Julia by the Sea

June 15, 2001. Just finished a commissioned work for my friend Emily. This is her daughter Julia, running by the ocean in Nova Scotia, Canada. This painting evokes such a strong emotion of the feeling of freedom I get every time I arrive at an oceanside beach. The juxtaposition of the little girl running unhindered in front of the vastness of the ocean represents one of the key conditions of childhood: I see it as a metaphor for the endless possibilities before a child - with the entire panorama of the earth's horizon open ahead to explore.

- Acrylic on Canvas 20"x30"

Daughter Sister Mother Wife: #2 - Sister

"Little Girl in a Red Skirt" - This is a painting I created by referencing a tiny old black and white family photograph that I inherited after my mom passed away. I think it's one of my sisters. It looks more like Nancy to me. In any case there is something sort of menacing about the approach of this little girl with no one else in sight, like a mini monster from a possessed doll movie. I think it works as a painting because of the composition and perspective, and my attempted portrayal of the bright mid-day sunshine. I was inspired to try this style of painting after coming across the paintings of the awesome Toronto contemporary realist painter Karen Visser: http://www.karenv.ca

18"x24" Acrylic on Canvas

Ice Cream Buddies

“Ice Cream Buddies” portrays the simple pleasure of kids enjoying an ice cream cone on a warm summer night. It attempts to show that, for a five year old and a two year old, life doesn’t get too much better, even if you do have chocolate ice cream on your nose.
Oil on Canvas 24"x18".

Greta on the Hill

My painting of this dynamic image. Three cousins enjoying the splendor of running up and down a grassy hill. Acrylic on canvas, 24"x36" - click to enlarge

On a Swing

The thrill of a swing ride for a 3 year old.
Oil Painting 20 x 32 inches - click to enlarge

Daughter Sister Mother Wife: #1 - Daughter

"Cowgirl in a cape". This painting attempts to capture the innocent beauty of my daughter as a 4 year old, munching cheerios in her cowboy hat and yellow super hero cape. Acrylic Painting 16 x 16 inches - click to enlarge