The Painting Journey- My painting journey has been short compared to how old I am! My working life has been in the social service and education sectors. I've been painting less than15 years but I think there is something to be said about following a new path later in life. You appreciate it more. You don't take it for granted. The experience is deeper and richer as a result of your life experience. Mostly, I am very grateful to have lived long enough and worked hard enough to be able to paint full time in my forest cabin studio. 

                                             "Painting is a means of self-enlightenment." -John Olsen

My Philosophy of Art: Art is subjective. What is appealing or relevant is a social construct. In other words, over time, the art we respect (or dismiss) can change and be influenced by that time in history and the the values and beliefs of the society in which the art exists. And of course there is the perspective of the artist and the audience. Artist viewpoint, combined with their actual artistic ability (subjective) and level of innovation, originality, perhaps boldness, sometimes correlates with the degree to which we respect the artist and their creations. 

An individual looks at a painting and their emotion, psychology, intellect and spirit all determine their reaction to it. That's a mighty complex formula to determine worth and value of a piece of art. I believe the art you have close to you should be something that inspires you and that you love. And if there is anything "subjective" in this world, it is LOVE!

These three paintings sold based on the buyers' emotional response to them!

My Dream of the Lake 36x48"

Trees in Blue- 48x48"

Last Spring 48x60"

My Art: I started painting because I wanted big pieces of art for my own home and couldn't afford to buy originals. This is how I started out in an abstract/expressionist style. Large, colourful paintings to hang on my walls is what I was after. I used colours that inspired me and lifted my spirits. Next I moved into impressionist/expressionist florals and painting the fields and skies of my childhood in my little northern Ontario hometown of Cochrane. Then we lived in France and Ireland 2017-2018 and my paintings shifted from the inside of a field, to open, expansive impressionist/abstract landscapes of sky, hills and water. Now I find myself incorporating all those painting styles (see definitions below) into every painting along with using texturing mediums and other "secret" techniques I've developed over the years. My favourites actually make me believe I'm outside and I can feel the wind and smell earth and water. They make me breathe easier and sooth me. 

Definitions-Two paintings with similar "vibes" done in two different (but sometimes overlapping) styles......

This is a loose, splashy, splattery, wet and watery way of painting. Things happen that you don't expect!

Abstract Expressionism-Large scale paintings that break away from traditional processes. Artists might drip, splat and spray paint while using unconventional techniques and tools. See the work of artists Krasner, Pollock & Rothko.

This is a more controlled, tighter way of painting, requiring some consideration for form, light and shadows.

Impressionism-Artists seek to capture light not through detail of realism but rather through the effects of colour and atmosphere.It is the artist's "impression" of what they are seeing. See the work of artists Monet, Cassatt &  Degas.