Many people are fascinated with the horses of Sable Island, off the coast of Nova Scotia. I am fortunate to have friends who have worked on Sable, and who have shared their photos with me to use as resource material for my Sable Island Series. I try to capture the sense of place, the environment , the weather, and what I imagine might be their character.

While traveling in Iceland, we encountered the unique Iceland Ponies. I was able to get a few photos, from which I painted this series of these wonderful animals in their wild environment.

Birds are a common sight on the beaches or rugged shoreline of the Maritimes.

Visiting Cape St Marys, in Newfoundland, we were lucky to be there on a clear day, and get some good photos of the Gannets, which inspired me to paint them in the natural environment; in colonies on precarious cliffs and exhibiting all sorts of fascinating behaviours.

Since then, I have painted Gulls and the endangered Piping Plovers of Nova Scotia. The Loons and Herons hold fond memories of being at the cottage.

Whatever the bird, I try to capture something of its nature and character.

One day while walking on a beach along the South Shore, I happened on a Border Collie running up and down the beach at the edge of the water; all four feet off the ground between strides. His energy and reckless abandon were so appealing, I thought I must try to capture the moment, and I did a series of paintings from that day.

Since then, I have done several pet portraits of specific dogs and cats.
I enjoy the challenge of not only getting a physical likeness, but the personality as well.

Boats are fun and interesting to paint. They each have a story.
They are a challenge though, as there are many knowledgeable mariners who can spot any inaccuracies.

Painting the water and reflections is just as much fun

Starting with an interesting, evocative photo is key to a successful painting.
In 2004, I had such a photo of our two year old grandson, and, not sure if I could do it, thought I would give it try. I soon felt the excitement of seeing the likeness come to life on the blank canvas, and have enjoyed the challenge of painting people ever since.

I endeavour to portray the subject in a particular moment in time.
l like painting the person from the back, asI feel it draws the viewer into the scene. Front and side views allow the viewer to make a connection through the eyes, and facial expressions. The challenge is getting a good likeness, but also capturing the essence of the true personality. when it all works, it is very satisfying.

Living in Nova Scotia, the ocean is never far away, and its many moods are an inspiration to me. I love to paint water, whether it is wild and stormy, deep or shallow, calm reflections of boats and Seaside scenes.

I enjoy painting Landscapes: trying to capture the feeling of a place and expanse through colour, light, and composition.

In the early Eighties, I worked in Newfoundland for two years. In 2003, I wanted to introduce John to the special place loved. Since then, we have been back many times, traveled down many roads and created countless memories. In 2014, we travelled in our Westfalia, and in 2016, spent a month in a small house in Tilting on Fogo Island.
The wild, rugged land and seascape never ceases to inspire me, and has been the source for many paintings.