Acrylic and image transfer on wood.

24x48x1.50"

Amongst Toronto's every changing skyline this building always stands out to me, so every time I go to Toronto to take photographs I have to walk by it to take some shots.

This painting immediately evokes the feeling of summer in Toronto. The sky is bright blue, the sun is beating down and the heat radiates up from the asphalt.

When I pass by the Gooderham Building I increase my pace in anticipation of reaching the waterfront and enjoying the cool breeze that blows in from Lake Ontario.

Acrylic and image transfer on wood.

24x48x1.50"

We visited Seoul in the middle of a heat wave, it was scorching hot, the perfect time to explore a city! But with plenty of water, my trusty Japanese hat and a ‘fashionable’ cooling neck cloth we set out on our quest for urban beauty and tired feet.

At famous landmarks in Japan and South Korea it is quite common to see girls walking around in traditional dress, usually in groups, taking tons of pictures together in these iconic places. Often this is a tradition to celebrate certain milestones like a graduation or reaching adulthood.

I absolutely love seeing these girls, they look so beautiful and are wonderful candy for my camera lens. But oh did I feel for them, draped in layers and layers of synthetic fabric in this scorching heat!

Acrylic and image transfer on wood.

24x48x1.50"

There is something magical about seeing a real ­geisha on the streets of Kyoto. Even amidst the sea of ­gorgeous ladies in yukata and kimono she stands out. It felt like a special and really precious experience and it is a memory that I treasure dearly which is why this painting is so special to me. It reminds me that there is magic somewhere in the world even though it feels like most of it has drained away after I left Japan.

Right now, painting the beauty of Japan helps me deal with feeling homesick for the country I had to leave behind last year.

All my life, saying goodbye has been difficult for me. The first time going to school involved huge crying fits that ended up with me throwing up, just because I had to say goodbye to my mom.

I have become better at handling goodbyes over the years but it hasn't gotten any easier.

While I was painting this piece the snow was piled high outside my studio in Canada but at the same time, in Japan, people were walking under these magical Sakura trees that were in full bloom. Every time I would think of this I felt a pang of longing but having this piece on my easel made the country I miss so dearly feel just a little bit closer.

Acrylic and image transfer on wood.

24x48x1.50"

Seeing a bride and groom on the street is always a wonderful thing but I especially love encountering these beautiful couples in Asia, where they have such a variety of beautiful and colorful wedding attire. This couple is dressed in traditional Taiwanese wedding garb, I just love how the luxurious fabrics and elaborate designs clash with the grittiness of the city.

My visit to Taiwan was way too short, it was a whirlwind of new experiences and impressions. I was so sad when I had to leave because, as always, the thought of: “I may never come here again”, was running through my mind.

This painting helps me keep the memories of this beautiful country close to my heart. Even if I never get to visit Taiwan again, through this painting, I will always carry a piece of it with me.

Acrylic and image transfer on wood.

24x48x1.50"

Toronto is such an amazing city, it has that American big city vibe with just a dash of European flair and a healthy dose of Canadian charm. I love walking the streets with my camera and oh those street cars! I just can’t help myself, they’re so awesome! After using the New York Flat Iron building in multiple pieces people in Toronto kept telling me about the Toronto equivalent. So in 2015r I made a separate trip just to photograph this local gem and I am so happy that I did because this building is just awesome!

I’m not as familiar with Toronto as I am with Montréal but I’ve visited it regularly. Like with Montréal my first few paintings were all about the exploration and discovery of a new city. But now that the city is a little more familiar I get to really dive in and find the hidden gems of the everyday urban environment.

Acrylic and image transfer on wood.

30x40x1.50"

Every trip, whether it's a brief getaway or an extended trip, always holds the potential for adventure. The exciting part is that you don't have to venture to distant places to discover beautiful moments and have amazing experiences.

In my mind's eye, this lady is ready for her next adventure, contemplating a choice between a scooter and a car. It's a decision that embodies the spirit of adventure itself – the freedom to select your own path, relish the journey, and find beauty and wonder in every direction, whether on two wheels or four, which one would you choose?

Acrylic and image transfer on wood.

30x40x1.50"

I love to observe city life — all the cars and people rushing by — I always like to imagine where all those people are going and what their lives are like. I do the same thing with my pieces, I like to make up stories about the depicted urban scenes which are usually reflected in the titles as well.

This lady is probably on her break, or maybe she's done for the day or it might be Monday morning, who knows! But I do think she's walking there deep in thought, do you know what she's thinking about?

In the beginning I painted Montréal for familiarize myself with my new home town, then I moved to Japan and they became wonderful reminders of a home I had left behind. Now that I am back in Canada and live about 45 minutes north of the city, this piece is a reminder to venture out there every once in a while to explore all the urban beauty this city has to offer.

Acrylic and image transfer on wood.

30x40x1.50"

I love to observe the vibrancy of city life, the cars, the people rushing by, I’m always wondering, where are all those people are going? what are their lives like? I wonder the same thing about the people in my paintings, I like to make up stories about the depicted urban scenes which are usually reflected in the titles as well.

These two people are exploring Ottawa and they seem to be having an animated conversation. What are they talking about? Maybe they're discussing the awesome architecure or Canadian politics or maybe they're discussing strategies next weeks bingo game, what do you think?

I created this piece from images I took in my first few years living in Canada. It was a way for me to explore and get more intimately familiar with the new country I was calling home.

Acrylic and image transfer on wood.

30x40x1.50"

I have wonderful memories of my visit to Laguna Beach, a small artist community on the pacific in California. What I love about this piece is that it shows so much of the beauty of this vibrant little town on the Pacific coast. I wish I could step into this painting and take stroll through the streets, take in all the amazing art and plop down on that terrace for a nice cocktail.

I only got to visit Laguna Beach for a couple of hours, we explored the lovely shopping streets and all the galleries but we didn't have time to really dive in! Ideally I would take another trip specifically dedicated to discovering every nook and cranny of this beautiful place.

But until that time I will create paintings like these that allow me to imaging being back there, walking under the palm trees in the warm summer breeze that carries the smell of the nearby ocean.

Acrylic and image transfer on wood.

36x36x1.50"

It felt like walking onto a movie set but ­Oamaru is an actual, real life town! The beautifully ­preserved Victorian architecture and quirky galleries, shops, and museums made my heart beat faster. Knowing that a place like this ­exists, a place where fantasy meets reality, felt magical.

Out of over 5000 photographs only a handful had people in them, so this girl is a rare specimen indeed. Because nature was such an integral part of our time in New Zealand I felt compelled to bring it into this painting.

When I think about New Zealand the breathtaking views of steep cliffs, snow capped mountains and piercing blue lakes immediately pop into my mind but I also saw some gorgeous architecture and quirky little towns that left a lasting impression.

It felt natural to blend the two together in this painting.

Acrylic and image transfer on wood.

36x48x1.50"

Seeing a street car always evokes memories of the bright yellow streetcars of my youth in Amsterdam. That’s probably why I love them so much.

Not every city in Japan has them so I was really excited to spot a real life street car when I exited the train station in Hiroshima, as a bonus they’s super cool old fashioned ones and they come in different colors!

I spent my entire visit chasing down as many as I could, running to street corner and pedestrian crossings to capture them as they approached and left their stops, I need to capture all of the angles you see.

This scene reminds me of that weekend chasing streetcars around Hiroshima, don’t worry though, I managed to see the highlights too! We even made it out to Miyajima, the island where the deer roam free. But that’s a story for another painting.

Acrylic and image transfer on wood.

36x48x1.50"

This painting reminds me of the times we sought the shade of enormous Cedar trees to escape the ­summer heat. It was like walking through a ­fairytale forest, paths wound their way up the mountain, ­passing iconic, red, bow bridges and moss covered statues ending at a small temple with stunning views at the top.

Walking under these ancient trees are some of my favorite memories of Japan.

Acrylic and image transfer on wood.

48x36x1.50"

Although the Hague is not our capitol it is the seat of government of Holland. Like many Dutch cities it has an interesting blend of ultra modern and historic architecture. You can wander around this city imagining yourself in the future and then turn a corner into a street that seems to take you back in time. In the city I love to stand on the corner of these big crossroads, where traffic of all kinds, is zipping by in every direction. I love imagining where all these people are going, they all have their own lives, their own stories, where do you think they are going now?

Even though I haven’t lived in Holland for over 15 years it will always be my home. When I lived there I never really appreciated the beauty of the architecture and the typically Dutch urban elements. Only after moving away was I able to see the beauty of the city.

A piece like this is not only a way to keep the memories of my home country close to my heart, it is also a whole new discovery of the extraordinary designs that can be found in a city that used to be so familiar and mundane.

Acrylic and image transfer on wood.

36x48x1.50"

San Diego is basically paradise! It is on the ocean, there are palm trees everywhere and the sun is always shining and that's only the beginning. The architecture in this city is absolutely stunning! A stroll through the historic gaslamp district will blow you away with it's beautifully restored Victorian office buildings, scattered throughout the city you will find historic mission architecture, traditional Mexican and Spanish buildings and of course the city has its share of ultra modern skyscrapers. This piece features mostly elements from the landscape of arts and culture that is Balboa Park.

When I’m visiting a place I always feel like time is too short, I have this hunger to see it all and of course never can. I absolutely fell in love with San Diego unfortunately I was only there for a few days.

The entire time I was there I was making are I absorbed as much of it a possible because I might never get the chance to visit there again! So I made sure to take as many pictures as I could during my time there. Working with these images to create a piece like this allows me some extra time to explore. It takes me back there, in my imagination I can explore this beautiful city to my hearts content.San Diego is basically paradise! It is on the ocean, there are palm trees everywhere and the sun is always shining and that's only the beginning. The architecture in this city is absolutely stunning! A stroll through the historic gaslamp district will blow you away with it's beautifully restored Victorian office buildings, scattered throughout the city you will find historic mission architecture, traditional Mexican and Spanish buildings and of course the city has its share of ultra modern skyscrapers. This piece features mostly elements from the landscape of arts and culture that is Balboa Park.

When I’m visiting a place I always feel like time is too short, I have this hunger to see it all and of course never can. I absolutely fell in love with San Diego unfortunately I was only there for a few days.

The entire time I was there I was making are I absorbed as much of it a possible because I might never get the chance to visit there again! So I made sure to take as many pictures as I could during my time there. Working with these images to create a piece like this allows me some extra time to explore. It takes me back there, in my imagination I can explore this beautiful city to my hearts content.

Acrylic and image transfer on wood.

36x48x1.50"

In the summer of 2011 I had the opportunity to explore the beautiful country of Italy. On our trip I had a chance to visit the uniquely stunning city of Venice. From the moment I stepped off the boat I knew this city would provide an -endless source of inspiration, and indeed, I did not let go of my camera the entire time! The buildings in Venice seem to be -clinging to the little bits of dry land in the lagoon and people crowd onto little, tiny boats to get from A to B. Only the pigeons have the freedom to roam the city as they please.

When I’m visiting a place I always feel like time is too short, I have this hunger to see it all and of course never can. Venice was so overwhelming, you would need a lifetime to explore it all! I was only there for a few days and I made sure to take as many pictures as I could during this time. Working with these images to create a piece like this allows me some extra time to explore. It takes me back there, in my imagination I can explore this beautiful city to my hearts content.

Acrylic and image transfer on wood.

40x60x1.50"

In downtown Nagoya there is a gold one, in Yoshinoyama we found one that was covered in cherry blossoms, in the mall near our home they installed a bright pink one and in my final week in Japan my friend and I drove an hour and a half to see one that was painted Matcha green!

I absolutely LOVE Japanese mailboxes! They’re ­usually bright red, although you occasionally see them in different colors or with a special motive like this beauty we found in Yoshinoyama. They’re almost as tall as I am and they have this wonderful ­rounded pillar shape. They’re real statement pieces on the streets of Japan.

Sadly you don’t see them as often anymore, they’re slowly being replaced by smaller, more mundane square boxes but this makes seeing one in the wild extra special!

Luckily now that they are becoming more rare they have also become travel destinations in and of themselves. The other day I learned there is a giant one somewhere in Tokyo, I immediately added a Google pin to my ever growing list of places I need to visit when I travel back to Japan one day.

Acrylic and image transfer on wood.

60x40x1.50"

We’re standing in a narrow Japanese street and the enormous ‘Dashi’ (festival float) is barreling towards us at alarming speed, paper lanterns wildly swinging on the top.

It is being pushed by dozens of young men who will have to lift the entire thing on their shoulders to force it around a corner that is barely wide enough!

A Japanese matsuri is a wonderful experience, each one has their own unique traditions and the ­craftsmanship and beauty of the Dashi is always a treat!

Acrylic and image transfer on wood.

60x48x1.50"

Outside the cities where I have lived in Holland, Montréal is the place where I have lived the longest. I have spent many, many hours strolling through the city’s streets observing city life. I always like to imagine where all those people are going and what their lives are like. I do the same thing with the people in my paintings, I like to make up stories about the depicted urban scenes which are usually reflected in the titles as well.

In this piece something is about to happen between these two people. Maybe he's finally managed to gather all of his courage to ask her out, or maybe they're both about to graduate and have to figure out what to do next, or maybe he just wants to borrow her notes. I know which story I was making up while working on this piece but that doesn't mean that has to be your story…

In the beginning I painted Montréal for familiarize myself with my new home town, then I moved to Japan and they became wonderful reminders of a home I had left behind. Now that I am back in Canada and live about 45 minutes north of the city, this piece is a reminder to venture out there every once in a while to explore all the urban beauty this city has to offer.

Acrylic, washi, sand oil pastel and ink on wood.

48x36x1.50"

Paint spills onto the panel like a lake overflowing its banks. As it blends and melds, it captures the Inner Bloom, the essence of the soul as it slowly unfurls like the petals of a flower, preparing to show its full beauty to the world.

Like raindrops awakening the stillness of a pool, drops of ink bloom on the surface, swirling into a portal of unfathomable depth.

As hues and shades flow and mingle, the authentic inner beauty rises, blossoming into a profound sense of completeness.

Acrylic, oil pastel and ink on wood.

48x48x1.50"

Lost and Found Again:
With unwavering courage, the first strokes are boldly made, each line a declaration of determination.

Yet, as the journey unfolds, the path reveals its twists and turns, daunting roadblocks appearing like insurmountable mountains.

There are moments when courage falters, amidst the uncertainty of the winding road it is Lost and Found Again around the next bend.

Amidst the ebb and flow of courage, there is a raw honesty that resonates, evoking a sense of empathy and understanding.

Acrylic, washi, sand oil pastel and ink on canvas.

30x36x1.50"

Embers Stir on a Winter's Day:
The world outside is a canvas dipped in icy blues, whites, and grays.

The thick blanket of snow alters the familiar landscape, softening edges and veiling the world in a tranquil, monochromatic serenity. Snow-covered trees stand in quiet reverence, absorbing all ambient sounds, creating a frozen symphony of stillness.

In the silence, floating ice crystals catch the sunlight, transforming the stillness into a dance of glittering brilliance. Each crystal ignites a spark within, a subtle warmth that stirs the embers of inspiration.

Acrylic, sand oil pastel and ink on wood.

30x40x1.50"

Firmament Aflame:
Bold strides mingle with hesitant shuffles, tracing a path through uncertainty and perseverance.

Over and over, the journey circles back upon itself, retracing paths and starting afresh, and with each step layers of texture and life accumulate.

Through the labyrinthine twists and turns a beacon of clarity emerges as the Firefox sets the Firmament Aflame.

Its ethereal light piercing through the haze of doubt illuminating the path ahead.

Acrylic, washi, sand oil pastel and ink on wood.

30x30x1.50"

Rising Essence:
In the quiet embrace of introspection, the ocean within whispers secrets untold, stirring emotions long dormant.

Bubbles, Rising from the Depth, ascending moments of truth, carrying with them a fragment of the authentic self, shimmering in the sunlight as it breaches the boundary between the hidden depths and the world above.

Breaking the surface of consciousness with gentle persistence, its ripples serve as a reminder of the beauty that lies within the unexplored depths.

Acrylic, washi, sand oil pastel and ink on wood.

30x36x1.50"

Molten Essence Flows:
Like lava from the depths of the earth, Molten Essence Flows, radiating an inner glow that defies concealment beneath layers of societal conformity.

With an unstoppable force, it breaches the surface, casting aside the veil of pretense and revealing the raw beauty that lies within.

Leaving behind a landscape transformed, where authenticity reigns supreme and the radiance of the inner self shines brightly.

Acrylic, washi, sand oil pastel and ink on wood.

30x36x1.50"

Beneath layers of turmoil stirred by the tumultuous currents of life lies a tranquil space, a sanctuary where the inner voice speaks with clarity.

Here, the echoes of the external world fade away. Amidst the stillness, the authentic core awakens, shyly emerging as the shackles of societal pressures fall away, encouraged to make itself heard.

Beneath the Turmoil is a moment of clarity, where the soul aligns with its truest essence, untouched by outside influences.

In this inner sanctuary, away from the complexities of existence, there's a simplicity—a reminder of the power found in listening inwardly, where the soul finds its balance and strength.

Acrylic, washi, sand oil pastel and ink on wood.

30x40x1.50"

Beneath the Turmoil:
Descending through layers of inner turmoil and peace, where currents boil and swirl just beneath the surface.

Floating weightless in an azure expanse, above the shimmering light casts diamonds upon the water.

Surrounded by an ocean world of endless blue, where the only sounds are the silent symphony of the sea and the hypnotic rush of air slowly rising with each breath.

And in The Depths of Solitude, a moment of pure connection with the innermost self, offering both solace and challenge to the soul.

Acrylic, washi, sand oil pastel and ink on wood.

24x30x1.50"

Hidden Glade:
Beneath the summer canopy of the forest, the world transforms into a realm of enchantment. Tall, bright green bamboo click-clacks in the wind, giving way to towering, deep green cedar trees. Light filters through the foliage, creating a myriad of greens and yellows that steal the breath away.

Walking through this serene expanse, a sense of calm and peace envelops all.

The quiet is profound, broken only by the soft rustle of leaves and the distant murmur of unseen streams. The air is alive with the magic of pollen drifting lazily, while the soft glow of fireflies dances among the trees, casting an ethereal light.

In this Hidden Glade, the hustle of life fades away, leaving only the soothing embrace of nature. The enchanting stillness, the play of light and shadow, and the vibrant hues that shimmer through the leaves create a moment of pure, unfiltered tranquillity.

Acrylic, washi, sand oil pastel and ink on wood.

48x60x1.50"

Effervescence:
In a sea of conformity, where waves of expectation crash against the shores of individuality, a transformation begins.

It's a voyage marked by uncertainty and liberation, each step forward peeling back societal veils to reveal the hues of authenticity.

Guided by courage, navigating toward a core of truth where bravery and uniqueness intertwine in a tale of empowerment and liberation.

Every moment of self-acceptance becomes a victory, each hesitant glow now radiant and bold.

Within this ocean, the Effervescence shines bright—a beacon of resilience and self-discovery.

Acrylic, washi, sand oil pastel and ink on wood.

40x48x1.50"

Swirling Thoughts:
Inner thoughts swirl, like bubbles drifting through an ephemeral space, a void of fog. Light as air and delicate as soap bubbles, they shimmer briefly before bursting with the slightest disturbance.

In this fragile space, musings are fleeting moments, beautiful yet transient. The fog envelops them, making each idea both visible and elusive, like a dream on the edge of waking.

This intricate interplay of Swirling Thoughts captures the essence of the mind’s quiet chaos, where clarity and confusion coexist, and where each bubble of insight is precious and fleeting.

Acrylic, washi, sand oil pastel and ink on wood.

36x30x1.50"

Fervor:
A surge of passion, flowing like molten lava, a powerful tide of energy that burns away the constraints of conformity, transforming everything into a vivid expanse of raw emotion.

Stepping out onto the expanse, the heat radiates with fierce intensity. Fiery currents flow beneath the surface, nurturing the egg at its heart.

With each step toward the core, the soul’s Fervor kindles into a blazing inferno. The intense heat of the relentless surge of passion causes the shell to crack and shatter, allowing the true self to emerge from the ashes like a phoenix taking flight.

Acrylic, washi, sand oil pastel and ink on wood.

40x30x1.50"

Awakening:
In the quiet of the glade, after the long embrace of winter, the earth stirs with the promise of new life. Beneath the thawing ground, dormant buds rouse from their slumber.

As sunlight filters through the canopy, it's as if the forest itself is dreaming, slowly Awakening from its wintry sleep. Each tender bud, once nestled in frost, now reaches for the warmth above, a gentle sigh of anticipation in the stillness of early spring.

Nature's silent harmony unfolds, where the promise of blossoms whispering on the breeze, and the forest breathes with the quiet joy of renewal.

Acrylic, oil pastel and ink on wood.

48x48x1.50"

A Symphony of Space:
Each stroke on the canvas is a step on the long, winding path to self-discovery, each layer of paint lifts a veil.

The subtle glow of inner light grows brighter, it's not a blinding revelation but a gradual illumination like the dawn breaking on an undiscovered landscape.

There's an undeniable pull to explore what lies within. Peeling away the layers is not about losing something, but about gaining clarity.

The canvas of life is vast, each stroke made holds a different emotion, layer upon layer, slowly building to reveal a Symphony of Space.