My motivation is deeply personal: to translate the peace, vastness, and restorative power of the wild into a visual experience. We live in a world that's so loud and complicated, and my art is my way of pushing back against it—a gentle reminder of the simple beauty and deep calm that exists outside of our busy lives. I want my paintings to capture the sense of wonder and calm that has been ingrained in me since childhood. My nature-loving parents taught me to observe and appreciate its infinite details. Today, whether I’m sitting on a fallen log or in a cedar canoe, my father’s voice still echoes in my mind, pointing out a glimpse of wildlife or the unique character of a landscape. Through rich colors, varied textures, and unique compositions, I strive to re-create these immersive experiences in my art and share them with you.
For decades, my day job was all about the details—technical illustration and architectural rendering, where precision was everything. But my heart has always been out in the wild, exploring Ontario's untamed landscapes. That's where my art truly comes to life. I paint with oils on stretched canvas, which allows me to use the rich pigments to capture the subtle and ever-changing light of the natural world. I choose compositions that are often intimate and detailed, with care taken to create layered depth and visual space to take a deep breath. Water is often present in my paintings, as it is in much of Ontario's north. Whether mirror-still, transparent, or crashing in waves, water's infinite personalities challenge and inspire me.
My journey begins long before the brush touches the canvas, starting with exploration: paddling remote waterways, cycling forgotten trails, or simply walking with an open mind to absorb the atmosphere and light. My camera is often with me, not just to document, but to capture the specific quality of light or the subtle interplay of elements that first drew me in. Back in the studio, I begin with a loose, gestural wash on a richly painted red canvas. I then build thin layers of color to create the softer tones and atmosphere, often with underlying warmth. Finally, progressively heavier applications of complementary color bring the painting to life, adding depth and detail. While my disciplined technical background informs the composition and execution, it's the emotional connection to the subject—the quiet, peaceful, and grand essence of these places—that truly guides my hand. The canvas then becomes a window into nature's profound tranquility and my own soul.