the contact form in the contact section.
Bio
I’m a mixed-media artist and illustrator based near Victoria, BC. My artwork incorporates vivid color and high contrast, using watercolour, ink and digital techniques. I’m inspired by the outdoors and especially the moss that engulfs Vancouver Island’s sidewalks and old cars, by marine animals and suburban bats, hidden mushrooms and spontaneous waterfalls.
I admire old maps and loves to travel. The desire to share the special details of the places she lives and visits has fed into her interest in illustrated map-making. My work can be found on her website, Instagram and Spoonflower, Red Bubble, and Society 6.
When not painting, I’m tending to her overgrown orchid collection and watching movies with my husband, kids, two orange-cream cats and big red poodle.
Career
Did you go to art school? What did you study in school?
No I didn’t go to art school in the traditional sense. I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Victoria, and then decided I wanted to pursue my interest in fine arts and went back to study painting, digital design and creative writing as well as environmental studies and ecological restoration. During school I worked as a freelance web designer, which, luckily for me, turned into graphic design. I’ve worked for several years in graphic design regionally, including design related to ecological protection. I also do contract work from time to time, as my schedule allows. In the last couple years, I finally allowed myself to dust off my art supplies and dove back into painting and digital art. In summer of 2018 I challenged myself to do a 365 challenge, posting art every day on instagram. It was really scary to open myself open myself up to that at first, especially the willingness to try to grow and make mistakes so publicly, but the community has been really amazing and supportive. In 2020, I decided to reduce my graphic design work hours to allow more time for illustration.
Contact
Want to work together? Please contact me at jesschampagne (at) gmail.com.
Store
How can I order from your store?
Currently my website gift shop is closed, until Covid issues are hopefully more under control. I sometimes consider special print requests, please reach out via email or instagram.
I do still have items in my external shops on:
How often do you ship orders?
We normally ship orders once per week, however currently we are not shipping except locally in Victoria, BC.
How long will it take?
Shipping times may vary depending on region and method, and safety precautions.