Completed Works

On The Edge - African Penguin

Fri, 5 Aug 2011 21:30:26 -0400

My inspiration for the painting “On The Edge - African Penguins", resulted from an awareness that the African Penguins have moved from a Threatened Species to the Endangered Species List in September of 2010. I was excited to learn that the Metro Toronto Zoo acquired the new residents this year.

Although they have a questionable fate in extreme population decline, I was particularly interested in capturing the “whimsy” they portray within their social groups. Whether they are resting, sleeping or just happily nuzzling each other in a form of affection, they are always a joy to observe. I am truly hopeful we can protect these charming African Penguins from their population decline by stopping all the issues and supporting the causes working to save them.

Facts: Population has dropped from 1 million to an estimated 80 thousand – that’s about 92% decline in 100 years!

They are declining because of oil spills, predators, less nesting space, commercial fishing and climate change. One of the African Penguin’s main food supply, sardines, have moved away from their traditional feeding grounds due to commercial overfishing and ocean warming.

Scientific Name: Spheniscus demersus
Physical attributes: They range from about 18 - 25 inches tall and weigh up to 11 pounds. Lifespan 10 - 15 years in the wild up to 30 years in zoos.
Range: Inshore islands off the coast of southwestern Africa ranging from Namibia to South Africa.
Prey: Small fish, anchovies, sardines also squid and cetaceans.
Predators: Sharks, fur seals in water; seagulls, mongoose, cats prey on young and nesting adults.

Sweet Surprise

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 09:36:09 -0400

I look forward to early morning nature hikes near my home - (in all seasons), where I find the variety of woodland flora and wildlife inspiration abound. I was drawn into the play of light and shadow cast on the textured tree bark and Wild Columbine leaves. This moment presented a powerful and creative appeal to me; from out of nowhere, I heard the hum of a fleeting Ruby-Throated hummingbird zip towards the Wild Columbines. Needless to say, it was a sweet surprise for both of us!

Autumn Light

Sun, 7 Feb 2010 15:56:40 -0500

Breezy autumn days are ideal to delight in one of the best seasons nature presents. The colour intensity and light dancing on the water offers a feast for my eyes. Autumn also provides a feast for this merganser which I found entertaining to observe from my canoe. Navigating effortlessly with her head in the water scouting around until she spotted her meal. In a flash she submerged with her catch and continued on again in pursuit of her next morsel. A collector of my paintings has aptly named it "The Stalker" and I too find it is suitable, depicting the character of this brilliant bird.

Hunter's Flight - Red Tail

Thu, 7 Jan 2010 15:46:14 -0500

This painting isn't about a blistery, rock cliff, but about urging the viewer to feel the excitement in sighting a Red Tail hawk soaring past, rising up through a familiar corridor. I like to think it might be anticipating an early spring and seeking companion in heading towards the treed horizon.

Granite Passage

Wed, 6 Jan 2010 09:09:11 -0500

I can't think of a more exciting way to spend an unusually warm October day than canoeing on George Lake. Pink granite cliffs, earthy scents and the sound of the water on my paddle, sets a peaceful canvas of tranquility. A kaleidoscope of colours in this autumn landscape painting is the ideal setting for a pair of Canada Geese on their long journey south!

Morning Watch

Tue, 5 Jan 2010 09:09:22 -0500

On a warm August morning hike along the water's edge, I found luck on my side. He caught my eye; I immediately stopped to admire this beautiful Great Blue Heron perched on a stump behind the granite rock, motionless with anticipation. My heart skipped a beat with excitement when he stretched his graceful neck and in a lightning speed strike caught a luckless fish! Seconds later he resumes his "morning watch" pose, and I beam at the sight of this marvellous creature!.

Northern Solitude

Mon, 4 Jan 2010 09:09:32 -0500

A recent canoe experience in Killarney Park one late summer afternoon was one of breathtaking beauty. I lay my paddle across my lap and floated along quietly for some time. The mesmerizing shoreline, surrounded by great white quartzite cliffs and glistening reflections left me feeling in spirit, and of inner peace and calmness. This was my inspiration for this piece.
My primary intent was to capture the monochromatic colours and late afternoon light dotting the rocks, ferns and evergreens. The angular rock formation seem to point to the calm reflections of a solitary loon, which completes the composition and offers a pleasant surprise to the viewer. This is northern solitude in all its glory!

A solitary loon purposely signifies the return of a healthier biological ecosystem that was nearly eradicated through environmental change, (due to Sudbury's Nickel Mines' emissions - causing acid rain) which through time - environmental change all play significant roles in the history of life.

Tranquil Shores

Sun, 3 Jan 2010 09:09:38 -0500

During an autumn morning hiking excursion, I found an opening on the trail. What luck to spot a Great Blue Heron quietly fishing in this perfect setting. I was intrigued by the smooth granite beach and the sun kissed golden tamaracks that made this tranquil shoreline a perfect scene for a Great Blue Heron!

Morning Spirit

Fri, 1 Jan 2010 15:15:20 -0500

Morning Spirit is a landmark painting for the city of Barrie. The extreme fine detail in this painting of a unique perspective of Barrie has captured the city in a very positive, attractive way. The warmth of the early morning sun, glows on the east side of all the buildings and trees, which reflect on the calm waters of Kempenfelt Bay.