Moved by Elephants

Elephants are among the world’s most powerful beings, both physically and spiritually. When I encounter them, I am moved profoundly in different ways. These massive beasts are both mystical and awesome … fierce, yet tender. Their muscular trunks are mesmerizing, and the grace with which they can move is truly awesome.

Grace & Power in Equal Measure

Grace in Greatness

The sheer size of elephants is compelling to capture – they are exquisite in their enormity. In many ways, elephants are a contradiction. They can be caring and gentle with a loved one or an ailing member of the herd. That the spirit of such a large being is capable of such emotional depths is immensely touching.

Social Giants

I love that elephants live in community, where their social structure rivals any hierarchy found in our human society. They are social and gregarious – but – they can also be incredibly frightening! Just imagine eight tons of anger charging at you, with surprising speed. I have been charged like this and it was terrifying. They almost seem to double in size when they’re coming directly at you in anger or distress! This is an animal that commands respect…

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Paradox of Landscapes

A landscape provides a wealth of inspiration for me, with its enormity of space and beauty of detail -such a paradox of big vs. small, noisy vs. quiet. Wherever I travel, landscapes capture my imagination and something in my core being. In the process of painting them, I’m at one with nature and live with it as I paint it.

Abstract landscape with rocks and boats.

A Journey in Colour & Spirit

Painting Canada With Doris

In 1996, my good friend Judy Finch invited me to drive across Canada on a painting trip with Doris McCarthy. Doris was one of Canada’s foremost Canadian landscape painters, and she became a dear friend. My friendship with her was an adventure – she was focused, playful and spiritual, with a zest for life and a remarkable ability to connect with people.

Essence of Shape and Colour

Doris was a shape and colour painter. Her approach was to simplify shape and colour to their essence. Observing her painting in the land was hugely inspirational. Like me, she was in awe and inspired by nature and its generosity in giving us heat and light … and life.

A Legacy Lives on

Doris passed away last year at the age of 100, and I miss her very much. Now I travel and paint with Judy Finch, Wendy Wacko and Barbara Sutherland. I’m sure Doris is watching us from somewhere …

See the Entire Collection: Landscapes

Stuck on Pears

Why do I like pears so much? Is it because they remind me of mature women? Like Henry Moore’s sculptures, they portray the shapes of mature women. They are funny, wacky, whimsical and sensual. Just like women.

Seeing Beyond the Stillness

More Than Still Life

Originally, I was going to call this section “Still Life” but then I realized most of the paintings were of pears. These aren’t just fruit – they’re an excellent example of organic shapes with remarkable colours. The combination of form, colour, sweetness and softness is irresistible.

Women Who Inspire

I’ve been surrounded by women who have been guides, teachers, mentors and role models. All these women are of great character – witty, creative, unique and spiritual. With their help, I’ve learned to see beyond the obvious and look at the world from different perspectives. I love the energy and sensibilities of women. It’s just possible that pears, in their individuality, innate playfulness and fine aesthetic, inspire me the same way these women have. I am indeed fortunate.

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The Magic of Children

Children are the very essence of innocence – they’re beautiful and magical. When I’m painting them, I caress their skin with my brush, trying to portray their beauty and innocence as I feel them. There’s nothing more beautiful. Their faces portray an honesty that evokes strong feelings in me.

Portrait painting of a person with dreadlocks.

Painting Children of Soweto

Children of Courage

I remember visiting an organization in Soweto called NOAH, (Nurturing Orphans of Aid for Humanity) The volunteers at the daycare centre took care of children who were the secondary victims of the AIDS pandemic. All their parents had died of AIDS, and some of the children had AIDS as well. The children put on a performance for us that was enchanting, moving and heartbreaking.

Portraits With Soul

In the portraits I painted of these children, I wanted to bring out their personality and feelings. They were happy, sad, pensive and angry. They all had their individual stories, and that’s what I tried to capture.

I love black skin, its lustre and depth. I’m inspired by Giacometti’s and Modigliani’s figures of long-necked women. Both these artists were inspired by Africans and their lore.

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Abstract painting of a colorful flower blossom.

Colour Me Flowers

Is it any surprise that I love flowers? Their gorgeous colours, organic shapes, whimsical and playful nature make them a joy to paint. These are gifts from nature, made beautiful by God – or whoever you believe in! Each one is so different from the others, but there is a natural wonder present in all of them that dazzles and intrigues me.

Into the Heart of the Flower

Inspired by O’Keeffe

Sometimes I love just getting into the centre of a flower and focusing on its details. I am influenced by Georgia O’Keeffe, who was known for her amazing paintings of a single flower. I love her work, with its emphasis on simplicity and strong shapes. Through her skilled depiction, flowers take on a sensual, realistic yet abstract feeling. I try to emulate this approach, in getting to the simple core essence of the flower.

Floral Expressions

To me, a flower is a joyous combination of colour, form and feeling. I could paint them forever, and have added a new twist to my interpretations with encaustic. With the addition of this wax medium, my flowers bloom with texture and strength like never before.

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The Intuition of Oils

As a medium, oil paints are malleable and friendly – they are beautiful colours, fluid and forgiving. This makes them easy to work with. Oils are one of my favourites!

Oils are both tactile and intuitive. They have a versatility that encourages experimentation, which speaks to my intuitive nature. Oil takes a while to dry, so you have time to change your mind, try different ideas and combinations. My creativity is at the moment, and oil is a medium that works beautifully with my instincts.

Feeling Through Paint

As an artist, my paintbrush becomes an extension of what I’m thinking … feeling … sensing. This may vary from one moment to the next, as I contemplate my subject Oil is merely a tool, a conduit for my artistic instincts to capture and reflect how I see and experience a subject.

See the Entire Collection: Oil Paintings

Abstract painting of a textured, colorful object.

Working Fast With Encaustic

Encaustic is an exciting medium that uses hot wax and paint to produce images. The result is dramatic, as layers of translucent wax create dimension, texture and depth. Colours are pure and true, shining through the wax for a truly impactful effect. Wax can be applied in a smooth or textured way and has unlimited possibilities.

See the Entire Collection: Encaustic Art

Learning With Heather

My curiosity led me to Heather Gentleman, who taught me encaustic at the Distillery. She introduced me to this fascinating medium, and over the past four years, we have developed a unique relationship. Heather is a calm and patient guide, and I now regard her as a friend and teacher – not only as an artist, but as a woman. She is a true original, always creative and innovative, a sensitive and nurturing soul.

I have a love/hate relationship with encaustic, but it challenges me – and I enjoy that.