"Snow Garden" Watercolour 21 x 21" (35 x 35" framed)

Another in an ongoing series from Paradise Valley in Banff National Park , one of our favourite places to ski. This year we left the parking lot at a bracing -35, and skied into the valley under crackling sunshine. Skiing in that kind of weather is a challenge - weaknesses in gear are amplified and the cold creeps in when you stop moving for more than a few minutes. The reward was a spectacular bit of light and warmth falling on Paradise Creek, usually shadowed by Mt. Temple. This spot was an oasis warmed by late afternoon sun. Protected from the wind, the snow hangs luxuriantly on sleepy branches, generously blanketing the landscape, moss back lit like a crystal chandelier. The open creek reminds one of the rich life in the forest even in winter, and promises warmer days to come.

Watercolour and Charcoal | 38 x 18" (52 x 32" Framed)

One of our favourite places to ski is up the Paradise Valley in Banff National Park. It's often in the shadow of Mt. Temple, but at the right time of day, the light penetrates the thick forest near the creek and creates pools of light. Heavy with snow and frost the trees lean towards the light as if to pickup the last of the day's warmth, the creek meandering happily by. This piece is a mixture of charcoal and watercolour, the charcoal lending itself to the black of forest depths and monochrome of snow, but warmed by subtle rose, gold, burnt sienna and pale indigo- all colours experienced in winter when one has time to look.

Watercolour|  18 x 29” (33 x 42 1/2” framed)

While prowling the maze of cobblestone streets of the medieval town of Assissi Italy, scouting out a place for dinner that evening, I peered into this inviting stone cavern. The candles had just been lit, crisp linens and sparkling crystal carefully laid, ready for what I imagined was a going to be a grand feast. The rustic stone vault and heavy wood furnishings are contrasted with glass, china and flickering candles - light and warmth.

Charcoal |  40 x 18" (54 x 32”framed)  |  $5400.00

This piece draws from a backpack trip we did this summer over North Molar Pass in Banff National Park to Fish Lakes. After returning over the pass in a white out, the sky opened and revealed the breathtaking view towards the serrated edge of Dolomite Peak, framed by graceful sweeps of snow coming off the shoulder of Mt. Andromache. Bits of mist rest in the contours of the alpine meadow, augmenting the contrast between the softness of meadow and sharpness of the surrounding peaks. Sunlight interrupted by a turbulent sky plays over the terrain. The title "Wanderlust" originates from the German words wandern (to hike) and lust (desire) - the enjoyment of hiking.

"Paddling the Shield"  |  Watercolour |  31 x 23" (45 x 37”framed)

Charcoal|  13 x 29” (20.5 x 36.5" framed)  |  $3500.00

Watercolour   |   28 x 18"  (41 x 31" Framed)  |  $4600

Acrylic on Paper   |   24 x 12"  (30 x 18" Framed)   |   $3100

*This painting is varnished (no glass)

Charcoal|  9 x 15"  (19.5 x 25.5" Framed)  |  $1420

Watercolour   |   14 x 21"  (27 x 34" Framed)  |  $3350

Watercolour   |   14 x 21”  (23 x 30" framed)

Watercolour|  21 x 14"  (34 x 27" framed) 

One of my favourite place to hike is at a remote set of lakes in the White Goat Wilderness area east of the Icefields Parkway, North of the David Thompson Highway.  At 7000 ft. the landscape is a bit stark, but the isolation is delicious.  “First Drops” shows the lower lake before it falls over a 1000 ft. cliff on it’s way to join the Cline River.  The first drops of rain are the only disturbance in the shallow calm water - a 5 minute warning to take cover from an incoming storm.  The mountains in the back ground echo a parapet on the far side of a moat.

Watercolour|  12 x 26"  ( 26 x 40" Framed)  |  $3200

"Ramparts" represents the north-east side of Mt. Rundle, the iconic 12 km massif in Banff National Park For me it echoes a great defensive wall of a medieval keep, complete with buttresses, crenellations and towers. The resolute solidity of the mountain contrasts with elegant streamers of snow blowing from the parapets, cloud nestled between turrets, and spears of sunlight illuminating the wall.