Restless Mind ~ Beautiful Spirit
November 2016
Acrylic Paint on Bamboo Board
6.7" x 12.7"
This stunning portrait painting on a bamboo board is actually a revival and re-imagination of one of my older styles. Back in 2012 I created a series on bamboo board entitled "Restless In Wonderment". Two of the three pieces were damaged in a storm during an outdoor art show but the most beloved one remained perfectly intact. Over the years it was published in magazines and was even on a cover! But for some reason it never sold. Then during my Solo Exhibition in November 2016 it sold TWICE. A gentleman from out of town purchased it at the gallery as a gift for his niece's wedding; while I had taken a payment from a long time supporters father. It turned out the daughter had always loved the piece. I decided to create her one from scratch using my new techniques and skills. The piece depicts her as one of my Restless Beauties, being filled with an abundance of thoughts. I wanted the painting to exude a calm beauty while expressing her restless mind using colour and design in the background. It's our thoughts and our feelings that makes us the truly beautiful and unique beings we are.
Acrylic Paint on Bamboo Board
6.7" x 12.7"
This stunning portrait painting on a bamboo board is actually a revival and re-imagination of one of my older styles. Back in 2012 I created a series on bamboo board entitled "Restless In Wonderment". Two of the three pieces were damaged in a storm during an outdoor art show but the most beloved one remained perfectly intact. Over the years it was published in magazines and was even on a cover! But for some reason it never sold. Then during my Solo Exhibition in November 2016 it sold TWICE. A gentleman from out of town purchased it at the gallery as a gift for his niece's wedding; while I had taken a payment from a long time supporters father. It turned out the daughter had always loved the piece. I decided to create her one from scratch using my new techniques and skills. The piece depicts her as one of my Restless Beauties, being filled with an abundance of thoughts. I wanted the painting to exude a calm beauty while expressing her restless mind using colour and design in the background. It's our thoughts and our feelings that makes us the truly beautiful and unique beings we are.
Cheeky Beauties
November 2016
Acrylic Paint and Oil Paint on Wood Panel
12" x 16"/each
This series hopes to capture women in a “cheeky” moment. More often than not, women in the media are portrayed with a rather calm or sultry expression or a soft smile. It is quite rare to see a woman being a goofball but oddly enough that’s when women are truly expressing their spirit. In my mind there isn’t anything quite like a woman who, in that moment, is comfortable being her adorable quirky self. My two beauties show different sides of their cheekiness with Alyestal being a ‘Silly Goose’ and Marie-Claude channeling her ‘Old Soul’. I hope the two colourful pieces bring a smile to your face.
Acrylic Paint and Oil Paint on Wood Panel
12" x 16"/each
This series hopes to capture women in a “cheeky” moment. More often than not, women in the media are portrayed with a rather calm or sultry expression or a soft smile. It is quite rare to see a woman being a goofball but oddly enough that’s when women are truly expressing their spirit. In my mind there isn’t anything quite like a woman who, in that moment, is comfortable being her adorable quirky self. My two beauties show different sides of their cheekiness with Alyestal being a ‘Silly Goose’ and Marie-Claude channeling her ‘Old Soul’. I hope the two colourful pieces bring a smile to your face.
The 20s Reborn
November 2016
Crackle Paste, Acrylic Paint, Oil Paint, and Gems on Wood Panel
12" x 16"
Having painted and become friends with her sister, it was only natural that Janique St Laurent and I would become a part of each others online circle. What a blessing that was because she would soon post a picture that would inspire one of the most delicate, beautiful, and unique pieces I have ever created. In her photo she wore a lovely 1920s inspired headband and I couldn’t help but feel this gorgeous old soul with a passion for social justice embodied the spirit of the roaring era. With that in mind I decided to capture her beauty somewhat translucently to convey that this 20s spirit is being reborn into our modern world. A particularly special aspect of the piece is a sculpted antique frame that, like the portrait, seems solid but then becomes ghostly. Lastly the gems in the jewelry give the piece a dream-like sparkle. I’m an avid history lover, and the 1920s is one of my favourite eras, so creating this piece truly touched my soul.
Crackle Paste, Acrylic Paint, Oil Paint, and Gems on Wood Panel
12" x 16"
Having painted and become friends with her sister, it was only natural that Janique St Laurent and I would become a part of each others online circle. What a blessing that was because she would soon post a picture that would inspire one of the most delicate, beautiful, and unique pieces I have ever created. In her photo she wore a lovely 1920s inspired headband and I couldn’t help but feel this gorgeous old soul with a passion for social justice embodied the spirit of the roaring era. With that in mind I decided to capture her beauty somewhat translucently to convey that this 20s spirit is being reborn into our modern world. A particularly special aspect of the piece is a sculpted antique frame that, like the portrait, seems solid but then becomes ghostly. Lastly the gems in the jewelry give the piece a dream-like sparkle. I’m an avid history lover, and the 1920s is one of my favourite eras, so creating this piece truly touched my soul.
Apartment View
August 2016
Transfer and Acrylic Paint on Canvas
5" x 7"
This little Mixed Media Artwork was created for our wedding! This is the stunning view we both look at while we chat with each other everyday. We have experienced so many beautiful sunrises, sunsets, clouds, fireworks, airplane shows, trees changing colours, and the Earth's creatures while looking out this window; we're incredibly blessed. This is such a big beautiful part of our life that we decided to make it a figure piece on our wedding ceremony columns, amongst our other precious items and memories.
Transfer and Acrylic Paint on Canvas
5" x 7"
This little Mixed Media Artwork was created for our wedding! This is the stunning view we both look at while we chat with each other everyday. We have experienced so many beautiful sunrises, sunsets, clouds, fireworks, airplane shows, trees changing colours, and the Earth's creatures while looking out this window; we're incredibly blessed. This is such a big beautiful part of our life that we decided to make it a figure piece on our wedding ceremony columns, amongst our other precious items and memories.
Pieces Of Our Journey
August 2016
Acrylic Paint and Acrylic Markers on Canvas
28" x 48"
This is a very special painting that I created with my husband, Darren Edward. In 2010 we moved in together (to the big city of Toronto no less) and I began my career as a professional artist. I attempted to create this large canvas from scratch but it was a little too wonky to be used for work. So I asked Darren if he wanted to make something with me and the journey began! We would pull it out and paint on it over the years, but the major work and final details were put in before our wedding on September 03 2016. On that day we signed this painting together and that was more meaningful than the legal paper we signed. This painting will be cherished for the rest of our lives!
Acrylic Paint and Acrylic Markers on Canvas
28" x 48"
This is a very special painting that I created with my husband, Darren Edward. In 2010 we moved in together (to the big city of Toronto no less) and I began my career as a professional artist. I attempted to create this large canvas from scratch but it was a little too wonky to be used for work. So I asked Darren if he wanted to make something with me and the journey began! We would pull it out and paint on it over the years, but the major work and final details were put in before our wedding on September 03 2016. On that day we signed this painting together and that was more meaningful than the legal paper we signed. This painting will be cherished for the rest of our lives!
LOVE
COLOURING CONTEST
July 2016
Pen on Paper
8.5" x 11"
I have spent many days on this piece and hold it very dear to my heart. It is titled “LOVE”. I was inspired by PRIDE which was recently celebrated here in Toronto. In my eyes these two beautiful women are in a loving committed relationship .... a beautiful and calming sight. I feel very connected to this idea because, although I am engaged to an incredible man, I am pansexual. If you haven’t heard the term before it means I am attracted to people based on who they are, regardless of gender or gender identity. I don’t really care about people’s bodies, they’re all beautiful, I care about people’s souls. Darren is the most beautiful soul I have ever met which is why I love him to pieces. Needless to say I feel very connected to this theme of “Love”. I’m sure everyone here believes ALL love is good love, but I do understand that not everyone can personally relate to this type of love. If you decide you’d prefer to make these two women best friends, sisters, mother & daughter, and so on I will in no way be offended or take it as a slight towards the LGBT community. You may even depict one or both of the people as men if you wish. I titled the piece “LOVE” with big capital letters because I wanted it to encompass all possibilities of love. The type of love you depict is totally up to you! Follow your hearts my dearest supporters and spread love far and wide! <3
July 2016
Pen on Paper
8.5" x 11"
I have spent many days on this piece and hold it very dear to my heart. It is titled “LOVE”. I was inspired by PRIDE which was recently celebrated here in Toronto. In my eyes these two beautiful women are in a loving committed relationship .... a beautiful and calming sight. I feel very connected to this idea because, although I am engaged to an incredible man, I am pansexual. If you haven’t heard the term before it means I am attracted to people based on who they are, regardless of gender or gender identity. I don’t really care about people’s bodies, they’re all beautiful, I care about people’s souls. Darren is the most beautiful soul I have ever met which is why I love him to pieces. Needless to say I feel very connected to this theme of “Love”. I’m sure everyone here believes ALL love is good love, but I do understand that not everyone can personally relate to this type of love. If you decide you’d prefer to make these two women best friends, sisters, mother & daughter, and so on I will in no way be offended or take it as a slight towards the LGBT community. You may even depict one or both of the people as men if you wish. I titled the piece “LOVE” with big capital letters because I wanted it to encompass all possibilities of love. The type of love you depict is totally up to you! Follow your hearts my dearest supporters and spread love far and wide! <3
Eyes Of Crystal
March 2016
Acrylic & Oil Paint
on Canvas
11" x 14"
COMMISSION
These beautiful blues belong to the gorgeous Molly Baker! I have an amazing client, Patrick Giordani, who has been supporting me for years. He talked of commissioning some eye paintings and knew he wanted one for his long time friend Molly. When he told me he wanted to have it finished in time for a visit he would have with her in early March I new I had to get it done. As the washes of different colours created opalescent shine and shape around the eyes I had a feeling the piece would be calming and soft. I have to say I absolutely love the results! I am very happy to say that Molly has allowed me permission to sell prints of this gorgeous artwork. I know these deep eyes will have a calming effect on anyone viewing them.
Acrylic & Oil Paint
on Canvas
11" x 14"
COMMISSION
These beautiful blues belong to the gorgeous Molly Baker! I have an amazing client, Patrick Giordani, who has been supporting me for years. He talked of commissioning some eye paintings and knew he wanted one for his long time friend Molly. When he told me he wanted to have it finished in time for a visit he would have with her in early March I new I had to get it done. As the washes of different colours created opalescent shine and shape around the eyes I had a feeling the piece would be calming and soft. I have to say I absolutely love the results! I am very happy to say that Molly has allowed me permission to sell prints of this gorgeous artwork. I know these deep eyes will have a calming effect on anyone viewing them.
See With Your Soul
February 2016
Mixed Media on Canvas
Watercolour, Coloured Pencils,
Acrylic Paint & Gems
8" x 10"
For the past few years I've been so busy with the business side of my art career that I had stopped making pieces based on instinct and bouts of inspiration. I focused my energy on commissions, practice pieces, contest prizes, and pieces made specially for exhibitions. I can't begin to tell you how many ideas popped into my head over the years but instead of starting them I would add them to a list; "Pieces I Want to Do". I think as the years passed and the list got longer and longer I began to feel a bit disconnected from my work. I longed to make work from my soul but I couldn't find the time. Finally I've decided I MUST make time because an artist can't sit on passionate messages, they have to get them out. Moments after having this realization I was struck with a thought that often comes to me.
How much better would the world be if we were all accustomed to questioning the things that are presented to us? What if we all questioned ourselves, our thoughts, our morals, and our beliefs? This thought is based on my personal journey of deciding to question our world and my thoughts about myself and people in general. It was this internal investigation (one that will go on for the rest of my life) that has allowed me to challenge a lot of societal norms and personal beliefs that were causing me harm. I have changed drastically in the past eight years and it is all because of internal thought and what I call "evolving my soul". One of the biggest ideas I challenged was the concept that people can be compared as equals; that one person can understand another person. Despite what the media tells us, we can never be like anyone else, ever. It doesn't matter if you're an identical twin being raised in the same household. You are a unique person because no one has lived your life completely and no one truly knows all of the thoughts and feelings that have gone through your mind. From this came my belief that it is our uniqueness that makes us beautiful and extraordinary. This then led to never comparing myself to anyone else because we are all on a unique journey. Once that thought sinks in it is much easier to stop judging, to be kinder, to take joy out of other peoples joy and successes, and to know that we can grow and change for the rest of our lives. This concept of communicating with my inner self, my soul, is represented in this piece by the golden eye. It alludes to the idea that if we see the world and ourselves through our soul we will inevitably understand ourselves and others better which can only lead to change and happiness. The idea of inner reflection is sometimes a scary thing. Learning that we don't like certain things about ourselves or admitting that we've been wrong can be very hard. But getting passed those hurdles, realizing there is no shame in admitting you're not perfect, can open you up to a world of understanding and a sense of peace. No matter how many or how few people you have in your life, you will ALWAYS be in the company of yourself so why not make yourself the best and most content person you can be. :)
Mixed Media on Canvas
Watercolour, Coloured Pencils,
Acrylic Paint & Gems
8" x 10"
For the past few years I've been so busy with the business side of my art career that I had stopped making pieces based on instinct and bouts of inspiration. I focused my energy on commissions, practice pieces, contest prizes, and pieces made specially for exhibitions. I can't begin to tell you how many ideas popped into my head over the years but instead of starting them I would add them to a list; "Pieces I Want to Do". I think as the years passed and the list got longer and longer I began to feel a bit disconnected from my work. I longed to make work from my soul but I couldn't find the time. Finally I've decided I MUST make time because an artist can't sit on passionate messages, they have to get them out. Moments after having this realization I was struck with a thought that often comes to me.
How much better would the world be if we were all accustomed to questioning the things that are presented to us? What if we all questioned ourselves, our thoughts, our morals, and our beliefs? This thought is based on my personal journey of deciding to question our world and my thoughts about myself and people in general. It was this internal investigation (one that will go on for the rest of my life) that has allowed me to challenge a lot of societal norms and personal beliefs that were causing me harm. I have changed drastically in the past eight years and it is all because of internal thought and what I call "evolving my soul". One of the biggest ideas I challenged was the concept that people can be compared as equals; that one person can understand another person. Despite what the media tells us, we can never be like anyone else, ever. It doesn't matter if you're an identical twin being raised in the same household. You are a unique person because no one has lived your life completely and no one truly knows all of the thoughts and feelings that have gone through your mind. From this came my belief that it is our uniqueness that makes us beautiful and extraordinary. This then led to never comparing myself to anyone else because we are all on a unique journey. Once that thought sinks in it is much easier to stop judging, to be kinder, to take joy out of other peoples joy and successes, and to know that we can grow and change for the rest of our lives. This concept of communicating with my inner self, my soul, is represented in this piece by the golden eye. It alludes to the idea that if we see the world and ourselves through our soul we will inevitably understand ourselves and others better which can only lead to change and happiness. The idea of inner reflection is sometimes a scary thing. Learning that we don't like certain things about ourselves or admitting that we've been wrong can be very hard. But getting passed those hurdles, realizing there is no shame in admitting you're not perfect, can open you up to a world of understanding and a sense of peace. No matter how many or how few people you have in your life, you will ALWAYS be in the company of yourself so why not make yourself the best and most content person you can be. :)
Mehndi Indian Bride
February 2016
Acrylic Paint, Oil Paint, Mica,
Pearls, and Gems on Canvas
24" x 24"
COMMISSION
This piece and I have had quite the journey! I remember when my client from Hong Kong first commissioned me to create this painting last February 2015, just over a year ago, I was over-the-moon excited. The piece captures the natural beauty of my client's wife on her wedding day using layers of acrylic paint, washes of oils, and 3D features such as gold pieces, pearls, and gems. There were some fantastic challenges that I knew I'd need to overcome such as the sheer look of the veil, the mehndi on her hand, and the multitude of fine adhered gems, pearls, and metallic pieces. I'm happy to say the results of these challenges have come out better than I imagined! Another challenge was getting the facial features highly realistic, and an exact likeness to my client's beautiful wife, at this unique angle and when the reference image contained many shadows. In the end her true beauty shines through the smooth luminescent washes of oil paint. All of those challenges were inspiring! I figured I could complete it by the original due date in the Summer of 2015 but it wasn't meant to be. A challenge I couldn't predict was that my health would take a bad turn. Though I tried to work on her little by little, the deadline was forced way back. This was the first time in my life that I'd been this tardy with a project or deadline. I was one of those "goody two-shoes" in school that always had homework done on time and to the best of my ability. And that was school, something forced on me that wasn't always fun; when it comes to my art career I'm even more eager and serious about my professionalism and meeting deadlines. It quite literally broke my heart not being able to complete my work. It was a tough year but I won't dwell on it; when I think back I'll remember how I battled through it and spent what time I could on creating this breathtaking portrait! I can never thank my patron enough for his patience. I hope that the piece will bring his lovely wife lots of joy and that the two of them will enjoy the painting for years to come.
Acrylic Paint, Oil Paint, Mica,
Pearls, and Gems on Canvas
24" x 24"
COMMISSION
This piece and I have had quite the journey! I remember when my client from Hong Kong first commissioned me to create this painting last February 2015, just over a year ago, I was over-the-moon excited. The piece captures the natural beauty of my client's wife on her wedding day using layers of acrylic paint, washes of oils, and 3D features such as gold pieces, pearls, and gems. There were some fantastic challenges that I knew I'd need to overcome such as the sheer look of the veil, the mehndi on her hand, and the multitude of fine adhered gems, pearls, and metallic pieces. I'm happy to say the results of these challenges have come out better than I imagined! Another challenge was getting the facial features highly realistic, and an exact likeness to my client's beautiful wife, at this unique angle and when the reference image contained many shadows. In the end her true beauty shines through the smooth luminescent washes of oil paint. All of those challenges were inspiring! I figured I could complete it by the original due date in the Summer of 2015 but it wasn't meant to be. A challenge I couldn't predict was that my health would take a bad turn. Though I tried to work on her little by little, the deadline was forced way back. This was the first time in my life that I'd been this tardy with a project or deadline. I was one of those "goody two-shoes" in school that always had homework done on time and to the best of my ability. And that was school, something forced on me that wasn't always fun; when it comes to my art career I'm even more eager and serious about my professionalism and meeting deadlines. It quite literally broke my heart not being able to complete my work. It was a tough year but I won't dwell on it; when I think back I'll remember how I battled through it and spent what time I could on creating this breathtaking portrait! I can never thank my patron enough for his patience. I hope that the piece will bring his lovely wife lots of joy and that the two of them will enjoy the painting for years to come.
