I am a representational painter that paints animals, nostalgia and people.   I work with acrylic and oil paints, primarily working on wood panels. I really enjoy letting the wood grain show through the piece. I add numerous layers to each item to give it texture. Layers enable all the different mixed colours to be seen when using a limited palette. I also use different tools for mark making in order to draw the viewers eye throughout the piece.  For the viewer, my backgrounds are a part of the story. Sometimes the backgrounds serve a purpose in the art, and other times they are simply a byproduct of the process.  They can be abstract, descriptive, or geometric patterns. 

 So many things in my environment influence me.  Growing up on an acreage in Alberta  certainly enhanced my love for nature.  I’m constantly photographing animals and nature on trips to use in my artwork.  Things that aren’t natural also are inspiring to me.  I find animation and architecture fascinating.     

 I'm attempting to tell a story within the painting, as well as show the personality of the animal or person that can make the audience smile. In a world that constantly bombards us with negativity and can be extremely depressing, I want my art to make people feel joy. People who have seen my work have told me that it makes them happy, and that is my goal!