Gerrit Verstraete

Artist, Author, Mentor

"To walk in the footsteps of masters is my personal long term creative goal."

Gerrit V.L.Verstraete AOCA, BFA, MA, MTH.

He has been a professional artist for over 45 years. He began his fine art studies as a child in the Netherlands, his country of birth. In 1950, at age five, he was introduced to formal art lessons by renowned Dutch artist, Stien Eelsingh (1903 -1964), who was also co-founder of the arts group Het Palet at the Hopmanshuis in the medieval city of Zwolle, home of the Verstraete family. In 1958, the Verstraete family moved to Canada. After completing high school in 1964, he enrolled at the Ontario College of Art & Design in Toronto and graduated in 1968 (now OCAD University). He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Thompson Rivers University, and a Master of Arts in Communication & Technology, from the University of Alberta. He has a Master of Theology degree from St.Stephen's College / University of Alberta.

In 1968, he founded and owned a commercial design studio that soon grew into a nationally accredited advertising agency. In 1982, he founded Verstraete Evangelistic Association (aka Christian Communications Centre), whose work included teaching, seminar and conference management, and publishing.

In 1993, he moved his family to Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada, and built his Masterpeace Fine Art Studio. He is one of the world's leading silverpoint artists working in both in its traditional form and contemporary experimental forms. He is also a drawing master in other media.

Gerrit Verstraete is founder of the non-profit, educational Drawing Society of Canada. In 2005, he launched the Canadian Academy of Drawing online. He and his wife Alice are founders of the Church On The Rock, and the HOPE Centre on Gabriola Island.

He brings to the table over 45 years of professional business management experience, corporate consultation, arts management, fine art drawing, communication excellence, writing skills, mentoring, and spirituality.

ALL HIS BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE IN PRINT AND KINDLE AT AMAZON.COM AND .CA

Also check my website at www.aboutmasterpeace.yolasite.com