Artist and conservationist Alan Li uses pencils, ink and paint to document the wonders of the natural world. Alan’s mission is to build connections to nature through arts-based education. Since 2015, he has been partnering with non-profit environmental organizations to teach nature focused art programs and workshops.
Alan was responsible for the successful launch of the Toronto Nature Sketch program in 2018, teaching all of the art lessons during that inaugural year. Nature Sketch is an initiative of Canadian artist Robert Bateman and the Bateman Foundation.
In 2019, Alan was a speaker at the annual Ravine Symposium at Toronto Botanical Garden. In his presentation, he shared stories behind ravine inspired artwork created by himself and a small brigade of volunteer artists. Funds raised through the sale of the artwork were donated to ravine conservation initiatives at the garden.
Alan currently teaches Field Sketching, Nature Drawing and Linocut Printmaking at the High Park Nature Centre, Toronto Botanical Garden and Visual Arts Mississauga.
Current and past organizations that Alan has worked with:
The Canadian Wildlife Federation
Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests (LEAF)
Robert Bateman - Nature Sketch
Field Sketching Class at Riverwood. August 2023
Photo: Nasrin Gilbert
LUNA Toronto art show at Toronto Botanical Garden. October 10th, 2019
Photo: Malgosia Halliop
With Robert Bateman at the launch of Nature Sketch, October 2017.
Photo: Birgit Freybe Bateman
Bird sketching class at the Royal Ontario Museum.
Photo: Mark Peck