Pulling Back the Curtain
Some artists prefer to keep their process private, believing that revealing too much may take away the mystery of good art. I see it differently. After years of painting, I’ve found that sharing my creative process helps others connect—not just with the finished work, but with the wonder and curiosity that shape it.
Art is, at its core, a dialogue. And transparency allows people to experience the artist’s journey, not just the result.
1. Capturing the Spark of Inspiration
When I first committed myself to painting, I had far more ideas than time to realize them. Inspiration often struck like a spark—sometimes from a fleeting moment of light, joy, or freedom.
To preserve these ideas, I began journaling and sketching them as soon as they appeared. This practice continues today, allowing me to build a library of concepts, titles, and visual cues that guide my creative direction.
Each painting begins differently—sometimes from a vivid mental image, other times from a title or feeling that emerges first. From there, I dive into art history, visual research, and composition studies, shaping the initial spark into a grounded concept. This early stage is private and contemplative—a time to let the idea mature before it meets the outside world.
2. Exploration Gains Direction
Even with a solid concept, every blank canvas feels like a new beginning. Decisions about composition, proportion, materials, and palette all shape the work’s eventual form.
Whenever possible, I use repurposed materials—not only as a sustainable choice but also as a way of weaving character and texture into the painting’s foundation. I often begin my sketches freehand or with the aid of a slide projector, guided by intuition more than precision.
Some pieces evolve smoothly; others demand revision or even complete restarts. I pause or revisit a painting until it begins to feel alive—until the composition, colour, and emotion finally align.
I know a piece is nearing completion when the contours sharpen, colours saturate, and balance settles in. Eventually, there’s a moment when adding more would take away. The painting declares itself finished—its identity independent from mine.
3. When Art Enters the World
Releasing artwork into the world brings both nervousness and satisfaction—the final step of transforming a spark of imagination into something tangible.
Whether displayed at a gallery, a local art show in Hamilton or Burlington, or shared online, each painting represents months (or years) of quiet persistence. The joy comes from watching others experience what began as a private moment of inspiration.
Creating art requires patience, humility, and faith in the process. It’s about tending the gardens of imagination—cultivating beauty and allowing it to bloom in its own time.
Final Reflection: The Journey Behind Every Painting
Behind every brushstroke lies a story of discovery, experimentation, and emotion. My goal is to create works that not only reflect my own artistic journey but also invite you to see your own experiences mirrored within them.
If you’d like to explore more of my work, visit my Gallery or learn about how you can Commission a Painting that captures your own story in colour and texture.