“Walking in the footsteps of history’s fine art masters, and following in the footsteps of the Master, has given me a life-long motivation to help others on their journey.”

Gerrit Verstraete is an internationally recognized artist and writer, whose personal journey of faith and creativity embodies visual arts, writing, and ministry. His professional experience in art, management, and counseling spans nearly 50 years.
Gerrit Verstraete was born in the Netherlands in 1945. At age five, he was introduced to formal art lessons by renowned Dutch artist, Stien Eelsingh (1903 - 1964). In 1958, the Verstraete family moved to Canada. In 1968, he graduated with an honours degree from the Ontario College of Art (now OCAD University). Throughout the 60’s – 80’s, he owned a nationally accredited advertising agency, including a portfolio of performing arts accounts. In 1982, he founded the Christian Communications Centre whose work included spiritual teaching, conference management and publishing. In 1993, he moved his family to Gabriola Island, British Columbia. In 2001, he completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Thompson Rivers University. Today he draws in his Masterpeace Fine Art Studio, where he also writes spiritual teachings, novels, having just completed a 10 volume epic poem “Cerulean Odyssey.” He is a respected counselor and mentor. He is founder of the Drawing Society of Canada and its online Canadian Academy of Drawing. He and his wife are also founders of the Church On The Rock. When he turned 65, he decided to go back to school by enrolling in graduate studies at the University of Alberta. He completed a Master of Arts in Communications and Technology degree and is currently working on his Doctorate in art, critical thought and spirituality. To chronicle his return to formal studies and research, he created a special blog to encourage others, www.backtoschoolat65.blogspot.com