Standing Nude (Analytical Cubism)

Oil, 16" x 20", Not for sale

This painting is an attempt at some figurative analytical cubism. It has been excellent learning experience studying other artist's figurative cubist works. The painting has had several iterations and I am finally satisfied with the results. Analytical cubism is one of the most concentrative efforts of painting I've experienced, and requires stretches of time to immerse yourself into a painting... blocking out all interruptions and distractions. I'm looking forward to doing more.

Mosaic Landscape on a constructed substrate 

Italian and Mexican Smalti along with slate on a sumac base, Not for sale

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The sculpture was inspired by the abstract paintings of Hans Hofmann. His work has always been a “go to” for inspiration when I find myself feeling artistically blocked. As I added the last tile and stood back I knew the piece was complete and was ready to stand on its own. We’ve lived with the sculpture over the past few weeks, and we’ve seen it evolve from it’s original concept of a abstract mosaic sculpture to take on a more organic abstraction. The changing light of the day, and the shadows of the night, seem to suggest movement within the sculpture. Sometimes it sparkles in the light and other times as you’re passing, there is a sense of movement. Perhaps the slate roots the abstraction in a more earthly experience, rather than strictly a geometric abstract landscape.

Lazy Sun Garden Sculpture

Colorado Rose Quartz, Not for sale

I wanted to try my hand a sculpting something, so I visited Sculpture Supply Canada years ago. I checked out everything and finally decided on small piece of Colorado Rose Quartz. It took a few years for me to get up the nerve to finish the sculpture... it kept changing as I carved away, but the process was thoroughly enjoyable. I'm just in the process of completing a mosaic sculpture over a constructed substrate and I have started another carved wood sculpture which would will be covered in mosaic. All the skills I've learned over the years in carving, carpentry, and fine art are contributing to a satisfying and confident expression of my artistic vision.

Garden Flowers 2020

Oil, 20" x 30", Not for sale

We had a truly wonderful garden in 2020. We were forced to spend much of the year at home so the garden flourished. I decided in December 2020 to paint all the flowers that bloomed. It was quite a struggle to paint as there were so many flowers and many were too complex to paint. I included our neighbour's cat Batman in the painting as he became wonderful companion during much of the time spent working and admiring the colourful blossoms. The garden became an oasis from the ravages of Covid19 where we could relax and even nap from time to time. The concrete block wall was left in to convey the reality of the pandemic to protect ourselves and others by wearing masks.

Artist Self-portrait - Covid 19

Oil, 20" x 36", Not for sale

A first self-portrait done during the Covid-19 pandemic.

It is a dark time for the planet, and combined with sociopolitical horrors and an economic downturn, people are struggling to survive. 

The pandemic has highlighted our true shortsightedness. We wear blinders to protect us from the daily onslaught of hideous acts of abuse by the powerful over the powerless. One individual thrives on pain and hate, while many sit displaying another aspect of human nature, apathy. 

Artist's Old Hat

Oil, 14" x 18", Not for sale

My second Analytical Cubist piece. It is my old hat. One I wore during my plein air excursions, out on a lake with friends, helping to look after our garden, or just relaxing on the deck in the summer. Eventually it got old and raggy, and although I bought a new one, I still like it, and the events that it marked during my life... so it gets its own painting.  

The Red Cup

Oil, 14" x 18", Not for sale

This was my first attempt at an Analytical Cubist piece. I have always been interested in this period of Picasso's career, so I studied cubism. Analytical cubism focuses on the perception of objects from many different perspectives, and the objects should be of importance to the artist... they should convey a narrative. The Cup object is special to me. It represents the calmness of the weekend morning and my time alone with Patrizia. We share coffee and talk. It is an important time, and this object grounds me to that time. Its perspectives have many different emotional connections for me.