I’ve been a “professional” artist since 2017, after graduating from “Max the Mutt: College of Animation, Art & Design” to pursue a career in the animation industry as a 2D layout artist, background painter, and designer. It’s been an exciting career, having worked on numerous shows as both a team member and a department lead, and more recently working as a background and asset designer for video games. But my love for art began long before my college enrolment with charcoal portrait work in my early teens, participating in exhibits, festivals and taking on clientele in my hometown of London and throughout Southern Ontario and Nova Scotia (where I lived for 4 years post-graduation).
Growing up, I was always very shy and found it difficult to connect with people through words alone. Art was my way of connecting and communicating with the world around me; I’ve always been more comfortable with my work doing the talking! Portraiture was probably the best way possible of getting me to step outside my comfort zone as it pushed me to really connect with my clients and subjects. I don’t often do portrait work from life these days, rather clients will send me photographs to work from, but it’s still an opportunity to connect and hear their story. I primarily use charcoal in my work, but more recently began introducing ink into my pieces to convey a more graphic look alongside the realism for a little playful contrast. The incorporation of ink likely comes from my fascination with tattooing, a field I almost stepped into years back, but ultimately I chose to remain a patron instead. You can find both my digital and traditional work on my website, cdavisart.ca, and connect with me on Instagram through @charcoal_and_teatime. Prints of my non-commission work are available through my Instagram page, as well as original pieces, but I’m always open for commission pieces! I do also plan on getting back into teaching in the future; I have run private drawing lessons in the past and teaching is very much an area I would love to grow in and expand upon.