Real life observation is always a first step for me, and in initial drawings from observation I had to be at the source numerous times, which included taking many photographs, as well. This original Acrylic on Canvas painting titled, “Where the Gentle Breezes Blow,” is meant to take the viewer to the top of this snag tree to appreciate the stirring beauty of strength in unity in this family of Bald Eagles. The fledglings enjoyed exploring the nest, often balancing precariously on the edge, while both parents spent a lot of energy guarding them. This weathered snag tree is situated along the old railway line between Okanagan Falls and Vaseux Lake on the west side of the valley. In this painting the colours are achieved through glazing by building up thin layers of colour.

So often my work is a celebration of nature, as I enjoy the outdoors immensely, and at every opportunity I am to be found walking, or hiking along one of the Okanagan trails, or cross-country skiing up at Nickel Plate west of Penticton. I have a Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia, and completed art education courses in the mid 1990s through the University of Victoria. I have active status with the Federation of Canadian Artists, and was proud to give a talk about my art work at the Penticton TEDx Penticton conference in 2012. I work out of my studio in Penticton, British Columbia, Canada.