Artist in Residence Series

Mark Hobson is a self-taught artist based in Tofino, B.C., where he has painted for over forty years, drawing on his background as a biologist to depict the B.C. coast with striking accuracy and sensitivity. Equally skilled in watercolor, acrylics, and oils, he’s known for vivid portrayals of coastal wildlife, rainforests, tidepools, and underwater scenes inspired by scuba dives from his floating studio.

His work has been exhibited internationally and recognized with awards in Canada, the U.S., and Europe, including coin designs for the Royal Canadian Mint and features by National Geographic. A committed naturalist, he has contributed artwork and advocacy to major conservation efforts, including the creation of a new Provincial Park in B.C.

Gaye Adams describes her work as a simple exploration of beauty—both everyday and extraordinary—driven by a lifelong fascination with light. From studio pieces to plein air studies gathered across Canada and abroad, her paintings reflect a deep love for backlight, cast shadows, and the subtle interplay of illumination.

In winter, she turns to still life and figure studies and finds balance through teaching, sharing the skills passed down by her mentors with students around the world.

Doria is a full-time artist based in Whistler, B.C., and a passionate advocate for grizzly bears since her first visit to the Great Bear Rainforest 12 years ago. The official artist and board member of the Grizzly Bear Foundation, she donates one percent of her sales to their conservation work. A former teacher turned acrylic painter, she captures bears, landscapes, and portraits from her Whistler studio.

Doria is an Associate Member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, a founding member of the Whistler Out of Bounds Artists, and has been represented by Mountain Galleries for over a decade.