City of Edmonton Pool Safety Sign

I’ve been doing a series of posters for all City of Edmonton swimming pools. This one addresses the issue of people holding their breaths for a longer period of time than is safe. It’s something than many people have done but did you know that lifeguards have to attend to people who get into real danger because of it?

The City of Edmonton is a leader in safety prevention and getting important messages like this one out to their clientele. Taking action instead of reacting. Bravo!

City of Edmonton Pool Safety Sign

Caricatures by Edmonton Artist Laurel Hawkswell

Caricatures as a "Thank You"

I did these four caricatures for people who were instrumental in the success of the opening of the new City of Edmonton recreation facilities: Clareview Community Recreation Centre and The Meadows Community Recreation Centre.

I did something a little different with these. The facility itself is massive so instead of drawing out this grandiose building, I used a photograph placed in behind the caricature. I really like the effect!

City of Edmonton Thank you

Caricatures by Edmonton Artist Laurel Hawkswell

A Happy Caricature Recipient

Always pleased to receive a photo of the recipient of my caricatures! 

 This caricature was recognizing her for her 30 years of part time work with The City of Edmonton at Hardisty Pool. I often go to meetings around the city and see my caricatures up in people’s offices. Some that I did many years ago and some more recent. Of course it makes me smile … 

I wonder if people notice me glancing at it and see the slight smile? 

Caricature gift

Caricatures by Edmonton Artist Laurel Hawkswell

This sign is the Bee's Knees!

I finally got a chance to take pictures of some of the signs I did designs for at the John Janzen Indoor Playground! (original Bee Blog post from April, 2013)

These bees were fun but harder to draw that you might think. They had to be appealing to kids but also be close to anatomically correct. This sign shows The Busy Life of Worker Bees. My favourite bee is the one with the broom and scrub brush on DAYS 22 - 24 as well as the last bee with the big magnifying glass on DAYS 43 AND ONWARDS...

I hope the kids enjoy all the informative signs in John Janzen’s Indoor Playground. If you have little kids, come check it out!

The Busy Life of Worker Bees - Sign at Edmonton's John Janzen Nature Centre

Caricatures by Edmonton Artist Laurel Hawkswell

Celebrating Fathers Day

Yesterday's event was a lot of fun.  Celebrating Fathers Day at the John Janzen Nature Centre drawing caricatures for dads and their kids.

Just before I set up for the event I got a twitter (@hilaurel) message that someone was definitely going to come down to the event that day. So, a couple hours into drawing one lady who's turn it was, said to me, "I have to tell you, I follow you on twitter and I'm a big fan of yours." I asked her her twitter name. Yup, her's was the message I'd read. Her family was wonderful and I so enjoyed chatting with them while I drew them. I joked with her that I wish she hadn't told me she was a big fan until AFTER I finished drawing her, that she'd put extra pressure on me! I also found out that her and her husband used to do a radio show in Edmonton that I had listened to. It was strange listening to them talk when their voices were so familiar to me!

Here are some of the caricatures that made me smile, including a photo of Jamie and Dan who I just talked about ...

A Boy with his caricature

Girl holds up her caricature drawing

Fathers Day caricature

Edmonton Artist Laurel with Jamie and her caricature

Jamie and Dan show us their caricature

Caricatures by Edmonton Artist Laurel Hawkswell

Having fun drawing for The Stollery Dreamnight at the Zoo

Well I am having some fun drawing caricatures at Edmonton Valley Zoo's Dreamnight at the Zoo for the Stollery Children's Hospital.  There are lots of people and everyone is having a good time...

drawing caricatures at Edmonton Valley Zoo's Dreamnight for the Stollery Children's Hospital

Caricatures by Edmonton Artist Laurel Hawkswell

Caricature Event at Edmonton's Mill Woods Rec Centre

It was a cold day in Edmonton so, It was nice to spend it inside a Rec Centre.  There a was a good size crowd swimming and many going into the Skating rink and the Fitness Centre too.  I was able to meet a few friends going in that I had not seen for quite some time.  Seeing families out enjoying their Sunday was a good way to spend the afternoon.

The City of Edmonton's Mill Woods Rec Centre was hopping yesterday... here is one of the Caricatures that I drew.

Young girl with her Caricature

 Caricatures by Edmonton Artist Laurel Hawkswell

There are some caricatures that make me go, "Oh my!"

I drew at The City of Edmonton Muttart Conservatory  for their Pass Holder Appreciation Night. Sitting in amongst dozens and dozens of poinsettias, I drew people of all ages. 

One little girl about 4 years old said to me, “I don’t want to be drawn together (she didn’t want to be drawn with her friend), I just want to be drawn beautiful.” 

 “I sure can!” I said.

At one point in the evening I was really impressed, I’d noticed that several people who were waiting to get their caricature done where having a great conversation. Then I realized that these people had only just met in line. The friendliest lineup I’ve ever had!

Woman with here caricature - I love this one

Now to talk about this photo … there are some caricatures that make ME go “Oh my!” This was one of them. When you feel you captured the glint in their eyes, their sparkle. And I don’t mean the light in their eyes, I mean the sparkle of who they are. Her mom thought so too. I’m very proud of this caricature. 

 Caricatures by Edmonton Artist Laurel Hawkswell

Host Program Instructor Sandwich Boards

I really enjoy the opportunity to create art for The City of Edmonton. I think that bright colours, fun images and a nice layout get people's attention. These little cartoons fit city pools well! And here's a little tidbit, do you notice that each person's speech bubble is the same colour as their bathing suit, or in the case of the little boy on the right: the same colour as his ball. Just a little detail that goes through my head when working on it! Does it make a difference? Make it better? I can't say for sure but at least I try!

Graphic Art and signs for the City of Edmonton pools

Edmonton Graphic Artist Laurel Hawkswell

Signs for Fred Broadstock Pool

I always enjoy adding a little pizzaz to a sign. Here is a seal I designed especially for Fred Broadstock Outdoor Pool here in Edmonton. I did him outlined, not in black but a dark grey so that the words stood out more than he did. It turned out to have a cool aqua kind of colour tone to it. I did the layout and design on this sandwich board and got them produced for the pool.

Fred Broadstock Outdoor Pool sign

sign for Fred Broadstock Outdoor Pool

Bee Signs for John Janzen Nature Centre

I recently finished several signs for the Indoor Play Area at John Janzen Nature Centre.

The trick was to make the images of the bees correct but also appealing to children.

Here is an example of one of the bees that appears on "The Busy Life of Bees" sign.

The Life of Bees sign for Edmonton's John Jansen Nature Centre

Designed by Edmonton Artist Laurel Hawkswell

The Busy Life of Bees - sign

I recently finished up numerous Bee illustrations for the City of
Edmonton's John Janzen Nature Centre for signage in their Indoor Play
Area. I got to know bees pretty well. My favorite illustration is
this one with some extra character of the worker, nurse, guard,
foraging bees!

It was a bit of a challenge to give the bees some character and at the
same time keeping them fairly anatomically correct.

Sign by Edmonton Graphic Artist, Laurel Hawkswell

Caricatures at the Zoo for World animal Day 2012

The Edmonton Valley Zoo is quickly becoming my second home! With the cooler weather almost upon us, it was nice to see families still out enjoying the Valley Zoo for World Animal Day. This girl was so sweet. You’re probably thinking what I’m thinking, too bad I didn’t have a pink marker handy for this one! We caricaturists love it when someone sits down with a cool hair style… it’s like a gift for us and what a smile she has too!

Caricature of Girl by Edmonton Artist Laurel Hawkswell

Edmonton Artist

Edmonton Caricatures

Connections 2012 at Churchill Square in Edmonton

   A woman gets a rose henna tattoo with the name of her son from henna artist Laurel Hawkswell is seen during Connections 2012 at Churchill Square in Edmonton, Alberta, on May 15, 2012.

   The City of Edmonton event brought people together with city departments and staff.

A woman gets a rose henna tattoo from henna artist Laurel Hawkswell

IAN KUCERAK/EDMONTON SUN/QMI AGENCY - Edmonton Sun
http://www.edmontonsun.com/2012/05/15/city-connects-with-edmontonians

Edmonton Artist

I was out drawing Caricatures today

Today was nice day to be out drawing caricatures at City of Edmonton Muttart Conservatory

drawing caricatures at the Muttart Conservatory

Edmonton artist

SIGNS OF ALL KINDS! one stop for sign design

Your one stop for sign design, that’s me!

SIGNS SHOWN HERE: Various signage for Hap’s restaurant. My favourite is the rooster saying “This Section Closed”. Of course I drew the rooster especially for Hap’s.

As well, a series of Swim Lesson signs for one of the City of Edmonton Leisure and Fitness Centres.

City of Edmonton Leisure Centre
Mill Woods Rec Centre
Edmonton Sign art
by Artist Laurel Hawkswell

Haps Hungry House Restaurant
Edmonton Sign art by Artist Laurel Hawkswell

Edmonton artist

World Animal Day Caricature to take home and enjoy

Edmonton Valley Zoo World Animal Day
Date: Sunday October 2, 2011
Time: noon-4pm

Join us at the Edmonton Valley Zoo to celebrate World Animal Day 2011 and enjoy an amazing array of activities for all ages!

Enjoy the active animal games including the Leapin’ Lemur Inflatable or A World of Animals Scavenger Hunt.

Stop by for some Amazing Animal Face Painting or enjoy receiving a World Animal Day Caricature to take home and enjoy. For a change of pace, “Get Closer” with animal encounters and educational talks, or join in the Musical Enrichment Parade to present a stimulating treat or surprise to some of the animals that call the Edmonton Valley Zoo home.

Edmonton Caricature

After all of this excitement, take a break and enjoy making a World Animal Day Craft or enjoy your very own World Animal Day Cupcake (while supplies last!).

You’ll also have an opportunity to visit the Endangered Animal Touch Table as well as have a chance to win one of the huge prizes in the World Animal Day Prize Extravaganza.

Mark this date in your calendar, this is a must attend event!

For more information:
Edmonton Valley Zoo 13315 Buena Vista Road (87th Avenue)

Edmonton Artist

drawing Caricatures for eight hours

Today I was at Edmonton's Valley Zoo drawing Caricatures for eight hours.  there were a lot of people and what a nice hot (30*C) day!  I wish that I had the time to take a photo of all the caricatures - there were some great ones today.

Edmonton's Valley Zoo - caricatures

stop by the Edmonton Valley Zoo for a caricature…..and it’s free!

I'll be at Edmonton Valley Zoo drawing caricatures - Free Admission Day at the Edmonton Valley Zoo

Date: Sunday September 25, 2011 Time: 10am-6pm September 25th, 2011 will once again mark the City of Edmonton’s annual Free Admission Day Celebrations and it will be the perfect opportunity to visit the beautiful Edmonton Valley Zoo!

Come “Get Closer” and witness amazing animal enrichments as we provide stimulating surprises to a selection of animals. Peter and Mary will greet you at the front entrance with some amazing live music. 

As you stroll through the zoo be sure to stop by for a caricature, listen to educational animal talks, see Fleasha and her one of a kind Flea Circus or make a neat take home craft!

drawing caricature - Edmonton Valley Zoo

Be sure to try Painting Like Lucy or perfect your wallaby bouncing skills in a Giant Inflatable!

There will also be amazing animal encounters, face painting, sidewalk art, and a variety of other surprises throughout the day.

What an incredible way to spend a day…..and it’s free!

For more information:

Edmonton Valley Zoo 13315 Buena Vista Road (87th Avenue) Edmonton, Alberta

A mural for the Indoor Play Area at Terwilleger Rec Centre

A mural done for the Indoor Play Area at the City of Edmonton's Terwilleger Recreation Centre. 

[2051 Leger Road, Edmonton, AB T6R 0R9 (780) 442-5311]

The Indoor Play Area has a stage that had blank walls.  Our hope is by adding these characters that are performing and play acting, that it will give the kids the idea to do the same!

You can only see part of the mural from the hallway windows which is a bit of a shame.  My personal favourites are the little boy on the moon and "Canadian Girl"!

Of course the characters and mural layout was designed by me as well as the painting of it.

Mural - look at me Mom.

Mural - dress up and sleep

Mural - Play

Mural - shining stars

Mural - girl takes a bow

Mural - Canadian section