Life took an unexpected turn when 2014 brought a period of illness that left me unable to work. Battling boredom, I picked up a paintbrush, seeking solace and creativity in the world of art. Unlike other aspects of life, art offered a liberating escape. There were no rigid rules, no pressure to conform, just the freedom to express myself on the canvas.

This initial exploration began with mixed media within the safe haven of an art journal. Heavily influenced by the renowned artist Donna Downey, I admired her artwork and the approachable way she shared her techniques. This early phase quickly blossomed into a love affair with acrylics. The forgiving nature of this medium allowed for experimentation, while its ability to create layered effects presented a fascinating challenge.

Over time, my artistic voice has matured, evolving into a style that embraces realism. This meticulous approach allows me to capture the intricate details of everyday objects and scenes, breathing new life into the ordinary.

Empowering Every Artist

I understand that every student learns differently. I tailor my approach accordingly, providing clear explanations of each step followed by visual demonstrations. This creates a supportive learning environment where everyone feels empowered to explore.

My greatest hope is to ignite within them a lifelong appreciation for the love and freedom that art offers. I believe anyone can learn to paint, and I find immense joy in helping students discover their unique artistic voices. Witnessing their faces light up with newfound confidence and the thrill of creating something beautiful is what truly fuels my artistic journey.

Witnessing the Spark of Confidence

Beyond my own artistic expression, my passion extends to fostering creativity in others. Since 2015, I've instructed over 100 live paint nights, sharing my love of art with a vibrant community. Witnessing firsthand the transformative power of art is one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching.

Many arrive hesitant, murmuring doubts like "I can't do that" or "Mine will never look as good." However, as they progress through the class, their anxieties melt away, replaced by a sense of accomplishment. By the end, they hold finished pieces they can truly be proud of, a testament to their newfound artistic abilities.

This transformation, from self-doubt to self-belief, fuels my dedication to sharing the joy of art with the world.

Adapting to a Changing World

The world of art education is constantly evolving, and I embrace new opportunities to connect with aspiring artists. In 2020, during the pandemic, I began creating online art video instruction. Recognizing the challenges of replicating the in-person experience, I developed the innovative "Paint, Pause, and Play Along" philosophy. This unique approach allows viewers to follow along at their own pace, pausing the video for catching up or simply savoring the artistic process. This approach has helped bridge the gap between in-person learning and the online world, fostering creativity and artistic growth for a wider audience.

Recognition and Continued Growth

My artistic journey has also been enriched by recognition from the art community. I was fortunate to have my work featured for a time at the A+ Art Gallery in Red Deer. This experience solidified my commitment to artistic excellence and the importance of contributing to the local art scene.