Statement
I take hundreds of photographs as part of my painting practice, mainly of the landscapes and skies of Alberta. They provide the inspiration and image reference for my paintings which are rendered in oil on canvas or panels. Images like those in the New Land series and in Sundog are impressionist in style but the subjects they depict are of the 21st century.
Many of my paintings present images of extreme atmospheric events that at times can verge on the surreal. Others are more expressionistic as land forms and sky become colour field paintings beckoning the viewer into a more contemplative space. The surface of the paintings I have submitted are highly textured, combining impasto slashes of brush and palette knife with more subtle effects of scumbling, glazing and burnishing. The use of bold colour and light serves to reinforce the mood and atmosphere of the images.
I create my paintings as an expression of my love of the land and my fascination with the ever changing forms of land, water and atmosphere. Although there are many contemporary landscape painters working today in an abundance of styles and materials including photography and digital media, the unique qualities of traditional painting continue to intrigue and attract artists and viewers alike. My quest is to create paintings that are competent, unique and reflective of our times