Sunday, March 24, 2024

Tyler
11in x 14
Watercolour


 

Territorial Crow
7in x 5in
Casein


 

Wolves
15in x 22in
Watercolour/Gouache


 

Eagle & Crow 2
Watercolour/Gouache
11in x 14in


 

Port Coldwell
Watercolour/Gouache
14in x 11in




 

Dream Dance 3
Watercolour/Casein
15in x 22in


 

Dream Dance 2
Watercolour/Casein
8in x 18in


 

Hidden Dance
Watercolour/Casein
22in x 14in


 

Dream Dancing
2ft x 3ft
Acrylic on canvas

Abstract/Realism


 

3 Wildlife paintings done in the same abstract/realist style.  All 3 are acrylic on canvas.  The moose measures 2ft x 2.5ft, the wolf measures 16in x 12in with the hawk measuring 14in x 11in


 

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Eagle & Wolf

16inch by 20inch Acrylic Painting.  Originally intended to be painted for and oval layout but ended up working just as well in the standard portrait layout.  




Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Mystic Dancer/Trancendence

 
11in x 14 Acrylic Painting

 3ft x 1 ft Oil painting of the Sleeping Giant in Thunder Bay, ON

Geraldton Mcleod-Cockshutt Headframes

Here are 3 paintings I recently completed of the now Dismantled Geraldton mining headframe

24in x 36in Oil Painting

 
5in x 7in oil painting
 
18in x 24in Acrylic Painting

Saturday, June 24, 2023

Reflection Dance & Dancer John Berland


 Here are two paintings that I originally wanted to do in black & white monochrome but decided to add some splashes of colour throughout.

Eagle & Crow


Here are 2 panels 24in x 36in titled Eagle and Crow.  Abstract realism. Finished April 2023

Wolf Peering


 Small 8in x 10in acrylic painting.  Was in the mood to paint some quick smaller wildlife and landscapes.

The Bear


 5in x 7in Acrylic painting, titled "The Bear". 

Friday, January 6, 2023

Merlin and Dad

 Painting I did for a client.  Acrylic on Canvas



Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Birth of Blackbird

 AVAILABLE

Oil painting that measure 48in x 30in. As per title, it depicts the birth of Blackbird, a fantastical entity, often mistakenly interpreted,  whom is said to be a watcher and advisor for those who care to listen and yearn to understand.



Monday, August 22, 2022

Dr. Dave Courchene

NOT AVAILABLE

Here is an oil painting i was commissioned to paint by Bonnie Goodchild of behalf of Pic River First Nation.  It was presented to Elder/Visionary Dr. Dave Courchene, creator of Turtle Lodge, a gathering and learning place located on the Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba.  It measures 36in x 48in.  It was an honor to be asked to paint this for such a distinguished individual.


 

Sunday, August 14, 2022

Foundation of Hope

NOT AVAILABLE

 Mural I did for the Thunder Bay Library (Stories of Anishinaabe Resilience) to acknowledge and pay respect to the former attendees of the St. Joseph Residential School. 

It measures 8ft x 8ft and is composed of Qty 4, 4ft x 4ft sections.  It is acrylic painted on wood panels.




St. Joseph Residential School Attendees

NOT AVAILABLE

Stories of Anishinnabe Resilience (SOAR)

Thunder Bay Public Library initiative to acknowledge and pay respect to all who attended St. Joseph Residential school.  I was asked to paint 3 portraits. Dolores Wawia, Morris Shapwaykeesic and Doloris Skinner-Wanakamick are the attendees I painted.  Paintings measure 12in x 16in.


 

Saturday, July 30, 2022

Lloyd Michon - Korean War Vet

Lloyd Michon - Acrylic Painting


 

Spirit Dancers

NOT AVAILABLE

3 Oil paintings, each measuring 3ft x 4ft






Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Mike Esquega

NOT AVAILABLE


48in x 36in oil painting of my friend Mike Esquega.  This is one panel out of 3 which will come together to form one larger painting.



Friday, October 16, 2020

Bernadette A Michon

NOT AVAILABLE 


This painting of my sister, who passed away Aug 2020 is done in oil and measures 2ft by 3ft.  I do have mixed feelings about it as it was to commemorate her strength and resilience in the face of illness and while that part has not changed, we all had high hopes for Bernie.  I kept promising that I would paint her and am glad she was able to see me keep that promise.  

The picture originally started as a double portrait and there is actually a full portrait of my mother to the top left of Bernie's head.  She was there to be with Bernie in her time of need.  If you look closely you can see the outline of my mom's head.  My mother passed away almost a year prior to Bernie.  I was just not having the easiest time painting my mom, so for whatever reason I painted over her.  At the time I thought ok, she is still there with Bernie and even though she could not be seen now, her spirit is still with her.   



Saturday, May 30, 2020

Here is a promo video of my Indigenous themed paintings


Friday, March 27, 2020

Howard Stern

AVAILABLE

Second in my attempt at celebrity paintings. Unlike my previous one, I did not want to go too refined. I wanted to keep things loose and quick. Howard Stern, personified anything but refined. When I first became aware of him in the 80's I really was not a fan and never took the time to understand his humour. However I started listening to him on my drive to work from Toronto to Brampton in 2001 and I was hooked from there. I followed him to satellite and continue to this day to look forward to his interviews and mostly the staff storylines and the wack pack. My tribute to Howard Stern.

Oh yes, this is painted on a full sheet of 22in by 30in watercolour, painted with Watercolour, Acrylic and Casein.


Sunday, March 22, 2020

Celine

NOT AVAILABLE



Here is an oil painting based on the career of Celine Dion.  It measures 2ft x 3ft.  The concept was to show Celine in various stages of her career by merging various sections of images from her past up to present day.  I wanted to create a portrait that was far from traditional, while still being able to keep a likeness.  

As well, since parts of images were used to base this painting off of and in keeping with Fair Use Guidelines, this work does not directly copy any full work of photographed material. The intent was to comment on said subject matter in hopes of documenting a long career by creating a new artwork whose concept is entirely my own thus eliminating any confusion as to the creator of the work.

Sunday, March 1, 2020

Starlight

NOT AVAILABLE

Here is my latest painting called Starlight.  It measures 30in by 40in and is done in oil paints.  While some may understand the reference, this is by no means a direct depiction of any actual events but rather a reply to the practice of law enforcement abandoning most often inebriated indigenous men outside, beyond city limits, in the cold of winter, often with tragic endings.  By no means is this anti-police, but rather anti-racism. I wanted only to put a human aspect to this.  No one deserves such treatment regardless of their addictions and ethnicity.  Someone's brother, someone's dad, someone's son, someone's friend died senselessly.  No matter what the circumstance, someone's lack of humanity resulted in sorrow for many people.  If this has happened to non-indigenous, this too is for you and your loved ones.  Again, this is not anti-police.  The majority of officers are putting their lives on the line for you and I.  That I admire and respect.   If you'd like to know more, just google Starlight Tours. 


Friday, January 17, 2020

Kenogamisis Raven - Acrylic 2ft x 3ft

NOT AVAILABLE

This past summer we went exploring around town and ended up at Kenogamisis Lake in Geraldton, Ontario.  I had a lof fun painting this but the water really tested my patience, which is what attracted me to doing this painting in the first place.  It started off only as a landscape but was suggested by a good friend (Shirley) that I should add the raven and from that point there was no turning back.


Wednesday, September 25, 2019

A Moment of Clarity

NOT AVAILABLE

Here is a 36" x 48 oil painting titled "A Moment of Clarity".  It depicts a journey I went through with my mother, and while I have the absolute most wonderful memories of our last several years together, in the end we fought a batte together that finally overcame our efforts.  My mother passed with mixed Dementia of which I believe Lewy Body was the main culprit.  She lived a long and good life, always putting her best foot forward despite any hardship she may have endured.  She kept her faith while I struggled to make sense of it all and she provided the ideal path for me to follow.  

I began this painting while my mother was still with us and while she didnt seem to take much interest in it, when she did ask what I was painting I told her it was a picture of her  She responded with an "oh no" but when I told her I was in it as well, she was ok with it.  She didn't really like me painting her so much but she became my best subject/model. 


Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Art Skead

AVAILABLE

Here is an Acrylic/Casein painting I've just finished of a dancer named Arthur Skead. It measures 4ft across by 5ft high. I met Arthur two years ago at the Lake Helen Pow wow. I asked him if he would pose for a painting, which he agreed to however when I viewed the photo reference I was dismayed at the lack of clarity and detail, as the photo was done real quick and under less than optimal conditions. I was happy to discover i had captured him in all his spirit and conviction dancing which certainly made for a better painting


Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Victor Chapais

NOT AVAILABLE

Here is a painting of Victor Chapais. The painting is done in acrylic on canvas. It measures 2ft across by 4ft high.

I’ve seen Victor dance the last few years that I’ve been attending local Gatherings/Pow Wow’s. I’ve also become aware of his generosity in terms of his leadership qualities and willingness to share his knowledge.

When viewing the dancers, I often imagine them bravely working through their trials and tribulations, while at the same time giving themselves to the Creator. The conviction in doing so allows one to break though the mist and see things with clarity

I call the painting - Dancing with Clarity


Monday, May 14, 2018

Dancing with Spirits

AVAILABLE


Acrylic Painting measuring 4ft by 5ft based off my Nephew's half brother Munzeroy, a very good dancer. Sometimes these dancers seem to be propelled by spirits unseen which is my interpretation of that which we cannot see. I call it Dancing with Spirits.

Sunday, January 14, 2018

Fancyman

AVAILABLE

I finished this painting prior to Christmas 2018.  The painting is called Fancyman, which happens to be the name commonly associated with this dancer.  His real name is Francis Goodchild.  I wanted to keep the painting in the same vein as my previous paintings which incorporates a colourful, abstract background with my portraits.  The painting measures 2ft by 3ft and is done in acrylic on canvas.


Friday, November 24, 2017

My Mother's Past

NOT AVAILABLE


Here is a painting done in Casein and Oil and measures 24in by 18in. My mother views her past fondly despite the events of her past which led her to be raised in the Canadian Residential School system. To this day she still dreams of the activities and games she partook in.

Native Woman Nobility

AVAILABLE


Here is a painting done in Acrylic and Measures 24in by 36in. I wanted to show the Nobility that resides in us all. I often think the crows and ravens do their best to offer us guidance, but more often than not we tend to ignore the seemingly mundane things life has to offer.

Sunday, July 30, 2017

Gaagii Nimin Ikwe. (Everlasting Woman Dancer)

AVAILABLE

Here is a painting of a long time friend of mine Cathy Fobister. I've known her ever since grade school at B.A. Parker. I'm always looking for strong people to paint, people who put themselves out there for the good of others and I think Cathy exemplifies these qualities. I asked her to pose for me when I seen her in Geraldton on Aboriginal Day. She has not seen this so I hope when she does she likes it. The painting itself measures 2ft across by 4ft high and is acrylic on canvas.


Thursday, June 15, 2017

Spirit of Dance #5

NOT AVAILABLE

Here is another painting in my Spirit of Dance series (number 5) in which I attempt to employ a very loose and quickly executed approach.  The primal feel taken by the dancers is hopefully what I convey in my work when attempting to portray the nobility and courage of the dancers.  

The Painting measures 24in by 36in and is Acrylic on canvas.


Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Along Highway 11

NOT AVAILABLE

A watercolour of some real estate along highway 11. Maybe some will recognize it. (here's a hint - it's located between Geraldton and Toronto) It was done fairly quickly to try to keep it fresh and looking like a watercolour. It is done on a full sheet and measures 30in by 22in.




Saturday, April 8, 2017

Sarah

NOT AVAILABLE

Here is my painting called "Sarah". It measures 24in x 18in and is oil on Canvas.

She is the daughter of my very good friend Shirley. I painted this to call attention to individuals who occasionally come up against certain aspects of life that inhibit personal growth. This could have easily been me in this picture, however I thought I've done enough self portraits.

I wanted to add a few indigenous teachings into the painting. 
The Thunderbird is our messenger to the creator and is able to burn away all that is dead, giving way to new beginnings. The smoke is then able to heal our inner soul.

Anyways, this is my tribute to Sarah. She's a smart and talented young lady with good taste in music who I know will be prosperous in life.



Tuesday, April 4, 2017

The Hidden Voice.

NOT AVAILABLE

Here is a painting I was commissioned to do by Greenstone Victim Services in Geraldton ON. They in turn presented it to Diane Redsky, a Governor General's Award winner, who was in Geraldton March 27th, 2017 facilitating a discussion on Human Trafficking, mainly dealing with at risk girls and women who are being targeted for the sex trade.

The painting i did is called "The Hidden Voice" It is done in Acrylic and measures 16in by 20in.





The intent of the painting was to give a voice
to the past and present women and girls who
have gone missing and will never have a voice.

The young girl's shadow is depicted by a
native woman painted in the Woodland style
of art.  It is a reminder of where we came
from and who we are.  The raven in the
background, often seen as a trickster
can show us the truth if we care to
look into our often troubled hearts and
face ourselves. 

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Harold Tookenay #2

AVAILABLE

Here is a painting of Harold Tookenay done entirely in Casein and painted on canvas. It measures 36in by 48in. Would like to thank Harold for being such a good subject for painting. A fitting profile of an individual who I'm sure possesses a vast amount of knowledge and experience.


Monday, November 28, 2016

Wolf & Raven

NOT AVAILABLE

Here is an acrylic painting I did almost 2 years ago but for some reason never posted here.  It's painted on wood panel and measures 24in x 18in 


The Warrior Hunter has two allies in his quest for food and clothing.  The raven will often present assistance if we stop to take his advice, which may not be apparent at first.  The wolf will walk with us as brothers, offering us courage in times of need.  

Monday, November 14, 2016

Self Portrait - Life

NOT AVAILABLE

I thought I had at one point finished this, however upon stepping away from it, I still was not satisfied with the way it turned out so after some thought, i wanted to give it a make over and maybe add some elements that I have been experimenting with on my previous acrylics. I'm finally satisfied and will call it done. The painting measures 2.5ft by 5ft and is done in oil on canvas.


Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Harold Tookenay

AVAILABLE

Here is a painting done in Acrylic and Casein on canvas. Size is 24in by 36in. I wanted to do a portrait of a traditional dancer so I asked my good friend Shirley to approach Harold if he was interested in having his portrait painted and he was quite receptive to the idea. We arranged a photo shoot and we were blessed with a nice sunset evening. I wanted to keep in the same style as merging realism with abstract. Painting is titled "Harold Tookenay".


Monday, August 15, 2016

Spirit of Dance 4

NOT AVAILABLE

Here is another 2ft by 3ft acrylic painting done in a more abstract style. Its called Spirit of Dance#4 and continues a style that enables me to paint in a somewhat spontaneous manner. I may do a few more in this series.