Still Going All The Way
Go all the way with it. Do not back off. For once, go all the goddamn way with what matters. – Ernest Hemingway Five years ago this week, I started […]
La Dolce Vignetta
Over these last few months housebound, I’ve definitely become one of the millions who has taken up the new practice of “Couch Travelling”… far more than is recommended. I find […]
The Last Time I Saw Florence
On the bright January 1st morning, I grabbed my painting kit along with a freshly-brewed cup of espresso, and headed out to the apartment terrace to start my year with […]
Taking A Coffee Break in Italy’s Big Cities
One of my favourite things to do while in Italy: […]
Ending The Decade With Love
A few years ago, I painted my first miniature featuring Love Locks – the padlocks with lovers’ initials attached to bridges and other structures. Being the romantic that I am, […]
Moved By Matera
In 2011, almost a decade ago now, I visited the Italian city of Matera in the Basilicata region. A friend of mine had been born there and spoke of it […]
He Was Always On My Mind
I’ve never thought much about the adage that “art imitates life”, however with my latest 2 paintings, I’m beginning to understand there may be a lot of truth in that […]
Bright Lights Nostalgia
A few months ago I went on a hunt in Toronto for “ghost signs” – those painted advertisements on the sides of buildings from the first half of the 1900’s […]
Siena’s Lasting Glow
O gracious city well-beloved, Italian, and a maiden crowned, Siena, my feet are no more moved Toward thy strange-shapen mountain-bound: But my heart in me turns and moves, O lady […]
The Neighbourhood That Never Sleeps
Welcome to the Miragaia district of Porto, Portugal! At this time last year, I was making the walk daily from mid-town Porto down to the Congress Centre in this […]
A Fisherman’s Door
SEA You challenge time since the dawn of the world. These words were carved in Italian into the stone plaque beside this door facing the docks in the beautiful seaside […]
Colour And Freedom
This is one of the rare miniature paintings I’ve done of a place I have yet to visit. I’ve painted many artworks with colourful houses, but the story behind these […]
New York City Walk-Ups
As a teenager and an aspiring actor, I often daydreamed about living in New York City and pursuing a creative career. Part of that daydream was living in an apartment […]
City Fishing
Fishing along Lake Ontario probably figured into the lives of Toronto residents dozens of years ago, with its abundant 45 kilometres of shoreline. Today there are high-rise condominiums along most […]
An Emotional Moment In Barcelona
As many followers of this blog know, most of the subjects I choose to paint have an associated memory or story, and I tell you those stories here whenever I […]
While We Can
There are some events that occur in the world that collectively shake us up. Some are joy-filled, but more often they are tragic, unexpected or beyond comprehension. You remember where […]
