Born
at Toronto General Hospital, and lived in the east end of Toronto
(Beaches) area of the city until 2004. Now residing in the beautiful
city of Hamilton Ontario.
A late bloomer, I graduated from the Ontario College of Art in 1991,
continuing to paint in oils, my favourite, in a traditional style
that seems to maintain its popularity. But I have been painting since
the age of 14 when my parents bought my first set of oil paints.
Commercial art has been the mainstay of my professional life, since
the late sixties, computer assisted design/publishing, most recently.
Prolific in most mediums like watercolour, acrylic, pastel, oils,
conté or charcoal, etc., I have worked with most things that
can mark a surface.
I enjoy producing a wide variety of subjects, not wishing to limit
myself to a particular “genre”, any more than is obvious.
Subject matter for me, is a compilation from figurative studies, to
outdoor still life, anything with dramatic lighting. From fascinating
lighting in landscapes, to the subtle of tonality in portraiture,
I strive to master the elements of colour, light and form.
Creating
atmosphere in a painting is paramount. This is the measure of success
for most painters. I have miles to go yet, of course. The texture
and depth achieved with oil paints has given me the ability to convey
what I like best in painting. The use of watercolour and acrylic medium
in my early efforts, helped me to understand the manipulation of colour
and tone.
Works are held in many collections, both private and institutional.
Even Joanna Cassidy, actor in Hollywood California has bought and
admired one of my (cloud) pieces. I’ve collected a few awards
over the years and honoured at being elected President of the Don
Valley Art Club in 1979.
I've attempted to comprehend and master the genius strokes of artists
like John Singer Sargent, Claude Monet and William
Bouguereau. Not an easy task.
Also a teacher of art, I like to “give good demo” to my
students, believing that is the best way to inspire developing painters.
When a student watches the teacher demonstrate his subject well, “Proof
in the Putting”, as I like to say, there is little doubt of
the quality of art education that is provided. Teaching painting and
drawing to adults, at Sheridan College, Brampton and Midland Collegiate,
in Scarborough was a great experience for me.
Education; Fine Arts degree:
The Ontario College of Art
and Design, Toronto, Canada, 1991
