It has become well-known among local charities: Ask Fred Peters to donate a painting, and he's more than likely to oblige.
Since taking up the profession a decade ago, the popular Thetis Island artist has given dozens of works to local causes and schools, including Pauline Haarer Elementary, and the 91原创 Cancer Society.
"With anyone who calls, I end up helping out -- I virtually never say no.
"I'm just honoured they'd be interested in me helping," says Peters. "Between Nanaimo and everywhere else I probably donate three or four paintings a year."
The giving continues this season, as well. During the Nov. 24 opening for his art show at Yellow Bird Arts Gallery, Peters finished a painting to raise funds for the United Way of Nanaimo and District.
The colourful oil-on-canvas, entitled "Shack Island," and valued at $900, is available in a silent auction until next Thursday.
The show, which features more than 20 of Peters' landscape paintings, runs until Dec. 17.
Peters and Yellow Bird also raised money for the Salvation Army on the shows opening night with a draw for a small print by the artist.
Peters' depictions of landscapes and buildings are typically done in thick brush strokes and bright, eye catching colours, often resulting in cheerfully surreal scenes.
It's a winning style that's made Peters one of this area's most popular artists, and a guaranteed draw for charities.
"It's a big break from the realism that's been popularized in recent years," says Yellow Bird owner Dave McKay, of Peters' works.
"They just seem to bring a smile to peoples' faces."
Peters took up painting as hobby during his past career as a construction worker.
"I was working away from home most of the year, and I thought 'I'm going to start painting.'"
After a couple years in galleries, Peters' work began to sell frequently, and his wife suggested he drop construction for good and become a full-time artist.
"I said 'Really? OK.'" he recalls.
That was 10 years ago. Peters now works most days in his studio on Thetis Island, where he moved from Nanaimo three years ago.
A prolific painter, Peters can often finish a painting a day, and sometimes even two, although lately he's been trying to slow down.
"I find if I push myself too hard it becomes difficult to keep it quality. I don't want to start mass producing junk," he says.
However, there's never any shortage of subject ideas.
"The wonderful thing about painting is there's always something different around the corner."
Yellow Bird Arts Gallery is in Country Club Centre. For more information on the silent auction, call 250-758-2480.