Why a London lawyer turned art student sketches bus riders

Some artists draw landscapes, others sketch portraits.

But London lawyer and visual arts student Brenda Fuhrman finds her inspiration on the city's public transit system.

"I wanted to do something positive, public ... to counteract sort of the negativity around buses," Fuhrman toldCBCLondon Morning.

• LISTEN: London lawyer and art student finds muse in London Transit

Fuhrman sketches people she sees on her daily bus commute and different scenes she encounters.

The Western University student has always had easy access to public transit, so she's never learned to drive and is an avid bus rider.

'Microcosm of the community'

The issue of London transit has never been more timely and contentious.

Last spring,council approved what will be the largest infrastructure project in the city's history.

The $500-million bus rapid transit project has sparked vocal opposition, but officials for the new transit plan say it's unfortunately plagued with misconceptions.

Fuhrman came up with the idea for her bus cartoon strips last yearafter spending time in Montreal.

She said there's less stigma around using public transit in larger cities.

Fuhrman wanted to show that riding thebus is for everybody.

"It's a microcosm of the community, and I think that's of great value. It's very democratic," she said.

Posters in bus shelters

Fuhrman has posted her illustrations at bus shelters across the city.

With so many people entranced by their smart phones, she's hoping to catch somebody's attention and make them smile.

"I just thought, this would be another way of amusing somebody," said Fuhrman.

The artwork will also be on display at Western University in the John Labatt Visual Arts Centrebetween March 23 and April 10.

Furnham has sketched quite a few people on the bus,but her favourite comic strip is her latest one.

"It included myself, just to put myself out there."