I am a visual artist with a proclivity for oils and watercolours. I also love experimenting in acrylics, acrylic and alcohol inks, and pastels. My subject matter is eclectic – from landscapes to portraits to still life, and I even venture into abstract at times. I very much enjoy painting animals, particularly dogs, another passion of mine. While I’m thrilled if people like my work, I paint for my own enjoyment and edification; consequently, I no longer accept commission work.

I am particularly interested in the interplay of light and shadow. I am fascinated by the effects of optical mixing and the impact of juxtaposing complementary colours. My methodology involves scoping out a good composition through preliminary drawings, paying attention to the desired focal point and eliminating any details that do not contribute to what I want to convey. I then sketch the scene onto a canvas or board and, when painting in oil, often do a grisaille underpainting in acrylic to establish tonal values. In the final stage, I attempt to “paint it and leave it”.

Throughout my life I have engaged in other art forms such as music, drama and literature. As a Director of Arts Quinte West, I enjoy supporting and promoting all genres of art within our community.

The words of Henry van Dyke resonate with me: “The woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.”