What made you decide to start painting?
I have always been very creative. I was drawing and painting at a very early age, and my Mom and Dad always made sure I had blank paper and coloured pencils to use. In fact, I began my art career drawing on the blank copies of old Insurance forms!
I really began to get back into the arts when I was living in Vancouver. I had a basement suite and through all the rain, I needed something to bring up my mood. I started with some basic watercolours then interchanged between that and oils.
What insipres you?
My inspiration comes from a number of things. Namely it is the beautiful landscape of the Canadian National Parks. I have grown up with the prairies of Alberta and the Mountains of Waterton Lakes and Banff. There aren't many more beautiful places out there.
When did you know that you wanted to be an artist?
I didn't originally set out to become an artist. I wanted to just have a creative outlet that I could do on my own terms. Once I began to get more involved and learn, I received more compliments - only strengthening my desire to paint.
Are there any specific pieces that you have that took your work into a different direction?
There are a few pieces like that. I did an experimental painting with watercolour one time with more of an impressionist flare rather than a realistic feel. About half way through, I hated it. I took a break, then went down and added a bit more vibrant colour and a bit more texture and voila! It’s still one of my favorites. Since then I’ve painted with similar style and feel in watercolour.
How do you describe your work?
My bio says that I paint what I feel, and what I see in nature and that I use colour that brings out depth and different moods to each piece. I wrote that bio a few years ago but it still holds true.
Unless I’m doing a painting of a building or something specific as a commission, I really don’t add a lot of detail to the work. I’m more of an impressionist type of painter. I like to show the scene, bring out vibrant colour and let you see what you will.
Actually, it’s amazing what people will see in your work. I had one person who looked and saw a waterfall over some small rocks when they were up close, then as the backed away, they were able to see a mountain scene on a much grander scale. I love letting people’s minds go. That’s why a picture is worth 1000 words.
Do you go through any rituals when you paint?
Not really. Most of the time I get about half way through and hate the piece I’m working on. I take a break, go back and then take a look from all different angles. That gives me a new direction and I usually love what I come up with. Other than that, Tim Hortons coffee (double double) is a great way to stay up until 3am to finish.
What does your art studio look like?
My art studio is located in an open area of my basement, surrounded by at sorts f books, a foosball table and air-hockey. It’s not much but it is better than when I lived in an apartment. I was forced to keep everything in a little plastic bin then bring out the old sheets to cover the room when I painted.
My ‘new’ studio has a little computer for music and other files and a clear view line straight to the TV. I am one of those artists who needs to be inspired to paint a quality piece. I’ve found that turning the TV on while I paint, filters out the times that I’m down there to actually create something worth while and the rest of the time when I’d just be wasting paint!
What do you watch when you’re in the studio?
I put on big epic shows like “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World” and of course I also love science fiction so Star Trek or Star Wars always works. Really, it’s about watching a movie that I’ve seen before so I’m not concerned with the story; just the background noise.
Any future plans for an ‘off site’ studio?
Well, my wife and I would love to buy an acreage in the country. That would give me the ability to build a workshop and studio with a lot better light than I have right now. We keep debating the city and country life. Right now, we’re DINKS (dual income no kids) so we love the movies, book stores and art galleries of the city. In about three weeks, when our baby arrives, our priorities will probably change drastically.
What are some of the highlights of your art career so far?
Since I am a relatively new artist, I have not had a long history of exhibitions or sales to reflect on. I guess my highlight so far has been actually seeing my work hanging in the ‘spotlight’ for the first time. My first group exhibition was at the Gust Gallery in Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada. Having grown up in the area and spent summers there, I was very excited when the Gallery owner Edith Becker asked me to join the show.
What did it feel like talking about your work in the gallery?
It was such a weird experience at first. These complete strangers coming up to me and asking about what I was feeling or what my motivation was to create these pieces. I was a little caught off guard at first but then I relaxed and realized that they were asking out of interest, not as a critique or anything like that. After a while, I really started to enjoy myself. It’s great to be recognized.
What are the next steps for you?
I’m on the verge of becoming a Dad so I’m sure that’s going to take up a good portion of my time for the next six months. Although, I’ve heard that I won’t have any free time for the next 18 years. I guess it depends on who you ask!
On the art front, I think that it’s important to develop a name for yourself one sale at a time. I believe that art, just like any small business, takes a whole lot of work in the beginning with very little pay-off. It may take years to build a reputation and a name in the market. That’s why people always start painting for the love of it, not the dollars. I’m not saying that I wouldn’t love the dollars but I’ll settle for enjoying my craft and selling as much as people will take for now.
Any last comments?
I guess I’d like to say thank you to my wife Brenda for always supporting me in my work and to my parents for allowing me to experiment with drawing and painting and for bringing me to the mountains in the first place.
