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. From dramatic lighting in landscapes to the delicate
balance of subtlety in portraiture, I strive to master the elements
of colour.
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.
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.
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 sophisticated manipulation of colour/tone evolve.
Subject matter for me is a compilation from figurative studies,
to outdoor still life, anything with dramatic lighting.
I've attempted to comprehend and master the genius strokes of
artists like John Singer Sargent, Claude Monet and Gerharhdt
Richter. Not an easy task.
Education; Fine Arts degree:
The Ontario College of Art and Design, Toronto, Canada, 1991
