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.  

Here is a couple examples of recent sales and where they landed in their new owners' homes.  It is always a rewarding sight to see how my artwork is incorporated into someone's home.  Each was custom framed by me and that helps tie the paintings to their new homes.  
​These 2 smaller pieces both have a big impact on the area that they are displayed in and prove that even work less grand in stature can still help set off a room!
Watch for more 'smalls' coming!

Here are a few pieces that have found homes over the last while.  Different sizes fit seamlessly into different spaces, each bringing a little magic to already lovely homes.  Nice to see the old barn rural theme that I love to paint is still appealing to people.

24"x47"                                                                                                                                     3300$
An hours drive to the west brings one to the endless sand lined shore of Lake Huron.  Celebrated for its pretty towns and inviting beaches, there is another side to this place when Mother Nature shakes things up.  Tremendous winds, turbulent skies, and crashing waves are also a hallmark at times. To the far right, the Southampton Lighthouse dutifully stands watch in this painting.

60"x52"                                                                                                                                    6200$
Inspiration to countless artists, including the Group of Seven, the contrasting ancient geological formations found in Killarney Provincial Park set along the north west shores of Georgian Bay, has been featured in many of my best paintings.  George Lake is a well travelled departure point for canoe campers tripping into the interior of this hallowed place.  I based this large piece on a late fall visit where the rich fall colours pop against the evergreens, adding even more colour and brilliance to this one of a kind scene!  

                                                                                                                                                  3950$
There remain pockets in the local countryside that appear almost exactly as they did a century ago, with small farms dotting the hilly landscape, terminating where the Niagara Peninsula meets the waters of Georgian Bay.  In the background here the peninsula is referred to as 'Irish mountain' in recognition of the hardworking people who first settled that region.  When snow blankets the land and fills the air, there is a special quality that calls powerfully to my artistic self.

27"x35"                                                                                                                                     2900$
In the previous piece 'Snow on the 7th Line', one of the farms' laneways became the inspiration for this painting, 'Mail Run'.  With my paintings, I celebrate the old fences, mailboxes and bank barns that still survive in this region, and hope they endure and remain fixtures for years to come. Newer is not always better, as least from the eyes of an artist! 

13"x37"                                                                                                                                       1350$
A boat ride along the eastern shoreline of Georgian Bay never disappoints artists looking for some inspiration!  This narrow strip of dark grey Canadian Shield rock protruding from the blue waters was topped of by a brilliant frosting of rust colouring.  This was spotted late in the fall season, when the place is abandoned by the cottagers and boaters, and awaits the coming winter.

  28" x 62"                                                                                                                              4400$
Much of my outdoor time is spend along the shores of the Beaver River, being that my home and gallery lie nearby.  It offers serene, picturesque views as it passes by towards nearby Georgian Bay.  I love to explore and visit it in all 4 seasons, but my favourite might be when winter settles in.  The limited palette seems to enhance the beauty and creates powerful compositions of value, shape and texture to explore with paint.  When a soft snowfall, such as depicted here occurs, the quiet and peacefulness are almost otherworldly!

   12" x 18"                                                                                                                                   sold
I never pass an old bank barn without at least a quick glance, and I am blessed to live in an area where there are plenty dotted along the backroads, my natural terrain.  
Winter is a time for most to be indoors, waiting for the next season to return outside.  Meanwhile the rich, quiet scenes marked by falling snow such as this one fire my artistic intentions!

  14" x 18"                                                                                                                                  625$
The knothole cottage, located just past Kilbear Provincial Park, has been the setting for many of my Georgian Bay paintings. I'm always tickled to return to the familiar ground, and am amazed as to how much the time of day and year, as well as water levels etc. can reimagine this wondrous place.  Here is a smaller study, channeling a bit of Group of Seven in the approach.

  40" x 46"                                                                                                                              3600$
I have been fortunate over my life to have had family and friends that were sailors who agreed to take me onboard, despite my very inability to tie a proper knot!
The sensation of the craft heeling over and being pushed along by the wind is one I will never tire of.  It also triggers my deep appreciation for the grand vessels of yesteryear, imagining all the adventures encountered during their time on the water.  The classic schooner is hard to beat for grace and poise, and in this painting, I have attempted to capture some of the magic felt in the presence of such magnificent vessels! 

  12" x 15"                                                                                                                                  575$
I can still recall my childhood bedroom from long ago and the numerous posters and images I decorated the wall with.  A pic of a chipmunk, and one of a fox were among my favourites. While I appreciate all forms I wildlife I share my surroundings with, I have always held a special affinity for these creatures, going back to my earliest memories.  Watching a fox go about his/her business, as depicted here, is never time wasted!

49"x29"
A horse portrait is still a portrait, meaning getting the qualities that make this horse unique and different from his stablemates is the true challenge.  Along with meeting that objective I strove to create a powerful and compelling composition. Using all black in the negative space both simplifies and strengthens the design of the canvas.  Of course it all helps when the model is such a good looking boy! 

35"x73"
I seem to be drawn to continually challenging myself as a painter, and this new large landscape continues with that tradition.  Working from an excellent reference image shot by a talented friend via drone, this piece depicts a picturesque location along the French River as the sun disappears into the west.  A really special sunset can paint the scenery with an almost unworldly palette of rich and vibrant colours, as Ive attempted to capture in this painting.  much thanks to my friend Blair Locke, excellent photographer, for the amazing drone shot I worked from!  

29"x61"
While I enjoy and draw inspiration from all fours seasons as they arrive, I must admit that Autumn is possibly the one I look most forward to.  Besides offering the most pleasant weather in my mind, there is also the stunning fall colours that reimagine every scene and vistas.  Here in the heart of the Beaver Valley we are blessed with many tree species and their unique colourings, but the sugar maple is surely one of the most striking.  Often found in fencerows like this painting, these examples have stood for many decades, likely dating back before the old shed and weathervane that stand next to them were erected.

  49"x58"                                                                                                                                   5100$
A large piece inspired by a canoeing trip just off the Killarney Park shoreline.  Because of the very challenging (scary!) paddling conditions, our crew decided to land on the first island we could get to.  Our sanctuary, a piece of the Canadian Shield only a few acres in size with only a few spindly pines for shelter, stood out against the deep cold waters of Georgian Bay.  I was fascinated by the jagged, undulating shoreline, and how its pinkish earth tones lived next to the blue blue water. The rugged beauty of this region holds endless fascination for the artist in me and always calls me back for more! 

Like most folks, I enjoy a drive through the countryside and in fact that is where many of the ideas and scenes that I paint are found.  For this composition  I wanted to get across the spaciousness of the land as well as the peacefulness of the place.  In an increasingly hectic world, this painting offers an oasis of calm, quiet, and fresh air; enjoy!

  45"x63"                                                                                                                                 4850$
​Sourced from one of my most favoured places, this large painting showcases the late day splendour of the Parry Sound region, set against the clear blue waters of Georgian Bay.  Canadian Shield rock, smoothened over the ages, is always inviting to wander over, where somehow, underbrush and tall pines have managed to find a foothold to stand on.  I wanted to create a painting that the viewer could take that walk as well, even if only in their mind! 

I have travelled many a road and path, and a two wheeled track like this one is always an invitation to see what's ahead.  this painting was executed in a softer, more impressionistic style which I think adds to the mystery and whimsy of what is ahead!