Mike Esquega

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

Bernadette A Michon

 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.   

Here is a promo video of my Indigenous themed paintings

Howard Stern

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.

Celine - Painting yet to be named.

Here is an oil painting based on the career of Celine Dion. It measures 2ft by 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. Painted as a tribute to a friend. I think I will do one more in this style geared to a different audience.

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.

Starlight

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. 

Kenogamisis Raven

Acrylic painting (Some Casein) called Kenogamisis Raven. It measures 2ft by 3ft.

This past summer we went exploring around town and ended up at Kenogamisis Lake in Geraldton Ontario. I had a lot of fun painting this but the water really tested my patience, which is what attracted me to do 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.

A Moment of Clarity

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. 

Art Skead

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

Victor Chapais

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

Dancing with Spirits

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.

Fancyman

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.

My Mother's Past

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

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.

Gaagii Nimin Ikwe. (Everlasting Woman Dancer)

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.

Spirit of Dance #5

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.

Along Highway 11

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.

Sarah

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.

The Hidden Voice.

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. 

Harold Tookenay #2

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.

Wolf & Raven

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.  

Self Portrait - Life

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.

Harold Tookenay

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".

Spirit of Dance 4

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.

Spirit of Dance #3

Here is a 2' by 3' Acrylic Painting called Spirit of Dance #3, I wanted to use a palette knife to block in the majority of colour, while still employing the brush to handle the facial features and other smaller details.  The painting itself is based off of Dancer/Warrior Marsh Hardy. I have a few others in mind that I will paint in this style. Not my usual approach but it was quite fun to do.

Here is a recent painting that was done as a retirement gift for long standing local OPP Officer Mike Groeneveld of the Greenstone OPP detachment. (I am not sure of his final rank) It is done in Acrylic and measures 24" x 18". Thanks goes out to Sharon Groeneveld who played a big part in the final vision of this painting. It was a pleasure. Congratulations Mike.

I finished this painting in 2015 but just forgot to add it to my blog.  I was commissioned to do this painting by a good friend for her father.  It is done in Acrylic.  It measure 12 x 16 and is painted on wood panel.

The Protector

Here is a painting I did in oil measuring 20in by 24in. I found it a challenge because I am not used to painting faces so small but it turned out ok. I call the painting "the Protector." It's a painting of my mother and myself.. I situated us in an abstract and almost ominous setting, yet we take comfort in knowing that we can be there for each other.

Leonard

This is an acrylic painting of my cousin Leonard Dick. Many of you know him as Moccasin Joe. I wanted to paint this as I enjoy painting portraits of my family. Leonard has been part of our extended family for many years and has become a role model and inspiration for many. I remember once as a teenager in Geraldton high school, I was surprised to learn he was to give a presentation to the student body. I don't remember what he spoke about specifically, but I do remember the message was positive and delivered in his trademark comedic way. But mostly remember how proud I was to tell everyone he was my cousin. He has stood by our family and has offered support when needed. The painting makes mention of his alter ego Moccasin Joe as well as the book "Broken Spirit" he authored, just two small facets of his life.

He is a man of many talents. He is a husband/father. He is a friend of many. This is my tribute to him.

The Wanderer

Here is an Acrylic (with some Casein) painting measuring 16in by 20in. Just a quick painting depicting a fellow whom I call "The Wanderer". I imagine him being guided by spirits uknown, but whom he fully trusts to get him where he needs to be.

Little Dancer & Blackbird

Little Dancer & Blackbird. An acrylic painting more rooted in abstract and fantasy, depicting the spirit of dance. It measures 24in x 36in

Spirit of Dance (Two)

Here is another painting done quickly in the same style as the last one. I like the freshness of this style as well as being afforded not having to paint every detail as well as keeping the colours saturated and not overworked. This is an acrylic painting and measures 30in x 40in.

Spirit of Dance

A fairly quick attempt at trying my hand at merging abstract with a somewhat realistic/representational approach. I wanted to keep the painting fresh and full of energy. My goal was to capture the same energy as displayed by the many dancers I have had the pleasure to witness. This is an acrylic painting and measures 22in x 30in.

Here is a 3ft by 2ft acrylic painting of my dad.  It depicts him in his Legion Jacket with all his medals.  When all is said and done, this man accomplished so much and had to overcome just as much and came out on top.  Sadly he passed away May 25th 2015.  

Here is an acrylic painting of my mom and dad.  Just a moment I wanted to capture them both in.  Words cannot describe the whole of their relationship.  To think is human.  To experience love is divine.

Here is a large oil painting I did about 4 years ago.  Bozidar and myself.

Here is a full sheet watercolour painting done on 140lb cold press paper.  It depicts Kakabeka Falls in the Thunder bay.

Casein Painting - Native warrior

Here is a painting done in Casein. I Really enjoy the medium and I'm looking forward to painting more with it.  It measures 24" x 36" and is painted on Canvas.   This painting is based off a dancer I encounted last summer at a Pow Wow.  I changed up his regalia and based his face off no one in particular.  The warrior seems in deep contemplation and seems unaware of his advisors.

The Dancer - 12" x 36" Casein Painting

Here is another painting done partly in the woodlands style tradition. It's based off a photo I took while at the Lake Helen Pow wow last summer. The dancer is fictional as I did not use the actual Dancer's face. The face went through a few changes, however I finally decided not to base it off anyone in particular. The painting itself measures 12" x 36" and is painted with Casein. I bought these tubes two years ago and thought I would never use them. I'm having fun with them now.

Casein Portrait

Here is a painting I started a couple years ago.  Decided I wanted to finish it and free up a board it was attached too.  I wanted to try casein paint so who better to experiment on than me.  I decided to add some woodland art elements based off of Norval Morrisseau and some West Coast Haida art along with some of my own imagery.  I thought the crow to be a interesting element as if it were trying to tell me something.  The painting measures 30" x 16" and painting on watercolour paper.

The Bear Keeper

18" x 14" Acrylic Painting. I call it the Bear Keeper. It's based off my nephew's dad Perry who graciously posed for me last summer. Originally this was a painting of a boat but felt the painting was not strong enough with regards to composition so I decided to paint a warrior of days gone by, however he alone was not enough to cover the boat, so i decided he needed some company. Really not the way i would plan a painting but it was an interesting process.

Icicle Lake Shorelline 24" x 8" Acrylic

Spent the afternoon fishing with my father and brother catching fish and some cool looking reference photos.  

Highway 11 Orient Bay

Here is a painting done in Acrylic.  It depicts the area between Beardmore and Nipigon, just past Reflection Lake, with Palisades on the Left just out of the frame.

Another view of Treptow Lake

Here is another painting of Treptow Lake.  There are some great looking shorlines there.  This is my first attempt at a new medium call Acryla Gouache (The medium itself is not new, rather it is new for me).  Basically its acrylic paint made to have the characteristics of a gouache painting.  I guess I sorta like it.  Maybe I'm just on the fence because none of my paintings ever turn out the way I want them to.  haha.

This is my Native Warrior Painting just recently finished.  It measures 14" x 11" and is painted in oil.  The young man depicted here agreed to pose for me at the Rogers Centre Pow Wow in Toronto about 8 years ago.  I told him I would show him once I finished, however I unfortunately lost his email during that time.  Maybe one day he will see it and recognize himself.

My mother

Here is a watercolour/gouache painting of my mother.  Even though I've been focusing on some landscapes, I still felt the need to paint a portrait.  I put in the robin to signify a mother's dedication towards her young.  My mom has always been there for me.  It's painted on a half sheet of stretched 140 cold pressed arches watercolour paper. 15" x 22"

Willow on Treptow

Here is a 17x13" watercolour/gouache of my brother's dog Willow looking anxiously at his owner heading down the shoreline to pick up a motor.  Yes Willow, he's coming back.

Pijitawakik Bay

A quick watercolour/gouache painting.  The shorlines are stunning on this bay just off of lake Nipigon.  I would love to explore more of this bay.  It's a small 8.5" x 11"

Here's another quick watercolour depicting the shores of Lake Nipigon.  Taken from the bay in MacDiarmid Ontario while out on a cruise in my cousin Mishy's boat.  Hope you like it.

Here is a quick watercolour I did today.  I was out yesterday morning taking reference photos of Junior Rockies, located here in Geraldton Ontario. I wanted to keep things fast and fresh in order to try not to overwork things too much.  Painting measures 10 by 20 inches.

Finally finished this painting commemorating my dear friend Bozidar who sadly passed away Oct 2011.  I hope he likes it.