Bio, statement
Elk Falls (version 2), Vancouver Island, BC, 27H x 33W inches framed, soft pastels on WC paper
“Ultimately as a traditional artist most comfortable painting or drawing, my approach toward art emphasizes value in the work process, where means to expression are diverse, and despite the outcome, effort is always worthwhile.”
I grew up in Alberta, Canada, raised 2 sons in Ontario, and moved to the U.S. in 2002. We were in Texas until 2011, then moved to Oregon, where recently I’ve been doing large format soft pastels on paper, trying a broad range of subjects representing some of the amazing places I’ve traveled to.
Modifying styles is characteristic of my work, mostly dictated by subject matter and the unique challenges presented by each individual piece as it unfolds. Working intuitively, there is constant concern for negative spaces being as important as the main objects. No matter what the medium, I’ll remove material to create marks, imply structures, backgrounds and spatial movement, using damp cloth and dry brushes on acrylics paintings or watercolors, pottery tool and fingernails with oil pastels, and different sizes of erasers for work in graphite and soft pastels.
Photography is an ongoing interest, where I’m guided by the experiences and observations, influential as inspiration and reference.
Framed works on paper have white wood frames with crackle finish and plexiglass protection. It’s $200 more for the frame than priced with mats only. Due to the rise in costs, shipping is another $200, so when purchasing these pieces, give a thought to ordering with mats only then having them framed yourself. It might be less expensive, and you would be able to choose color, size and style of frame.
The Majesty of Trees is a solo art exhibition with accompanying website sharing photos of every conceivable aspect of trees, taken in different seasons, settings, and countries.
My photography can be viewed here. Also, I created and maintain 3 groups on Flickr, a photography website: One Sweet World, !Phenomenal! , and Green is Green, Who Don’t Like Green?