Chinatown Paintings

When Amos became a professional artist in 1981, his first major project was to document Victoria’s Chinatown, the first one in Canada, dating back to 1858. Amos's research into the subject is available in the award-winning book Inside Chinatown (TouchWood Editions, 2009) which he created with Kileasa Wong. The neighbourhood is also central to a children’s book which Amos illustrated, titled No Such thing as Far Away (written by Laura Langston, published by Orca Books 2004).

Gate of Harmonius Interest

This watercolour painting of the Gate of Harmonious Interest was purchased by the City of Victoria in 1991. At that time the city produced a limited  edition of lithographic prints about 15 x 22 inches. A few “artist’s proofs”, signed and sealed by the artist, are available. 

Artist Proof prints.

Gate of Harmonious Interest Screen Print

In 1982 Amos was living in Chinatown and created a 26-colour screen print of the Gate of Harmonious Interest. Years later he enhanced one of the prints with paint, pencils and glitter to make a really rockin’ proof of the print. This original work of art is approximately 14 x 18 inches. 

This original work of art is approximately 14 x 18 inches.

Victoria Chinese Public School Painting

The Victoria Chinese Public School opened in 1911 and is still going strong, presenting classes in language and culture after regular school classes. Acrylic on wood panel, 12 x 16 inches.

Acrylic on wood panel, 12 x 16 inches.

Morley's by Night Painting

Morley’s by Night  shows Fisgard Street after the rain. This image was painted in the mid-1980s when the neon was all in place, though now the Morley’s sign is long gone. The non-conforming neon signs on Fisgard Street are still permitted under a special heritage bylaw.   Acrylic on wooden panel, 16 x 20 inches. 

Acrylic on wooden panel, 16 x 20 inches.

Moon Key Grocery Painting

The Moon Key Grocery is right beside Fan Tan Alley in Victoria’s Chinatown. Acrylic on board, 18 x 24 inches. 

Acrylic on board, 18 x 24 inches.

Ovaltine Cafe Painting

The Ovaltine Cafe on Hastings Street is in the centre of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Acrylic on wood, 12 x 24 inches.

Acrylic on wood, 12 x 24 inches.

The Only Painting

This richly-coloured picture of The Only captures the atmosphere on the sidewalk outside the oldest restaurant in Vancouver’s Chinatown. Watercolour, 22 x 28 inches 

Watercolour, 22 x 28 inches.

Smilin' Buddha Painting

The Smilin’ Buddha on Hastings Street in Vancouver is one of the city’s legendary night clubs, over the years home to many sorts of music - particularly Punk Rock. This painting features a blend of a variety of light sources, be they street lights, automobile lights, neon signs of the ambient glare of city lights. Watercolour, 15 x 22 inches. 

Watercolour, 15 x 22 inches.

No Such Thing Watercolours

This is one of the illustrations created for Amos's children’s book about Chinatown, No Such Thing As Far Away (Orca Books, 2004). It shows a scene on Fisgard Street in Victoria. Watercolour, 8 x 16 inches. 

Watercolour, 8 x 16 inches.

No Such Thing Watercolours

Another illustration from No Such Thing as Far Away, showing the herbalist and Michael, the young lad who is the main character of the story. Watercolour, 8 x 16 inches.

Watercolour, 8 x 16 inches.

No Such Thing Watercolours

Another from No Such Thing as Far Away, this dim sum scene takes place upstairs at Don Mee restaurant in Victoria.Watercolour, 8 x 16 inches. 

Watercolour, 8 x 16 inches.

Categories