Always exciting (and a relief!) to get some new art wrapped up and ready to share. Below are 5 new pieces I'm looking forward to showing around, each is totally unique.  The next batch is already underway and will be more diversified than ever, I promise!

Georgian Bay is an artists' dream, and the fall is a time it really comes alive with drama and colour!  The vibrant hues of the courageous little red oak, constantly pushed around by the west wind, as well as the rich sumac lying in the underbrush, challenged my painting abilities as well as the paints I use to create them. Truly one of those 'take you there' pieces!

First automotive themed painting for me in a while, this early 50's Buick Special is oozing style and cool!  While working on this piece, I imagined what it would be like to drive a set of wheels like this, how different from the sanitized, competent yet soulless offerings that fill the roadways these days.  A real work of Art!

On a Sunday morning hike I found myself following a little creek that wound through the countryside not far from home.  Being late spring, the water was flowing and the new green grass was vibrant and contrasted last years so nicely.  As I worked on the piece, I reflected on the news from a friend that a black bear had been around locally and I decided to include one here, seem quite appropriate.  I'm quite happy with the way the composition leads you gradually to the bear, and its discovery feels reminiscent to spotting one in real life, keep those eyes open people!

With so much of the Great Lakes shoreline tamed and occupied, it was a real treat  to experience the raw beauty of an unmolested beach like this one, Mystic Beach.  Between the bone chilling water, and the thick black mass of bush, lay the jewel like blanket of clean luxurious sand, free of human foot prints and discarded coffee cups, I only hope my painting shares some of this natural wonder! 

I like my paintings to trigger a memory of something I have experienced before, and this painting reminds me of countless paddles in the Ontario wilderness studying the edges of waterways and the forests that line them.  I'm especially drawn to a scene that includes the vibrant real colours found in nature, but also the extremely limited palette that often accompanies them!

As a professional painter, I have developed a reputation as an artist who doesn't repeat himself.  Building on my training as an Illustrator, capable of creating artwork featuring a vast range of subjects and scenes, I am constantly challenging myself with something new and different for my next painting.
In spite of this, there have been a few themes that have surfaced in my body of work.  One of those would be the Red bike, which has been featured in a number of paintings, as seen below.  The bike was found at one of the unique and picturesque homes located in Eden Mills, a lovely village that was my home before moving up to The Blue Mountains.  For some reason, its mix of age, style and patina seemed to fit in a number of my paintings.  There certainly are other cool bikes out there and maybe one day I will paint one of those, but for now this vintage red lady's bike has served me well as an artistic muse!

Here is a short note sent to me regarding on of my new paintings at the Kilby Gallery.  It's a treat to hear how another reads and reacts to something I made, very gratifying!
thanks Gary!

Hello Don,
 
I had to reach out to comment on After the Fire.  The painting really speaks to me!  The foreboding sky in the distance that is so ominous. However the sunlight around the fire pit creates a warmth that feels fleeting.  I am cold and warm at the same time as I stare at it. I find myself worrying about the approaching night fall and being stuck outside yet knowing I can retreat to a cabin. Not sure if you have to be one with Georgian Bay to feel this but I certainly do.  I love it. 
Regards;
 
Gary