This painting was created sometime last year in 2020, during the first pandemic lock-down due to the COVID-19 virus. So the piece and what I was feeling during its creation was affected by the experience at that time. The scene is based on my memory of previous visits to the park over the years, sketches and photographs. As I look back on this painting, I wonder how I will view this and my other works created during this time 10, or maybe 20 years later.

Like many others, I feel, that everything created during the pandemic, will be more reflective, perhaps taking on an intimate, emotional, or societal view as we continue to experience the pandemic’s affects.

In my work, I try to find inspiration in my immediate surroundings – in Nature, or family, or friends. I’m interested in communicating a sense of place, a time of day, or a feeling such as the warmth of a sunset. Establishing a connection with the viewer. And this painting is no different in that aspect.

This painting is part of a larger series, depicting various scenes of Marie Curtis Park, which is located in Toronto (Canada).  Marie Curtis Park is nestled in the city’s west-end, on Lake Ontario. The park has an abundance of small wildlife and native plants. It has a beach, it’s also connected to bike and walking trails and I find it’s a nice spot for viewing migratory birds.

To see the other paintings in this series take a look at The View From here.

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Happy New Year!  2021 and 2022 has been quite a ride as due to the pandemic, COVID variants and recurring lockdowns. Many are feeling the strain, there is general unrest and the cracks in our society are more apparent than ever. One can only hope, that we’ll come out on the other side stronger, wiser and united on a positive front.

I’ve started a new series of paintings titled: The View From Here. This body of work depicts various scenes from inside Marie Curtis Park (Toronto, Canada). The works for me are considered mindful meditations, a series of personal moments where I felt connected to Nature.

You can view the  paintings here.
Also take a look at my preliminary studies on paper in the: From the sketchbook series.

New paintings will be added to this series throughout the year. Also, I have few ideas in the works for my art practice, so be sure to check back for updates.

Until then, be well, please take care of yourself and your loved ones. Just know the world is a brighter place with you in it.

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There’s a place in Toronto that I love to visit. It’s home to various local wildlife and is a waypoint for migratory birds. The trees are densely packed and the light that bounces off their leaves casts a kaleidoscope of shadows on the forest floor. As I look north, south, east and west, it is here that I feel grounded, deep in thought and entranced by the sunlight.

The View From Here (June 2020 – ) is a growing series of paintings which depicts the surrounding scenes viewed from some of my favourite spots inside Marie Curtis Park.

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The Light at the Edge of the Forest – Sep 2020

I’ve posted my video documenting my painting session of the work titled, The Light at the Edge of the Forest. Watch the video on my blog.

This work is part of the Wild Imperfections series.

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The Light at the Edge of the Forest was painted on a primed birch panel that is 18” x 24” (46 cm x 61 cm). I’ve painted a similar forest scene a few years ago and I wanted to revisit the subject, to see how far I can push the lights and shadows – to create a sense of mood or drama.  I didn’t want to repaint the scene exactly so I’ve made a few changes to the composition along the way.

The trees, cast shadows and light were what inspired me to create The Light at the Edge of the Forest.

There’s a ravine that I love to frequent close by my home that’s just teeming with life. The trees are densely packed together and is home to life, several species of birds, deer, foxes, coyotes and other small animals. Not to mention the varying species of trees and naturally growing herbs.  In this place I feel grounded. Here I’m deep in thought and I’m entranced by the light that bounces off the leaves casting a kaleidoscope of shadows on the forest floor. And then as I get close to the edge of the forest, I emerge refreshed and inspired to continue creating works that will move and  inspire others.

This work is part of the Wild Imperfections series.

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Thanks to everyone who showed their support for Women’s Art Project (WAP), art exhibition Wild Imperfections at S. Walter Stewart Public Library. Works from the exhibition are now posted to the Paintings gallery. Here are some photos of the show just after set-up.

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From the Sketchbook (July 2019 – ) features preliminary drawing and painting studies on paper.  One thing I believe is there is always something new to learn and the sketch book is where everything begins – ideas for future paintings, new techniques, inner thoughts and ramblings. For me being a fine artist is a vocation in life, one where you are continuously learning – about life, yourself and how you visualize the world.

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The Song Never Ends (January 2008 – March 2010) is a compilation of  atmospheric spaces, which I like to revisit every now and then.  This is where I like to play with washes of colour.   Nature is my muse and through my work, I communicate my love for her.  The arrangement of organic structures, heightened colours and artificial skies meld together, rejuvenating life for a new existence. Once transformed, these spaces become timeless monuments, and any historical reference they might have had is just a passing memory. The softness and subtleties of colours in contrast to the harshness of dark lines of various thicknesses are techniques inspired from my drawing practice.

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