Ocean
These paintings were inspired by an outstanding summer kayak trip to BlackFish Sound off Vancouver Island. The Orca paintings reflect my experience of seeing these magnificent whales, so awe inspiring, especially from a kayak. The other paintings are about the dip of my paddle in the ocean showing layers of reflections, flotsam, surface movement and obscured depths. The larger paintings also include some well known poetry about the ocean which is hidden or partially hidden in the paintings.
A Dream Commission
These 7 paintings were a commission from a homeowner on Saltspring Island. And, unlike any other commission I’ve done, the subject and style were left entirely up to me! The paintings are mixed media on watercolour paper, mounted onto high kitchen cupboard doors and protected by plexiglass. Saltspring is home to many arbutus trees which thrive in the gulf island terrain. Their colours, gestures, and energy made a perfect subject for this natural style kitchen overlooking a wild Garry Oak meadow. The last piece was a little different, based on many objects from the property but still with a suggestion of arbutus branches. Both homeowner and artist were delighted with the results.
