Artist Statement, 2025-2026
Upon retiring from a 30+ year career in Educational Psychology, I earned an Honours BFA in Drawing and Painting from OCAD University. As part of my time at OCAD U, I participated in their elite off-campus program in Florence, Italy. My portraiture work, which I embarked upon during the pandemic, has been influenced by my study of Italian Renaissance pantings while in Florence.
In keeping with my professional life and my art studies, people have always fascinated me. Their eyes in particular catch my attention, as eyes are a prime instrument of communication and expression. In addition, I also attempt to convey emotions through body language and the use of colour.
Most of my portraits are based on photographs and sketches. My work uses realism to portray moods and emotional complexity. Relying on a number of renaissance techniques including, the portrayal of emotions, the use of oil paints, subjects depicted with a plain backgrounds and at times chiaroscuro, my work focuses on the uniqueness of the individual sitter. Through the use of contrasting colour I aim to give the sitter a three dimensional quality both physically and emotionally. Contrasting colours create a strong visual separation thereby drawing the viewers eye and directing the viewers attention. By leaving the backgrounds uncluttered I allow the essence of the sitter to dominate. This isolated presentation emphasizes that existentially we are alone.
My challenge to the viewer is to engage with the subject and to see beyond the technical aspects of the painting into the sitters “soul”. As individuals we are unique and complex beings who deserve to be seen for who we are.
Upon retiring from a 30+ year career in Educational Psychology, I earned an Honours BFA in Drawing and Painting from OCAD University. As part of my time at OCAD U, I participated in their elite off-campus program in Florence, Italy. My portraiture work, which I embarked upon during the pandemic, has been influenced by my study of Italian Renaissance pantings while in Florence.
In keeping with my professional life and my art studies, people have always fascinated me. Their eyes in particular catch my attention, as eyes are a prime instrument of communication and expression. In addition, I also attempt to convey emotions through body language and the use of colour.
Most of my portraits are based on photographs and sketches. My work uses realism to portray moods and emotional complexity. Relying on a number of renaissance techniques including, the portrayal of emotions, the use of oil paints, subjects depicted with a plain backgrounds and at times chiaroscuro, my work focuses on the uniqueness of the individual sitter. Through the use of contrasting colour I aim to give the sitter a three dimensional quality both physically and emotionally. Contrasting colours create a strong visual separation thereby drawing the viewers eye and directing the viewers attention. By leaving the backgrounds uncluttered I allow the essence of the sitter to dominate. This isolated presentation emphasizes that existentially we are alone.
My challenge to the viewer is to engage with the subject and to see beyond the technical aspects of the painting into the sitters “soul”. As individuals we are unique and complex beings who deserve to be seen for who we are.
