"Indian Summer"
   This is one of my signature pieces. Flash back to many years ago - I was in the lobby of the Chateau Laurier hotel in Ottawa. There was a small art gallery there. I went inside, where I saw an amazing painting by Jean-Paul Lemieux. I was fascinated by his style. I did some visual research on his works and painted this as hommage to him.
   In this work I am attempting to portray my wife Wendy, who was raised on a farm in Pennsylvania. She appears to be in harmony with the land because of the colours I painted her, as well as the fact that she seems to be in line with the landscape.
   My wife, however, is not fond of this one. She says that it makes her look as if she has been drinking a lot -- which she does not do. She calls it "The Leaning Lady."
   What I also appreciate in this painting is that I was able to reduce the scene to very few shapes, objects and colours. That way I could focus on what is really important. And in life, that's often what it's all about, isn't it? It's about the struggle to remove the clutter in order to reveal what is really important.
   Removing the clutter of everyday life is a challenge, I'll admit. But painting is my release; each fresh canvas is a brand new world where I can start all over again.
   As you paint your own future, may you find a way to simplify and unclutter your world.
Â
