Pastel Statement and Bio

I paint what inspires me and try to capture the experience for others to appreciate. It can be the effect of light reflected in the landscape, or the textures and colours as light moves across architectural forms in the landscape, or the complex shapes in a cityscape that has evolved for hundreds of years.

Starting with watercolour sketches to feel out the composition, I then move to plein air pastel studies to capture the light and colours. These in turn form the basis for larger studio pastel paintings where I can freely draw and paint with pastels building up the layers, often using watercolour as an underpainting. There is an interplay between the underpainting, the absorption of pastel by paper and the surface reflection of pastels that is fascinating. Currently my motifs come from medieval French and quattrocento Italian scenes I have encountered while travelling.

I was educated at MIT and UC Berkeley before emigrating to Canada. For many years, I was a partner in a successful Toronto architectural practice. I enjoy freehand sketching and drawing from life whenever possible. Sketching captures a vitality that energizes the drawing and painting process, and pastel offers a wide range of expression.

Although largely self-taught in pastels, I have taken pastel workshops with Margaret Evans, Wolf Kahn and Terri Ford. I try to fuse representation with modern ideas of colour to achieve expressive paintings.

in 2018 I received signature status with Pastel Artists.Ca.