Tweedsmuir Park of 1988 meets Digital Art

On some of the compositions which appear quite sketchy, I've decided to enhance the image by using digital art. For example in this Tweedsmuir Park painting in late summer; the sky looked too sepia so I felt the aquamarine would make the image stand out more. I personally don't find the paint program of a computer exciting, but in time I'm getting used to that technology. A brush still dipped in pigment and applied by the artist is so much more beautiful, with the lavished brush strokes visible. It just has that human touch which is so unique, and thus the painting has Soul.

The Black-Eyed Susan Wild Daisies 1993

You're so wild,

The heat haze of this marshland will motion your heads to nod,

Reddish-orange and yellow-orangey colours are so beautiful,

An announcement once more that summer is at its height,

These daisies of the sun were collected with such joy,

Then soon after in the studio painted with respect,

It seems to me they'll always be drenched with sunlight,

As the petals almost worship and appear like many brilliant Suns.

One Dreams in the Skeena River Valley 1990

You may not really have existed in the realm of that day,
But I created my own reality,
The forced blossoms of those wildflowers shimmered in that warm spring breeze,

Oh, you Skeena,
Your waters travel and flow eventually emerging once more into Hecate Strait,

My journey there that spring so long ago,
An uneventful and dear fond memories of recollection,

Those smooth roads and bridges of freedom,
Would praise each visitor,
You have held onto your wildness and silent talk,
And one has heard the ancient breath sigh,

Many more passages to discover,

For the vision of the Artist in us all to reveal,

I would leave with this painting wet and sticking with insects and floating seeds,
Giving the tooth of the canvas more substance,
And reveling always in that journey of exploration,
Rather than the arrival; has always intrigued my thoughts.

Tofino 1983

Back in 1983 my friends and myself left the south terminal of Sea Island by float plane heading for Pacific Rim National Park. It was enjoyable and we whale watched, fished, painted and the wildlife was so incredible. Times sure have changed there now in Tofino; as it seems overpopulation has created many water shortage issues. They're still in the process of completing their new and larger water reservoir. I've been back to Tofino many times and the whole area is basically in a rainforest located on Vancouver Island.

Young Maple Tree 1993

They would'nt give you a chance to grow in that lot,
Eventually it would become your muddy gravesite,
Another green space destroyed without conscience,

But I know what I must do,

A replanted saviour,

Safe place for you to grow,

Even around these urban eyesores,
I know of the many protected parks,
No one would dare disturb you now,

It lives now in Lighthouse Park,

Thrives uninterrupted with its beautiful growth,
Gives a home to the animals,
And shade to the park visitors,

As well as the air,

To all whom wish to breathe and respect life.

Wildflowers of Langley 1996

When I was hiking at Campbell River Park I came upon a wildflower field.

It was so beautiful and I began to pick the wild harebells, phlox, milkweed, and queen anne's lace.

This watercolour painting in a sturdy glass vase captured that moment; and those wildflowers I still remember how wonderful they smelt.

The Seated Pretty Little Girl in a Blue Jumper 1995

This pretty little girl is so smart,

Cute,

Well behaved,

Posed in the seat for me so patiently,

A lovely child,

And she is now a young woman.