I draw largely on memory, imagination and intuition to freely express my subjects. Places I’ve visited, remembered or imagined, all find their way onto the canvas...
Painting is my passion. I am a Canadian west coast artist specializing in expressionist interpretations of the Canadian west coast landscape using acrylics on canvas. With every brushstroke, I long to capture a unique and uninhibited interpretation of nature, one filled with colour, wonder and enchantment. Whether sketching outdoors or working in my studio, memory and imagination are my most important tools. Part of realism, part abstract, my style is free of artistic constraints to allow an authentic expression to emerge on my canvas.
My art business has been designated as a "Trusted Art Seller" with The Art Storefronts Organization, which means you can shop with confidence, and know that I stand behind the quality and value of my products.
Growing up on the west coast offers inspiration at every corner. From the Vancouver mountains to the wild shores of the BC coastline, I long to capture this beautiful land on my canvas. I am moved by the shapes and colours found in nature. and the rhythm and energy the flows through the natural world. I am moved by the ever-present joy and hope and meditative quality that our natural world offers. There is a touch of enchantment in every painting -- a reflection of a perfect moment found outside -- and what's possible within.
I give myself total freedom to capture the landscape. Places I’ve visited, remembered or even just imagined find their way onto the canvas. While my subjects are grounded in reality, I move beyond realism to capture a whimsical and joyful interpretation of the land. Playful flowing lines, unexpected shapes, and dreamy movement strike a pleasing balance between reality and abstraction. Discrete shapes and crisp lines create tight compositions and strong forms give way to lively, ordered chaos, creating harmony and balance.
My paintings are a harmonious balance between energy and movement, and stillness and quiet. Trees and mountains can appear totemic and solemn or twisting and spiraling towards the sky. Approaching the landscape with an open Imagination and sense of wonder are essential. Artists who have influenced me in this regard include Canadian artists Lawren Harris, Emily Carr and A.J. Casson. The Cubist exploration of multiple perspective, geometric shape and light also provide ongoing exploration.
01.
Everything begins in my sketchbook. I love sketching with graphite, pencil or black ink to capture my subjects in my own imaginative way. The sketching process is the most important starting point because I can interpret my subjects freely, in my own way. Rather than capturing each shape before me realistically, I let my imagination and emotion take over to express the subject.
02.
I move from sketchbook to canvas. I do this by creating a grid over my sketch and lightly sketching the image onto the canvas. Colour is something that comes to me intuitively, and the colour wheel is a handy reference. Each artist has their own unique colour mixing sensibilities. Over the years, I have learned what combinations appeal to me, and how to use complementary or analogous colours effectively.
03.
It's always interesting to compare my sketch to the final painting to see how closely I followed along. My sketches are quite precise! This photo shows a cross section of the drawing and painting side by side. To see some more sketches and process shots, please select Art Studio from the top tab to view my albums.
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