Just up there road from my home there is this twisting little creek that runs alongside some elderly apple trees.  When blanketed in a deep covering of snow, the scene is boiled down to the barest of elements, making for this intriguing composition of the local countryside.

Every fall the Beaver River Valley becomes a favourite destination for those wishing to witness the spectacular colours of autumn. I realized this year that after the hardwoods had dropped their brilliant leaves of reds and oranges, what remained; a subtle, muted palette of colours, was equally compelling.  This collection of trees, situated in my own backyard, ran along the property line between us and the neighbours, being about as local a painting as can be. 
I added the soaring bird above, a common sight, pointing towards the edge of the frame to heighten the sense of imminent 'departure'!

   Underwater                                               12" x 12"                                                             575$
Along the shores of Lake Huron, where ancient limestone rock meets clear, cold water, there lies a virtually endless supply of intriguing shapes and textures to capture. At first glance of this piece, the viewer may not know immediately what they are looking at, which shifts the focus to the compositional design, always fun for this artist.  

  Halfway Log Dump                                46" x 34"                                                  4900$                            
​One of the greatest features of Georgian Bay, just up the street from the Kilby Gallery, is its unrivalled ability to present many differing views of itself and the varied shoreline it rests against. Among the most spectacular has to be along the western coast, as it lies alongside the Bruce Peninsula.  The rugged shore, with its almost surreal colours and complexity of water, tree and rock, can be most challenging for the artist, but very rewarding when executed with faithfulness to the natural beauty of the place.

   Up the Bay                                               20" x 25"                                                        1275$
The eastern shore of Georgian Bay is marked by thousands of islands where the pinkish hued granite of the Canadian Shield meets the waters of blue.  The softly curved rock and twisted pine trees are a result of the strong prevailing winds blowing in from the west. Another by product of these winds is the air, typically fresh and clear, resulting in vivid striking colours as depicted here.

   South River Rapids                              36" x 74"                                                            6500$
The South River runs a serpentine course along its way to mighty Lake Nippissing. Along that journey lie many compelling features, such as these wide, churning rapids. The lively movement of the water falling over the rapids is always a challenge to capture with paint and brushes, and contrasts nicely against the serenity and calmness of the surrounding scenery.   

   Slabtown Serenity                                   25" x 14"                                                            925$
The tiny hamlet of Slabtown lies alongside the Beaver River, a most picturesque waterway that concludes at the southern shore of Georgian Bay. Every season presents the river in a different light, and I have painted it many times over my years working in this region. In springtime, there is a stunning vibrancy and newness to the colours that may only be displayed for a week or two, depending on the year.      

   Western Shore                                       20" x 14"                                                             725$
The intention for this piece was to lean into the 'impressionistic' side of things, meaning; softer edges, tweaked colours, chunkier brush strokes and less defined details.  The composition (shapes of features and their arrangement on the page) would have to be the main focus here, as well as the obvious sense of depth that this unique shoreline offers.

  34" x 38"                                                                                                                           3600$
There is always something intriguing and stoic about the last dwelling on the edge of big body of water.  On it's east side, this small island faces a quiet harbour with cozy cottages on friendly isles, while the other faces the open water of Lake Nippising.  At times the scene is calm and serene, like in this painting, while at others it can be breathtakingly wild with storms charging in from the west.  In other words, never a dull day and a true artist's delight!
This piece has a special handcrafted frame made from aged Butternut wood, visited over the years by tiny wood worms who have created a maze of caves and tunnels, resulting in this beautiful and unique texture.

  28" x 60"                                                                                                                          4600$
Since I can remember the rural countryside, with its harmonious mixture of farms and dwellings set amongst the natural beauty the land, has always called to me.  After studying art, and subsequent stint of big city life, I was drawn away to the kind of places where a tractor passing by on the road is not that remarkable of a thing.  Before long in this environment my focus shifted from Illustration toward painting the land I lived in and loved.
Years later I continue to size up every scene before me as a possible painting.  This particular locale presented itself to me one typical fall day while waiting for my truck to get its' annual undercoating applied. 
​The frame is handmade from reclaimed barnyard and custom coloured to match the painting.

assorted smaller works for the collection

Drawing on my art education and subsequent years involved in the field of commercial art, I became quite comfortable working in collaboration with clients to achieve a satisfying result.
Now as a fine artist I often take on commissions, working with a client to create a unique piece of art, which can be sized to fit in a particular space or, or design estechtic.
This new piece celebrates 'Kash, a beautiful horse and prized possession of the owners, who now have him in their home as well as at the stables.
Who knows what kind of painting the next commission may bring my way! 

   Thornbury Blue.                                                                                                                    sold
Jutting out into the cool waters' of Georgian Bay, the pier at Thornbury's beach affords an inviting view of the southern shoreline.  To the west, glorious sunsets often end the day and for a brief moment, the vibrancy of the colours can appear almost electrified!  A light chop on the water was catching the rich colours of the picturesque sky.

   Into Franklin Isle                                                                                          38" x 50".  4600$
Only a short boat ride from Parry Sound along the rugged eastern shore of Georgian Bay, there lies a wild land that is  an artists' delight.  The rock of the Canadian Shield, marked by windswept  pines and rugged undergrowth, slips into the deep, clear waters of the Bay. This painting began with a boat ride around Franklin Island, just out from Snug Harbour, on a bright sunny autumn afternoon. 

   Winter's Retreat                                                                                           16" x 20".     895$
After a real winter that included lots of snow, the coming of Spring this year is eagerly anticipated.  The blanket of snow gradually recedes, leaving an endless array of patterns and contrasts.  Before long, this plowed field will be free of its winter blanket and filled with the coming years' crop.

Route de Voyagers                                                                                      58" x 42".     5800$
For anyone who travels north along the eastern shore of Georgian Bay, this site might be familiar.  As the highway crosses the deep gorge of the French River, a look to the west will give a view such as this.  For many years I have told myself this would make a striking painting, and now I have finally realized it!  
While painting, I would let my mind drift back to the voyagers and First Nations of this land, who used this famous water way as a sort of traders highway, travelling by canoe, as we still do today for pleasure.

Bala Visit                                                                                                               19" x 12".    725$
A quick trip up to the Muskokas late in the Autumn season last year, rewarded me with clear blue skies and plenty of rich colours still clinging to the trees.
The town of Bala offers lots of interesting shops to visit and explore, but spending time along the water in this lovely little spot drew me first! 

 58"x32"                                                                                                                                   5200$
​Anyone who ever spent time on the shores of Georgian Bay knows that the weather can dictate a vast divergence of days, from nasty to spectacular!  The day that inspired this piece was definitely of the later kind, one of those times were the clock just can't move slow enough to prolong the pleasure.  I have painted from this location many times, and these pines have appeared in numerous paintings of mine, but I work hard to ensure each piece is unique and unlike anything from before!

  16"x31"                                                                                                                                     1750$
I have multiple routes to get myself and Bdog from home to the gallery, each travelled with a watchful eye for future painting ideas waiting along the way.  An old farmstead that has yet to be sold off and cleaned up by new owners; this site is an artists dream, full of weathered buildings and remnants of a simpler time. In my mind as I study a place like this, I like to imagine back in time when this place was just another of the simple and rugged family farms carving out an existence with hard work and a little luck perhaps.

  44" x 32"                                                                                                                                 SOLD
The famous Bruce trail winds through much of the region near me, and it was from a crossing of this road that I spied the makings of this painting. Down the steep hill the land rolls and folds towards the escarpment outcrop known as Irish Mountain, poking out into the cool waters of Georgian Bay.  The sun sets to the left here, due west, and often rewards with a rich variety of warm late day hues colouring the landscape.  There are a number of paintings from this spot in my archives, each telling a unique story of the day or time of year it was based on.  

  21" x 27"                                                                                                                                 1950$
A trip down to the Art Gallery of Ontario or the McMicheal Center to study the 
wonderful paintings on display from the treasured Group of Seven artists, is a kind of pilgrimage for artists like myself.  Over time, the techniques and approaches utilized by this varied and superbly talented group of painters, has definitely influenced the way I create my own paintings.  To be painting the same scenery and subject manner feels like an honour.  The same creative 'triggers' live in the new work created every year since this celebrated period of art in Canada around a century ago.

For all those gallery visitors that wondered where the one of a kind large painting of the dog/wolf that hung in the Kilby Gallery for a time; here it is.  The owners have been lovingly reimagining their condo near the Blue Mountain village, and this striking painting was just what was needed to bring the room to life.  Turns out, they are the owners of the dog the painting depicts and love both their dog, and his impactful portrait very much!

THe owners of this recently remodelled waterfront home 

Shoreline
​28"x62"                                                                                                                                  4400$

The place where water meets land has always held a powerful appeal to artists, myself included.  The trees and rock that line the waterways are different, affected by centuries of contact with lake, river, sea and wind.  
With this new piece I wanted to capture the distinctive look and feel of the Canadian shield shoreline standing before the dense dark woodland that lies just inward.  My preference is to sight these locations from a slow moving canoe, an unhurried pace that allows extended study and contemplation.
This painting is framed in an elegant satin black frame that suits the rich warm colours of the piece wonderfully! 

Northern Pine
​21"x13"                                                                                                                                        895$

There is little that speaks to the rugged beauty of the Ontario wilderness more than a lone pine tree standing along a rocky shore. With this piece I borrowed some techniques from my favourite Group of Seven Artists in the way I approached and executed the painting.
Finished nicely with a  simple black wooden frame hand made by the artist..   ​

Sail off Peasmarsh
​13"x37"                                                                                                                                     1250$

Minutes from my home, this quiet beach has been a regular stop for dog walks and viewing of the 'Bay for myself and Bdog for years now.  As the water level rises and falls, the presentation of the scene changes remarkably.  Only a couple years ago, all the rocks marking the shoreline as seen here were hidden under the swollen waters.  It might be argued they clutter up the scene, but I kind of enjoy the hint of ruggedness and sheer reality they lend to the present look.
A handmade frame from vintage rough sawn wood sets of the painting perfectly!

West Side
​13"x11"                                                                                                                                       625$

A visit to the western shores of Georgian Bay always rewards with its unique and contrasting visual keys to its rugged landscape.  The limestone cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment, lined with cedar and spruce, jutting out into the vibrant blue green waters is always a magnificent sight.
This small study is finished off beautifully with a handmade vintage wood frame.

 $5800                                                                                                                                    38"x71"                                                          

The eastern coast of Georgian Bay where its cool, clean waters have softened and formed the Canadian Shield shoreline for centuries, is a Mecca to painters.  I have been very fortunate via generous friends to have access to one of its premiere gems, the summer place of the late celebrated Canadian painter, Doris McCarthy.
My annual pilgrimage to this hallowed retreat always begins with a stroll across the familiar contours of the rocky shoreline, where a feeling of unspoken gratitude and inspiration washes over me. 
Each visit results in a few new paintings, always unique but connected to the earlier pieces born from this wondrous place. I'd like to hope they are also linked to the earlier work of Doris and other artists who were likewise inspired by this treasured locale.
This new piece is my attempt to capture on canvas the rich colours and warm light of a perfect 'bay day ending, with the sun descending over in the west.
  

 29"x41"                                                                                                                                    $3400                                                                
For me it doesn't get much better than a late Autumn paddle in a vintage cedar strip canoe on a calm lake in the Ontario hinterland.  I have had a love affair with the canoe all my life and contemplated featuring one in a painting for years, but held out for something a bit different from the obvious.  The framing of this canoe, with spruce trees leaning in from both sides, with the sweeping cove behind, ringed in fall colours, seemed to be the right one!

26"x20"                                                                                                                                     $1750
Just a few steps from my home lies this impressive vista looking towards the western slope of the Beaver valley.  This weathered ancient giant of a tree stands in witness to the magnificent sunsets that unfold before it frequently.  

 $4500                                                                                                                                   34"x60"
Clear blue skies or rich coloured sunsets are obvious and compelling subjects for a landscape painter, but I find myself equally drawn to the 'other' types of days we are often presented with.  When a misty fog envelopes the land, colours are muted, shapes and forms are softened, and a visual sense of quiet and calm dominates the scenery.
As I created this piece, I felt the urge to not disturb what was unfolding on the canvas, in the same way as if I happened upon this scene on a stroll on some misty, moody day.

21"x13"                                                                                                                                         $895
​Artists and their work are forever a reflection of the artistic influences who shaped and informed their own style and technique. It was after a lunch break spent deep in study of a well used Group of Seven book of mine, that I dived into this study of a northern pine along some Georgian Bay outcrop.