Painting a realist’s interpretation of the world has been a vital aspect of my creative expression for more than forty years. For the greater portion of that time my preferred medium has been watercolour on paper, but today most of my work is the result of an invigorating exploration in the medium of oils and alkyds on canvas and, sometimes, on paper prepared with gesso. My work now often includes non-representational abstraction but within the realm of realist interpretations.

My paintings reflect the belief that we live in a spirit-filled world, a world that must be explored below the surface to be fully appreciated. Watercolours, gouache, and oils, as well as the occasional foray into pencil, pen and ink, and block printing, allow me to detail the astounding beauty of the simple, everyday things that surround me.

I frequently employ digital camera photography to explore and develop my oil compositions. Once my subject and its composition have been developed, I put aside the photographic images and work from life or from my sketches and own notes. I paint at a quick pace and often complete the bulk of the composition in one or two sessions. The goal of this first stage is to capture an essence of the composition I have designed. Alterations are often made after a painting has “rested” for several days. During this resting period I often explore the painting in detail through a reverse mirror image. The resting stage of a painting is, for me, an important part of the creative process, and the resulting alterations often yield dramatic results.

I find painting to be an introspective exercise, and so it is a privilege and an honor when someone purchases or receives one of my works. I am delighted when someone asks me to explain the ideas behind a painting and I am thoroughly gratified when a common understanding is found.