I paint to interpret awe-inspiring moments in nature—the rugged northern landscapes, Great Lakes, forests, coves, treelines and shorelines that leave a lasting impression.

Being in nature is an essential part of my practice. I spend time observing my surroundings, taking in the light, colour, atmosphere and feeling of a place. Back in the studio, I paint intuitively, moving between representation and abstraction to capture not only what a landscape looks like, but how it feels to be there.

Oil is my preferred medium. Its richness of colour and slow drying time allow for a process of layering, scraping and gestural mark-making, with thinner applications of paint that sometimes approach the translucency of watercolour. I occasionally incorporate oil pastel to add another layer of expression.

My paintings remain rooted in the recognizable landscape, while leaving room for abstraction and suggestion. I want there to be enough of the place to draw the viewer in, but enough left unsaid for them to bring their own experience and narrative to the work.