Jen Pilles Illustration Blog

Hello and thanks for visiting! I am a plein air artist and freelance illustrator from Welland, Ontario, Canada. I create charming drawings and colourful illustrations using a combination of mediums including ink, gouache, watercolour and coloured pencil. I work for a variety of clients including print and web publishers, public institutions, not-for-profit organizations, small businesses, and private clients. I hold a Bachelor of Applied Arts with Honours in Illustration from Sheridan College. My work is heavily inspired by nature, and influenced by my love of science, myth, and the human condition. I practice plein air painting and derive much of my inspiration from being out in nature and exploring the landscape. I have been developing my plein-air practice for many years, finding inspiration and joy in the act of studying the world around me. Visit www.jenpilles.com for more!

[jenpilles]

I am no longer blogging here but you can keep up with my art and happenings on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenpillestration/ See you there! 

[jenpilles]

This is a sneak peek of custom artwork on a toilet seat/lid I painted for @buildingup.to to auction off at their annual fundraiser! See the full piece in person on September 15 at the Fundraiser Party! Tickets are available at www.universe.com/buildinguptogether2018 🎨🎶🚽 Proceeds go to a very good cause and it will be a fun night with food, drinks, art, music, and more! Building Up was developed in Toronto to improve our city’s environmental efficiency, affordable housing stock, and most of all – to create a real pathway for individuals experiencing barriers to enter apprenticeships and careers in the trades. Last year they trained over 100 pre-apprentices as they transition from trainees to tradespeople. With your support, they will be able to take that number to 200 over the next year. (at Toronto, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnWXyNDHzYo/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1kbinljgmybwa

[jenpilles]

Eternal Garden: an exhibition of work by Jen Pilles June 1-30, 2018 Volta Espresso, 866 Bathurst St, Toronto Open 7am-5pm every day “Through our eyes, the universe is perceiving itself. Through our ears, the universe is listening to its harmonies. We are the witnesses through which the universe becomes conscious of its glory, of its magnificence.” - Alan Watts Eternal Garden is en exhibition of works on paper and wood that celebrate the natural world and its power. Jen Pilles is a freelance illustrator, comic artist and self publisher. Her drawings and colourful illustrations are created using a combination of mediums including ink, gouache, watercolour and coloured pencil. Jen’s work is heavily inspired by nature, and influenced by her love of science, myth,and the human condition. She loves storytelling and creates comics and visual narratives that are suitable for both adults and children. Jen creates artwork for a variety of clients including publishers, public institutions, not-for-profit organizations, small businesses, and private clients. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts with Honours in Illustration from Sheridan College. There will be a small reception for the exhibition on Saturday June 23 from 10am-12pm at Volta Espresso.

[jenpilles]

These are my Talismandala Pins. I created them in 2017 as a creative side-project, mostly because I love enamel pins and wanted to be able to trade with other amazing artists! There are four pins in the series, they are each filled with magic! They are based my mandala paintings and are meant to be used as charms, talismans, or meditative objects. They were produced in a limited series of 100 and are hand-numbered. They are available through my online shop while supplies last for $8 each (not many left). 

[jenpilles]

'Forever Summer' mandala painting collection, 2017 . . . . . . . . #illustration #jenpilles #mandala #gouache #painting #magic

[jenpilles]

Here is my illustration of Allen Morgan and En Burke's Territory Orphanage. The space has since been dismantled and I miss it greatly, but the energy of the space lives on and is strong. Learn more at www.territory.org

[jenpilles]

Here are some of the holiday mandala paintings I made this year. Every year I meditate and make these little bursts of joy on greeting cards and send them throughout the world. Big thanks to everyone who ordered cards this yeayand to my friends and family for inspiring me!

[jenpilles]

I will be giving artist talks to Toronto highschool students all week from my studio as part of the @canartca School Hop. (at Akin Collective Lansdowne Studios)

[jenpilles]

❄️Winter Mandala,❄️ 🌿Jungle Mandala🌿 🌹Garden Mandala🌹 These three 6" round paintings are available tonight at #intheround2017! Join me for the opening night today from 7-10pm at 906 Queen St W. Each painting is priced at $65 and will be sold off the wall so get there early! See you tonight! . . . . . . #canadianart #torontoart #illustration #fineart #torontoevents #torontonow #shoplocal #supportart #gouache #jenpilles #mandala

[jenpilles]

I've been working on some great new stuff for my pop-ups at @drakecommissary on Nov 22 + 29 from 6-9pm. Prints, pins, cards and more at great prices! See you there! . . . . . . . #akinprojects #drakeart #drakecommissary #torontomaker #torontoartist #shoplocaltoronto #torontoart #yyz #illustration #supportsmallbusiness #holidaymarket #shoptoronto (at Drake Commissary)

[jenpilles]

I created this illustration for the Akin Collective holiday party. I really like the way it turned out! I think I will do some similar designs for holiday greeting cards this year. Stay tuned.

[jenpilles]

It is the last day of #2edition and I am going to put the 'Flower Mandala' prints in sale! Regular $40, today only $25 each! Come to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre today and visit the #akinprojects table at @editiontoronto to get one! Edition of 5 prints in archival pigment ink. Signed and numbered. (at Edition - Toronto's Art Book Fair)

[jenpilles]

Still two days to come to @editiontoronto and pick up my latest print! But don't fear! If you can't make it today then you will have another chance next weekend at @drakecommisary from 12-3pm to grab prints, pins, cards and more! Part of the #akinprojects and #pixelandbristle Pop-up series with @thedrakeart (at Drake Commissary)

[jenpilles]

This print of my recent painting is available this weekend at #2edition at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre alongside @art_toronto. Archival pigment prints on cotton paper, limited edition series of 5, only $40 each! Flower mandala, gouache, pencil and watercolour on watercolour paper. Get one at the #akinprojects table at today through Monday. 2/edition is a free public event that celebrates books arts, small press and creative works made in editions of more than one! Show hours: Fri Oct 27: 12-8pm / Sat Oct 28: 12-8pm / Sun Oct 29: 12-6pm / Mom Oct 30: 12-6pm (at Edition - Toronto's Art Book Fair)

[jenpilles]

Two paintings left for sale. Original watercolours painted en plein air in Ontario. 4"x6" on cold press watercolour paper. Only $40 each! Free shipping in Canada. Get in touch! #pleinair #painting #illustration #ontario #watercolor #muskoka #huntsville #forsale #buyart #shoplocal #torontoartist #canadianart #landscapeart

[jenpilles]

Last painting of the trip! Heading back to Toronto today :( I will miss the country! Many thanks to my gracious hosts @lizpilles @hikergirl40 @bugsandbabies @seguinsailors @mir_alexis 🌲♥️🍃 #pleinair #painting #ontario #adventure #illustration (at Kawartha Lakes)

[jenpilles]

#pleinair #painting #illustration #ontario #watercolor #muskoka #huntsville (at Town of Huntsville, Muskoka, Ontario)