At the beginning of the year, I was asked to paint two miniature paintings for 2 couples about to tie the knot, and then this summer I was commissioned to create a wedding gift for another couple. All these miniatures are of Toronto – a city that has meant a lot to each couple!

Here are the three memorable miniatures:

What are their stories – the connections between places and people?

“St. Lawrence Market, Toronto” – This couple lived in this neighbourhood when they first got together. Going to the market was a fun part of their weekly routine, and the family commissioned this miniature for the newlyweds’ new home. The family had seen a larger version of this painting and wondered if I could paint it as a miniature – it was a challenge but I got all the important details into this 2.5″ x 3.5″ piece.

“Canoe Landing Park Vista, Toronto” – The newlywed couple were gifted with this piece, again from family members. This couple was moving to a US city for work and the idea was to take some of Toronto with them.

“Hong Shing, Toronto” – This wedding gift captures the restaurant where the reception took place in Toronto – a beloved spot where the newlywed couple were regular customers and became friends with the owners.

I’ve done a number of commissions featuring Toronto, and throughout my career, my other Toronto-themed pieces have been the most popular. It’s so heart-warming to see such love for the city!

And furthermore, it’s always such an honour to create something “Toronto-special” for people as they start their love-journeys together!