New Work: BERMUDA

Bermuda is a group of 181 islands in the North Atlantic and offers several unique geological features. The Bermuda Triangle is an area with unexplained ship and plane disappearances, but its existence is subject to scientific skepticism. The island is also known for its extensive network of submerged caves, some of which are accessible to divers. Crystal Caves, a pair of limestone caves filled with crystal-clear underground pools, stalactites, and stalagmites that have formed over thousands of years, is a popular tourist attraction. The Bermuda Pedestal, a large, flat-topped plateau that rises about 3,000 meters above the surrounding seafloor, is thought to have formed during the Mesozoic Era. Finally, Bermuda's pink-sand beaches are created by tiny red organisms called foraminifera that live in the coral reefs surrounding the islands. These geological and geographic features make Bermuda a unique destination for both tourists and scientists.

Capital Cities: Canberra

Canberra, the capital city of Australia, is known for its unique design and urban planning. The city was designed by American architect Walter Burley Griffin in 1912, who based his plan on the principles of the Garden City movement, which aimed to create a city that was harmonious with the natural environment and had a high quality of life for its residents. Griffin's design for Canberra included two main axes, the "axes of symmetry," which intersect at the center of the city and feature the city's main landmarks and institutions, such as Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial.

In addition to its wide streets, green spaces, and parklands, which make up about 50% of the city's area, Canberra is also home to many government buildings and institutions, reflecting its role as the national capital. The city is home to Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery of Australia, and the High Court of Australia, among other landmarks and institutions. There are over 50 parks and reserves in the city, including the Australian National Botanic Gardens, which has over 50,000 plants from around the world.

Canberra is the eighth-largest city in Australia and has a population of about 400,000 people. It was chosen as the capital in 1908 due to its central location between Sydney and Melbourne. The city has a Mediterranean-style climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. It is home to several universities, including the Australian National University, and is known for its sporting events, such as the Australian Football League (AFL) and the National Rugby League (NRL). The city has a strong arts and cultural scene, with galleries, theaters, and festivals throughout the year, and a diverse population of people from over 180 different countries.

New Work: THE VILLAGE FANCIES

In the creative world, inspiration can come from anywhere and strike at any time. It can be found in the most unexpected places and often leads to a unique departure from one's usual artistic style. Such was the case for me back in March when I experimented with paint markers in my sketchbook and created brightly colored Easter egg designs.

Initially, I did not give much thought to these designs, but I found myself returning to the page and thinking about what I could do with them. This week, I sat down and cranked out something new, taking a small departure from my regular work. The resulting piece, which I titled "The Village Fancies," speaks to my bright and cheery aesthetic.

Sketchbook drawing.
March 2022

The name of this piece is derived from a box of brightly colored fancy chocolates that I had the pleasure of experiencing during my visit to Paris earlier this year. The shapes in my design remind me of the rich diversity that makes up Toronto's LGBTQ community. The subtle value shift in the background of the piece also evokes memories of the neon and back-lit signs that shine on the street as the sun sets in the summer.

As an artist, I am always exploring new ideas and experimenting with different mediums. I do not know if I will create more pieces like "The Village Fancies," but I am glad that I took the time to step out of my comfort zone and create something unique.

Dans l'atelier... Los Angeles

As the Toronto weather gets cooler, I’m dreaming of warmer places. I started on a 4x5ft painting of Los Angeles which features of its amazing and unique neighbourhoods and some of the surrounding cities. IT even include Catalina Island, and essential stop on any visit to the City of Angels.

I'm Back In The Studio!

It's been a busy summer filled with travel and new experiences. I'm happy to be back in the studio and grateful so many people continue to enjoy my art. Now accepting commissions for 2023. Read more…

New Work: York University Glendon Campus

Je suis heureux de partager cette peinture du campus Glendon de l'Université York. Inspiré par les couleurs de l’institution, l'architecture et l'environnement naturel, ce tableau représente l'ensemble du campus incluant les installations académiques modernes et historiques, les résidences étudiantes, et ce quartier au cœur de Toronto. Peut-être remarquerez-vous le tableau installé au manoir Glendon, lors d’une prochaine visite.

I am happy to share the completion of this painting of York University’s Glendon Campus. Inspired by the school colours, architecture and natural surroundings, it depicts the entire campus including the academic, historic, services and student residences as well as the surrounding North York neighbourhood. Perhaps you’ll spot it in Glendon Hall on your next visit.

Yellow Hankies In Full View at the Art Gallery of Mississauga

‘I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter’ 20x20in. Hand embroidered yellow bandana. 2019
’Obey Your Thirst’ 20x20in. Hand embroidered yellow bandana. 2022

Two of the hankies from the ‘Barcode’ series of 120 are on view at the Art Gallery of Mississauga this month as part of a juried group show. Thank you to curator Shannon Anderson and jurors Kim-Lee Kho, Xiaojing Yan, and Mark Crofton Bell for including me in this exhibition which is on until October 23. Custom framing by Akasha Art Projects. Read more…

New Work: BANBRIDGE

I have been out and about this summer and have made little time for studio work. I did manage to do a few small works, including this gouache painting of Banbridge, Northern Ireland. From this I created at graphic version that is available in the shop.

If you are interested in getting a city painting done for yourself or as a gift for someone special, send me a commission request.

OLD GROWTH in High Park

There are nine site specific works installed in High Park for the next month as part of the OLD GROWTH exhibition I co-curated with Dermot Wilson and Terre Charland. Artists include: Norma Vieira, Joey Bruni, Donald Cretien, EarnEst Daetwyler, T,H & B, Anne Marie Hadcock, O Honey Collective, Quan Steele, and Raven Grove Collective. This exhibition is in two parts. The second part is being shown at Propeller Gallery. You can read more about it here.

Broken Forests Group is raising awareness through art and art actions, nurturing the growth of all wild places, and affecting an increase in forest biodiversity around the world. This exhibition shines a light on exploitative forces that are destroying forest species and ecosystems and draws attention to the need to protect the wilderness and ancient sites that we hold to be spiritually significant.

Around The World: Graphic Prints - Batch 2

Thank you for the overwhelmingly positive feedback on these new graphic maps! I am thrilled so many people like them.

In this second batch of nine, the cities included are: Auckland, Beirut, Chicago, Edinburgh, Havana, London, Quebec City, San Francisco, and Tokyo.

Auckland

Beirut

Chicago

Edinburgh

Havana

London

Quebec City

San Francisco

Tokyo

Each print is 12x12 inches, on Hahnemuhle paper, signed and numbered in editions of 25. Click here to order one for yourself or for someone special. These make a great gift for those who love to travel or have a special affinity for one of these cities.

New cities will be released each Thursday, over the next 4 weeks. If you have a city request, please feel free to send me a note here.

Thank you and happy travels!