Portraits
I am a visual artist and a vocalist and a proverbial romantic. I was trained as a classical film animation artist at Sheridan College, Canada and have worked for Disney, Warner Brothers and Century Fox, as well as some commercial houses in Toronto. I returned to college when computers hit the scene and obtained a certificate in Multi Media, Digital Production which included some 3D animation.
My artistic journey has now predominantly directed me to portraiture, but I simply love to paint whatever strikes my fancy. I enjoy some commissions, but, they now have to move me artistically as well as financially.
Given my animation background, I was taught that drawing is drawing, so I have an affinity to all subjects whether animal or human – I enjoy painting portraits and welcome the challenge of capturing a soul on canvas. I work in different medias depending on subject and mood.
I am now LOVING retirement and enjoy painting and singing more than ever. I no longer have to draw for a living. I can now do art for the pure love of it. I still do commissions, but only when I want to. That may sound elitist – perhaps it is – but it’s honest.
Flower GirlOil on Milk Can
The Colours used in this painting match the colours my daughter that I used to paint our Retro Trailer. This Milk can stands at the entrance. We re-decorated the trailer during the COVID 19 pandemic so our daughter (now grown) would have her own space.
Hubby and ScrapMultimedia on canvas paper using Gouache, magic markers, and pastels
Couldn’t resist this moment
AristoAcrylic
Aristo Trafalgar was a racehorse that was owned by an US citizen that used him as an investment only. He raced him then stabled him. Aristo became self abusive and neurotic from neglect. The owner was going to shoot him when he became violent at the US border crossing into Canada. The present owner happened to be there at the time and was witness to this. She offered to buy this 50 thousand dollar horse for the border fees rather than have him shot. The owner agreed. It took 3 years of tender love but Aristo came around and won the Canadian Regional. He is still alive (2017) retired and happy. The original painting is 5’by 5′ acrylic. The owner wishes to remain anonymous.
AduWater Colour
Dr. Yaw Adu Poku saved my life. Because of him, we are now blessed with our beautiful , talented daughter. I took this picture 5 hours after our daughter, Roanna, was born from my hospital bedside. I later painted it, giving the original to Yaw as a gift of thanks. How do you thank someone for a life?
GarrettAcrylic
Garrick Tyas, the Fiddle Man, first and foremost friend, secondary, musician extraordinaire, fiddle, mandolin, but most of all … he had soul. My friend, Heinz took this shot of Garrick at one of our jams that my husband and I were hosting in Bloomfield, Ontario. The photo was blurry but captured a moment – enough to do this painting. Garrick always got gone in his music – I can relate to that…We miss him…
The Green Field in the Falloil
This beautiful field is next to our home in Prince Edward County. I walk my dog there every day. It’s my refuge.
My teacher and friend Philip Robins…
“Your skills, artistry and maturity far outstrip anything I could even have imagined – the BOLD colours Just like the artiste. Just can’t get over you!”
My BackyardAcrylic
Our tiny little piece of heaven. Our backyard in Treasure Cove.
Leo's wifeoil on canvas
Ah, Leo’s wife, I don’t even know her name. All I know is that Leo loved her with all his heart. I’ve refused commissions of people who are deceased but Leo brought this lady alive with his undying love for her. They are both gone now. I like to think of them together in the afterlife. I am forever the romantic.
Babiesoil on canvas
The “Two Babies” was the very first oil painting that I’ve ever done. I guess this is my on line public confession. My client at the time wanted an oil rendering and I was desperate for money so I said – “no problem”. Once into the commission I found I was loving painting in oil. It just seemed so natural. Cortisio was my inspiration for flesh tones – can’t deny the classics.
Our beautiful lanewaygouache on canvas
I lost my mojo for a few years. Last year (2024) our daughter asked for a painting for Christmas. Bless her. It got the ball rollin again…
The Terrible Threegouache on canvas
My animation background comes out in this painting.
My nephew, Mike and his best friend, Walter, picked up our daughter, Roanna, from University and took her to a pie eating contest at Dundas Square in Toronto – random FUN!!
Don and Celsiegouache on canvas
Don Roberts – amazing vocalist and super guy!! Loves his dog Celsie – they both made it so easy for me – thank you!!
The Boysgouache on canvas
Fraser Hardman, Alec Lung and Mark Despault – three very talented musicians and good friends.
Beth and her baby KhetaSpring Babies,gouache on canvas
Beth and her sweet spring baby, Kheta – just simply a fun, feel good, commission.
Life Drawingwatercolour
This life drawing holds a special meaning for me. I was very young when I painted this – it was a 10 minute gesture drawing when I was attending Sheridan in Oakville, Canada. My professor at the time, Suzanna Wald, after critiquing my work, said… “You are no longer a Maiden to the arts”. I’ll never forget those words of encouragement. We, as artisans, always crave and need them, even if we don’t admit it….Thank you Suzanne.
Hubby playing his bass guitarMulti Media
My husband, John, bought this bass guitar when we were in Vegas, an EBO.
He mainly plays his guitars but he can also play bass.
My husband is an incredible musician, He prides himself in “Colouring Music”. and he “colours” music so vividly!!
Two BrothersPencil Sketch
One of my husband’s co-workers asked me to sketch her two grandsons. This commission practically did itself. How can you go wrong with such precious subject matter?
RoannaSketch enhanced
Roanna – I did a quick sketch of Roanna while holidaying with my Mom and step father up at Craigleith in Collingwood – such a wonderful memory!! Roanna was watching me sketch her. Many years later while leafing through an old sketch book, looking for some paint palettes, I found this sketch and decided to play with it in Photoshop – this is the result. If you offered me a million dollars, I don’t think I could do it again.
Nathon & NaomiOil on Canvas
This shot was actually taken at the end of our dock – I was practically in the water – wish I could find the original picture – alas – I’m a painter – not an organizer – Nathan and Naomi are both amazingly talented young adults with promising futures. Both of them have super supportive parents. We’ve had the pleasure of working with them on several productions
Meeting of the MindsRoanna and Aunt Donna
My Cousin Donna and our Daughter , Roanna – the Meeting of the Minds. Simple crayon sketch. Cousin Donna – an amazing woman that has made a huge ripple in this world during her time in it – in a good way – thank you, Donna
Female ModelPastel
Igor Babailov, Portrait Master, had a juried master class that I had the pleasure of attending. Three students left crying in the first 5 minutes. Igor took no prisoners. He taught me so much in three days. I welcomed his critics. Amazing artisan!! I don’t know the name of this model, but she was so beautiful. Igor helped me a lot with this live sketch.
Bell Scotch Whiskygouache on board
My husbands father, John Alfred Kitchen, was on of my favourite people in the world. He was an incredible man that I loved and respected a lot (not unlike his son that I married).
He supported me a 1000 times more than my own father every did. I miss him so.
I painted this for him as a Christmas present years ago, but somehow it feels like yesterday.
My FairieAcrylic on Fungus
I was financially poor for most of my adult life before getting into animation. I often painted on rocks, fungus, wood, whatever I could get my hands on.
I remember selling my first painted rock for $150.00. I thought it was a million!
My husband took this shot of me on an old polaroid camera – slightly embellished – yes – but not much for it’s day
Two Poniesgouache on canvas
“You do excellent work as a portrait artist. I really love how you capture movement as well. Love it love it, love it……love the motion …..just delightful.” Doreen St. John
Astrogouache on canvas
My dear friend and faithful supporter asked me to paint her little dog Astro, named after Astro in the Jetsons. I wee little soul that Darlene saved.
Zeke Mazurekgouache on canvas
Zeke, an incredible fiddle player. I took this picture at a show we did together in Prince Edward County years ago. It sat in my “future projects” file for a few years until one night I decided to paint him – It’s the first painting I’ve ever started and finished in one sitting – on a role I guess – I found out about 3 months later that that was the night he passed away.
Self Portraitoil on canvas
This is probably my second attempt doing oil. Just kinda like it.
I’m holding Singapore, our cat. She lived to be 26 years old.
