Finding the Inner Artist

Finding the Inner Artist

I grew up in a small town named Longlac (now part of Greenstone) in Northern Ontario.  There wasn't much to do to keep occupied so apart from running through the forest, I drew quite a bit in order to past the time.  I grew up around trees, forests, rivers and lakes. These elements have been quite present in the majority of my work as an artist.

I was in Grade 1 when I did this watercolour painting of a sad looking tree that is losing its leaves and a person standing by with no hands.  Up to this day, I have been quite unsuccessful in drawing or painting hands.

  

The following four oil paintings were done when I was 13 years old.  I was taking a summer painting class at the local Public school.  I was the only teen in the class with the least experience.  It was a great experience being part of a group of people who shared the same interest.  Although they weren't very good paintings, my parents had kept them.  Now that I am in my 50's, I look at them and see the progress I have made over the last few decades.

The following newspaper drawings were done as part of my high school art assignments.  Our arts teacher's name was Mr. Arts and everyone wanted to be in his classes because he was so good at motivating students to be the best they could be.  I loved all his classes.