BY J.M. LEE
Who knew a trip to the dollar store could change a life? For Jordan Perkins, it all began in 2015, at 35, with bargain paints, cheap canvases, and a simple goal of spending fun, creative afternoons with his daughter, triggered by an innocent question—“Can I hang this in my room?”—sparked a passion that no art school could have predicted.
Jordan became self-taught by chance, diving headfirst into experimentation, spills, and happy accidents. What started as casual fun evolved into a distinctive style: bold, large-scale portraits of people and animals that radiate energy, emotion, and personality. Each brushstroke tells a story, and every painting invites viewers into Jordan’s world—one where color, motion, and heart take center stage.
But his art is about more than creating beauty. Over the past few years, Jordan has become a standout live painter at charity galas, transforming blank canvases into vibrant, auction-ready masterpieces while audiences watch in awe. His work has helped raise over $60,000 for health initiatives, community programs, and other meaningful causes.
“Painting for charity is the best part,” he says. “You start with nothing but paint and a canvas, and suddenly it’s helping people. Honestly, I can’t think of a better gig.”
Now based in scenic Coldstream, BC, Jordan continues to push boundaries, explore new techniques, and chase his next masterpiece—still messy, still curious, and still laughing at the fact that it all started with dollar store paints and a little girl who believed in him.
Whether in a studio or on stage at a gala, Jordan Perkins proves that art can be joyful, impactful, and full of heart—all while making the world a little brighter, one painting at a time.
