One Eye Open

My oil paintings are an introduction to the animals that survive on the shores and in the marshes of the South Simcoe area. During my daily walks I take photos of the animals I happen upon and I gather plants, sticks and other organic material within the area. These all become my tools.
In my studio, I begin by layering the collected matter onto the canvas and pouring a coloured wash of thinned oil paint over top. This creates a stained background with printed, chaotic, floral designs that I later embellish, and stylize. Every mark on the surface plays a part in molding the environment and exposing the animal within. I play between heavy textures and thinned out washes and I favour saturated colours with a jewel-tone earthy palette.