" Paint "   October 29th, 2008   

  The Scouts charged like lightning into the village with the news....the bluecoats led by the golden haired one had been spotted riding in their direction. A great cry rose up among the warriors.  They were fearless... driven by the passion to protect what was theirs, their world.....Lead by Sitting Bull, the great nations of the Sioux had amassed the largest band of warriors ever seen by the white man...and now the dipping pots of dried colored powder mixed with tallow emptied as the braves mixed the hues with boiling water.  There was no time for careful placement...it was war...and the reds went on...the screams and yelping...and the call that today would be a good day to die.....A young warrior mounted his horse and looked north to the sounds of the rumbling earth....he was ready...so was Paint.

This painting was created from photos taken by the Artist outside of Hardin, Montana along the Bighorn River on the Crow Reservation.  This is the first painting of the Artist's series" The Bighorn Trilogy"     Image Size 21" x 14"

" 24 Hours To Little Bighorn "   March 27th, 2008

  He had rode his troops hard again today...and he thought about this for a moment as he watched the men of the Seventh Cavalry prepare the camp for the night.  They were tired and he could hear their complaints.  Maybe another 50 miles to the Sioux stronghold he thought.  They would be there tomorrow.  He was damn sure of that.  He gazed upon the faces of his hardened soldiers...it would be a day that some of his boys would not be writing home.   He folded the orders and tucked them in his vest pocket.  They all read the same.  He knew what needed to get done.... That's why they sent the Seventh.

Deep inside...beyond the arrogance...beyond his thrill of battle...you could find an officer that could lead in the face of death and change the course of history. 

He wondered how long it had been since he were home.  Even here in the beauty of Montana, he felt an emptiness that he could not shake.  This was not a time of sentiment and he regained his vision of the task at hand.  We will ride into destiny...with the last 24 hours to Little Bighorn.  Nowit was time to eat.

   Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer would lose his life in the Battle of Little Bighorn on June 25th, 1876.

This painting was created from photos taken by the Artist in Tombstone, Arizona.

Image Size: 12" x 22"

" To Lead A City "   Feb. 12, 2008

  A West end kid...always the underdog...and yet there in the fields of the school yard, he found the fun of life playing scrub on a Saturday afternoon ...acrobatting on the bicycle bars....running free in endless summers...climbing snowbanks the size of mountains......In days of past with milkmen in horse drawn carts, and oil burning furnaces, black and white with TV antenaes and Christmas eves  that went on for months....and in that time that  kid would grow.

  Yep...and there in those fields this kid would dare to dream...that someday he would grow...  to lead a city.

   This is a portrait of that kid who dared to dream..Neil Ellis..who with his successful entrepreneurial business skills would go into the mayoral elections as the underdog in 2006 and take a sweeping landslide victory. He continues to lead the city of Belleville.

This portrait was created from images taken by the Artist in a photoshoot at City Hall with the Honorable Mayor Neil Ellis in May, 2007.

                                                                                Size: 14" x 22" 7/8" x 21- 1/8"                            

    " Paris on the 25th "   Jan. 17, 2008

  I have stood at the top of the world..and even in that place..you were there by my side. .... I remember the first moment that I met you...and of your whisper of I will at St. Joseph's...the miracles of our creations..Laura..Sarah..Amanda..and how we have planned so they would also meet their dreams......I remember the matching diamond ring on the fifth...and how I could make you smile when things were bad....and I will  remember the meaning of the colors of the  twenty five roses...the knowing of what I feel when I see the smile in your eyes..... and I will forever remember being together.... in Paris on the 25th.

Michael and Helen Dowdall  - August 14th, 1982

   This painting was commissioned by Michael Dowdall for his wife Helen, in celebration of  their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary...to share this moment in Paris     with countless generations to come.Image Size: 15- 7/8" x 21- 1/8"                            

" Letters to Heaven  "       Oct. 12th, 2007

Hi Daddy, i am missing you and i am getting so big now. School is still fun and Mommy and i are keeping busy.  i stayed at Rachel's house last nite and her mom said that you were a hero cos you were helping kids like me to be free and eat icecream and go to school.   i don't understand war but today Mommy and i went to the beach and i know you will come home to us safe, cos we wrote in the sand secret letters to heaven and I know that God was listening.  Love Me.

This painting was created from a photoshoot taken by the Artist at the Sandbanks Provincial Park near Picton, Ontario.  Modelling for this painting was Kim Mumby and her daughter Savannah of Roslin, Ontario. 

This painting is dedicated to all of our Canadian and U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq and to all soldiers serving their countries abroad in the name of Freedom. Know that back home your loved ones continue to pray and send letters to heaven for your safe return home. 

Image Size 16" x 24"

" The Whisper  "       August 24th, 2007

From the gentle knoll, she had a perfect view of the river and the grazing herd.  It was time to get them rolling again.  Even her favorite young bull, "Nosey"  was waiting for the all familiar signal from her..

She felt the stirring power beneath her weight and she leaned forward and gently acknowledged the impatience of her horse with the touch of her hand.  "West we go girl" , she said in the whisper.

This painting was created from several photographs taken by the Artist.  Modelling for this painting was Cheryl Reavie of O'Hara's Mill, Ontario.  Special thanks to Bill and Linda Grills of  Moon Mist Meadows of Springbrook, Ontario for the use of their ranch and their magnificent horses, Brandy and Bailey.

Image Size - 20" x 13"

" In The Heart of a Friend  "

       July 22nd, 2007

Life speeds its way too fast and sometimes we forget to pause and connect with those who mean so much to us.   Friendships run their courses... sometimes soon forgotten..sometimes for a lifetime..and sometimes they endure even when friends get lost in the moment of their own choosing and cause the rifts of pain to hurt heart.  And for all the friendships that can continue to move forward and in knowing that no matter what, they will always remain in the heart of a friend.

Meet my friend Al.

This painting was created from several photoshoots by the Artist.  This is a portrait of Allan Lunenfeld, Lawyer turned Commercial Real Estate Agent for Royal Lepage in Belleville, Ontario.

Image Size - 13 1/2" x 20 1/2"

" The Cold November Rain  "

       July 6th, 2007

A tribute painting to Slash - lead guitarist of Guns 'n Roses  and to the lyrics of the song that made the greatest impact in my life.  " November  Rain".  Nobody could play it any better than Slash with the ripping into your soul  guitar solo. Now with the incredible timing of the completion of this painting, Slash and his new band Velvet Revolver are shaking up the world with their newest album release " Libertad".                                                                                                            Velvet Revolver opens their concert in Toronto, Ontario on September 12th, 2007 the same day the Artist is in Slash's hometown of Los Angeles, opening his first U.S. exhibition..

The Artist ,with permission  from the website http://nonsense .froti.com., referenced part of this painting from a photograph of Slash on their site. 

Image Size - 18 1/2" x 14 1/2"

" Bellemare  "            June 1st, 2007

He moved quietly into the great room and reclined into his favourite chair. Under the calloused hands from the years of construction, he slid them over  the smooth texture of the wooden arms of the chair and he took pleasure in his solitude.  This was his time to reflect back across his life and the magnificence of his creations....his life..his family...his grandchildren...his construction company.

The sunlight broke through the clerestory window and he felt its warmth.on his face and he embraced a powerful connection.

In this moment, there was only quiet, God and Bellemare.

This image was created from photos taken by the Artist.  Modelling for this photoshoot was Fred Bellemare from Ameliasburgh, Ontario.

Image Size - 20 1/4" x 17-1/4"

" Zebedee and the serpent  " 

        April 22nd, 2007

The news had broken around the town about another sighting of the serpent…In a field by a swamp..just below the treeline…He moved through the reeds…He knew this trail well from his countless searches for treasures and pirate battles as a child…but today..his adventure was different….Zebedee moved with stealth in the hot August heat…hours passed in his quest…and then…he heard a sound….unmistakable...he crouched in anticipation and listened….he turned to look to his right…there within arms reach, coiled like a chassis spring lay the reptile…eyes as black as night…their eyes locked down on each other and at  the speed of lightning…the serpent lunged …In the blink of a moment, Zebedee spun as the serpent grazed his shoulder and he snatched its passing tail…He stood and lifted the writhing snake into the air and claimed the victory of the capture… he touched his shoulder but found it clean…this day he had won and as the world will remember the legend of… Zebedee and the Serpent

This painting is a commissioned piece and will remain in a private collection

" Winds of Montana  "         April 8th, 2007

When you feel  the winds of change blowing, and you look into the eyes of this woman, they will carry you  to the far reaches of Montana and set you at the base of the Rockies in the Missouri Headwaters.

Feel her power, her attitude and her sensuality...and you will never want to leave the Big Sky Country..

Walk the historic landscape that was forged by Lewis and Clark in 1805 . The western portion of this great state rises up in tall, rugged Rocky Mountain country. These mountains have provided Montana its name, and yielded a fortune of gold and silver since the first substantial deposits were discovered in the early 1860's.

Today, the mountains attract people for their natural splendor. Glacier National Park is a destination for many, with majestic peaks shaped by massive glacial ice. Rising cliffs offer spectacular beauty here. And Montana's Yellowstone National Park delights visitors with incredible scenery, waterfalls, geysers, and lakes. Now feel the Winds of Montana.....This painting is dedicated to Governor Brian Schweitzer and to the great people of the State of Montana.

This painting was created from photos taken by the Artist . Modelling for this photoshoot was Daphne Mahoney.

This painting was selected by Jury for exhibition at the Expressions 2007 competition and was on public display from April 26th to May 18th, 2007 at the Ritchie Room at Maxwell College, Belleville, Ontario, Canada.  This painting received an Honorable Mention for the People's Choice Award.

" Night stand of the egret   "   

      February 25th, 2007

There is something always magical in the moments before the sun touches its circular orb to the edge of the Caribbean horizon.  The combination of the calming sea, the setting sun is the perfect combination for a night stand of the egret.

This painting was created from photos taken by the Artist in  Key West, Florida.

" CUBA , CUBA "          February 18th, 2007

#3 from the series  'White Picket Fences"

Curb Appeal..... and the city of Key West's downtown core has it all..... a wealth of quaint shops and an artists delight..   "Cuba, Cuba " is one of the many stores that caught my eye with its colorful display of Cuban goods.

The store is stock full of everything from Cubita Cuban coffee,  t-shirts, ceramics,  posters, fine art and my personal favourite, the big fat Cuban cigars....

Take a moment to window shop......

This painting was created from photos taken by the Artist of the "Cuba, Cuba" storefront in Key West, Florida.

" After The Final Bell "          January 28th, 2007

The classrooms of Queen Victoria Public School resonate their founding history from 1913. Today…the classes have ended for the day….the school has emptied and the hallways have given up to the sounds of silence.  Under the critical eye and the caring hand of the school’s custodian, the school will be gleaming before the next day classes resume.  The love he has for his eight year career is heightened through his interactions with the teaching staff, parents and especially the children…

 His night is about to begin as he moves into the first classroom and sits down on a desk near the teacher’s corner….he scans the room…carefully assessing its condition ….a single water bottle remains left behind by a student….and he is drawn to its blue light cast by the rays of the setting sun. He feels the warmth of this reflective moment, turning the bottle to watch the dancing blue colors of light play across the desk… pausing to shift his thoughts to his family at home….and with this picture in his mind…In the empty corridors of the school…he will never be alone.  Now his work is about to begin…. just like everyday… after the final bell.  

This painting is in the private collection of Mr. Brian Hineman  and was created from photographs taken by the artist at Queen Victoria Public School in Belleville, Ontario, Canada.  This portrait is of Brian.

    " Harlequin  Unbridled "            January 3rd, 2007

He sat in wonderment....In the state of affairs within his being... Away from it all....the bustling crowds....Like Hummingbirds...Darting across the mall....He found great refuge in this space....Taking collective thought...Appreciating how life was unfolding...Finding pleasure...In his own happiness....And connection to the Universe.

His attention was drawn ...To a mannequin across the way...The brilliance of her history.... Pulling like a magnetic field...A million stars from the darkest night ...Could never have shone so bright....He was captivated in the seduction...Of his mind's eye....  Sailing him across time and space....To the many lovers from his past.... 

He felt mesmerized by the Harlequin....And for a moment...just a brief moment...He saw the Life Force surge....Through the synthetic form...He witnessed her breathe....Geometric shapes transforming to flesh...The swelling of her breasts....For just a moment...just a brief moment....She became... a Harlequin Unbridled.....

This painting was created from photos taken by the Artist at the "Unbridled 2" Art Exhibition in Belleville, Ontario.

This painting was selected by Jury for exhibition at the Expressions 2007 competition and was on public display from April 26th to May 18th, 2007 at the Ritchie Room at Maxwell College, Belleville, Ontario, Canada

" The Hatmaker - A dying breed "                     Oct. 29th, 2006

Many a Craftsperson sets up their trade along the tourist laden Duval Street in Key West, Florida.  Luxury cruise ships unload their tourists for a day's outing to enjoy the surreal beauty and easeful lifestyle of this magnificent city.  A knick-knack captures a moment in paradise.   A chocolate crepe with its mountain of fresh whip cream fulfils the soul.   These are the joys of doing the "Duval Crawl".

Thousands pass the Hatmaker every day as he sits along a curb on Duval, weaving palm branches into hats.   Watching, Listening, keenly aware of what is happening around him.  Grabbing another palm branch, laying it across his lap, the process begins again....and then a pause...a moment's reflection as he lights up a cigarette..his personal reward for a job well done.  A deep inhalation as he accelerates toward the dying breed.

This painting was created from photos taken by the Artist on Duval Street, Key West, Florida.

" Tears for a Mother "  Oct. 12th, 2006

I remember rushing into the arms of my mother, diving into her empathy, her healing embrace.  The reason didn’t matter, a fever, a fall, overzealous playfulness with our Great Dane Truman or just for a moment's reprieve. Her compassionate heart, always home, and a place to offer tears for a mother.

This  image of Barbie Sitkiewicz and her son Ethan was captured by the Artist one morning at their home in Chicago, Illinois..

" Daryl Kramp - MP "        Aug.13th, 2006

Daryl Kramp (born June 14, 1947 in Kirkland Lake, Ontario) is a Canadian politician. He is a current member of the Canadian House of Commons, representing Prince Edward—Hastings as a Conservative.

Kramp is a former investigator with the Ontario Provincial Police. He has been a municipal councillor and deputy reeve in the municipality of Madoc, Ontario. He   has also organized junior-level ice hockey tours, and is a part-time instructor at St. Lawrence College.

The Canadian Alliance and Progressive Conservatives merged in 2003 as the Conservative Party of Canada. In the 2004 election, Kramp ran as a Conservative in Prince Edward—Hastings, and narrowly defeated Liberal Bruce Knutson. The seat was previously held by Liberal cabinet minister Lyle Vanclief, who was not seeking re-election. Kramp  was re-elected in 2006 by a much larger margin.

This painting was created from photographs taken by the Artist  during a photoshoot with our Member of Parliament, Daryl Kramp and the original painting is presently be displayed at the Artist's Exhibition "From Ten Feet Away".

" I,  Pod "          July 22nd, 2006

#2 from the series  'White Picket Fences"

Simplicity and complexity in the creation of a new leaf...and the sheer beauty of light at play....

This painting was created from photographs taken by the Artist in Key West, Florida.

Image Size: 9.75" x 15"

" WAIT AND SEA "     July 13th, 2006  

A quiet moment...downtime.. immersed in thought....absorbed in the tender calm of the Sea.

This image was captured by the Artist during a photoshoot at the Southernmost Point in Key West, Florida.

Image Size: 11" x 16"

   " The Sentinel "     June 30th, 2006   

   from the brand new series of paintings entitled 'White Picket Fences"

Sentinel - a soldier stationed at a place to stand guard and prevent the passage of unauthorized persons.

Perfect description for the subject of this image. How often we walk by things and never see them for what they are in their magnificence or appreciate their purpose such as this beautiful hydrant that has stood patiently for several generations  along a quiet street in Key West. It has protected the home of U.S. President Harry Truman and although time and life has passed, this sentinel stands prepared  on a second's notice to complete its mission..

Many thick coats of paint show the care and respect this city shows for even it's smallest devices.

This painting was created from photographs taken by the Artist in Key West, Florida.                                                                       Image Size: 10" x 15"

" ADAM "                June 23rd, 2006

Adam...the first man created in His image....perfect and primeval..

This incredibly powerful image was a definite challenge to the Artist's  medium of watercolor.  The contrast of form, structure and the human soul is clearly evident as the observer immerses themselves into this painting.   Take yourself to the place where he is...feel what he is feeling....and appreciate the perfection of our creation.

This painting was referenced from a photo taken by Loyalist College photography student, Cheryl Charlton of Adam Fournier and used with permission.

Adam is an Electrical and Instrumentations Technician with a major corporation and also a Volunteer FireFighter.

Image Size: 11" x 16"

 1930 Canada...the reshaping of the future for this country at the height of the Great Depression.  Even with the decade of uncertainty prior to the beginning of World War II, there was hope and strength within the family of this great generation. Finding moments of national celebration was a reality.

  In keeping with the client's desire to present a unique gift with very personal qualities, Angie Driscoll directed the Artist to incorporate her three children, Connor, Maddy and Taylor and their beloved cat, Oscar, into the front entrance area.  The 1929 Ford Phaeton on the right was researched and identified by Terry Young of Picton in support of this project.

To ensure the feel of the Thirties, extensive research was required to ensure that even the children's clothing was designed and incorporated into the image as it would have been back in those days.

This painting was Commissioned by Angie Driscoll of Belleville, Ontario, Canada  as a gift for Wil.                    Image Size of 20" x 15"                             

       " milennium  park "    April 1st, 2006   

  Milennium Park, located in Downtown Chicago, beside the Art Institute is a place that every person must visit at least once in their lives.  The surreal structures of Crown Fountain are mesmerizing and the reflecting pool is balanced by two 50 foot glass monoliths created by Spanish sculptor Juame Plensa.   There are 1,000 human faces that are projected on these towers that were taken by the students of the Chicago Art Institute.  The images slowly blink, make facial expressions and gush a 30 foot stream of water from their mouths.   Crown Fountain is a profound experience and an awe inspiring work of Art.

This painting was created from photographs taken by the Artist. 

Image Area  10” x 14 7/8”      

          " off duty "    March 19th, 2006

          " Officer mark pierce - new jersey state police"

Every time I travel to New Jersey, I   stop in to see my good friends, Mark and Rosemary Pierce in Jackson, for great conversation and tons of laughs.. 

 Mark is an avid sports enthusiast and excellent baseball player. This image taken by Rosemary reflects everything about his personality. The photo was taken along Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the 100th Anniversary celebration of Harley Davidson.  When he is not in uniform, you can find Mark and Ro on their Harley Davidson  or cruising the I-295 in his Limited Edition Vet.   He has a zest for life both on and off duty.

This painting was selected by jury for exhibition for the Expressions 2006 competition..

Image Area  10” x 13 ¼”      

       There is something wonderful to witness the excitement of a person who has their first experience in a new place.....Meet my Dad, Lajos...in his first trip to New York City.

This painting was created from a photograph taken by the Artist in New York City.

Image Size: 10" x 14- 3/4"