The Artist
For more than five decades, David Crighton has brought architecture and memorable places to life through his distinctive illustrations. Discover the story behind the artist and his work.
DAVID CRIGHTON
A Life in Art
David’s work is rooted in a fascination with architecture and the character of the places around us. Over the course of his career, he has developed an unmistakable style defined by intricate detail, vibrant colour and a distinctive perspective.
TORONTO & THE CITY
Documenting a Changing City
Over five decades, David Crighton's illustrations have captured Toronto's evolving landscape—its storefronts, theatres, streetcars, sports venues, and neighbourhoods. Many of these beloved landmarks have since changed, been renamed, or disappeared entirely, making his work a vital visual record of the city's transformation.
Honest Ed's
Maple Leaf Gardens
Bloor West Village Toronto #3
Air Canada Centre
Osgoode Newsboxes
THE PROCESS
A Distinctive Process
David's work begins with detailed pen-and-ink drawing, followed by watercolour and careful digital refinement. The technology supports the original hand-drawn work rather than replacing it, helping prepare each finished image for reproduction while preserving the character of the original illustration.
01 — Pen & Ink
Architectural structure, linework and detail are drawn by hand.
02 — Watercolour
Colour, depth and personality are added to the illustration.
03 — Digital Refinement
The finished artwork is carefully refined and prepared for reproduction.
From linework to finished illustration
Follow David’s process as he brings his Downton Abbey illustration to life, from the first detailed lines through colour and finishing touches.
David Crighton on Global News
A conversation about the beginnings of David's career, his distinctive streetscape illustrations and the neighbourhoods that have inspired his work.
CAREER & RECOGNITION
More Than Five Decades of Art
Over more than five decades, David Crighton's work has appeared in exhibitions, publications, private collections and commissioned projects. His illustrations have documented recognizable places and neighbourhoods while earning attention from collectors, businesses and media.
Exhibitions
Decades of exhibiting and presenting his work to the public.
Publications & Media
Featured in print, television and other media.
Commissions
Artwork created for businesses, organizations and private clients.
Notable Projects
Landmark, neighbourhood and cityscape illustrations created across his career.
PRESS, REVIEWS & ARCHIVES
Selected Coverage
Independent articles, reviews and institutional references documenting David’s exhibitions, projects and place in Canadian visual culture.
Unique artwork tells the story of Orillia and beyond
A full review by Lakehead University professor Michael Hoechsmann examining David’s architectural style, subject matter and the way his work documents the cultural life of cities.
Read reviewHigh Park artist creates pen-and-ink drawing to commemorate 100th anniversary of Howard Park
A feature on David Crighton and the commemorative pen-and-ink artwork he created for Howard Park’s 100th anniversary.
Read articleCalgary Marathon partners with David Crighton
The official announcement focuses on David and his Canada Coast to Coast artwork, detailing the collaboration behind the 2017 race shirts and medal ribbons.
Read releaseSELECTED COMMISSIONS
Artwork Created for Meaningful Places
From homes and businesses to landmarks and special destinations, David has created commissioned artwork that turns meaningful places into lasting, highly personal illustrations.
BEYOND TORONTO
Beyond the City
David's work extends well beyond Toronto, capturing memorable places across Ontario, Canada and beyond. From small-town streetscapes to nationally recognized landmarks and destinations farther afield, the same attention to architecture, character and place carries throughout his work.
Manitoba Street
French’s Fry Stand Orillia
Creemore – Mill Street
BEYOND CANADA
Beyond Canada
David's work also reaches beyond Canada, capturing recognizable monuments, landmarks and destinations across the United States. From the Hollywood Sign and Las Vegas to Chicago's Cloud Gate — better known as "The Bean" — his distinctive approach brings the character of these iconic places to life.
