Spotlight on an Artist: Owen Labbé
Meet Montréal-based artist and urban sketcher Owen Labbé, whose colourful and beautifully detailed sketches capture the character of places around the world.
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
8/15/20262 min read
I recently met Owen Labbé at the Urban Sketchers Symposium in Toulouse, where I attended one of his fabulous workshops. His beautifully observed sketches are filled with colour, character and the sort of fascinating details most of us would walk straight past.
I’m delighted that Owen agreed to be the second artist in my monthly Spotlight on an Artist series — and that he was willing to answer the questions we really wanted to ask!
1. Favourite subject to sketch?
Japanese landscapes — especially very old and nearly destroyed buildings!
2. Early bird or night owl?
Both at the same time. I’m always sacrificing my sleep to draw — and I shouldn’t!
3. Colour you can’t do without?
Cobalt Teal Blue by Daniel Smith.
4. Can you sing?
It’s better not to!
5. One art supply you hoard?
Lamy fountain pens
6. One item in your kit you couldn’t do without?
My watercolour set
7. Favourite item of clothing?
It’s not exactly clothing, but you do wear it: I have an unhealthy obsession with backpacks.
8. Silliest art supply you’ve ever bought?
A fan that clips onto my sketchbook to help the watercolours dry faster.
9. Funniest comment from a passer-by?
Someone said that I had based my drawing on a photograph — even though I was literally drawing the subject right in front of me.
10. Favourite motto, quote or saying?
If I have to draw somewhere I’m not sure I’m allowed to enter, I always say:
“It’s better to ask for forgiveness than for permission.”
