Here are some of my featured paintings and the stories behind them. If you are interested in a gallery quality print of any of the pieces, please contact me. Otherwise, please enjoy the paintings and their stories.
Finding Grace - 2026 (16" x 20" acrylic on canvas)
This painting is inspired by the novel, “Finding Grace”, written by Rocco Rossi. The piece has much symbolism and interpretation that reflects the characters, the setting, and the story. It is set on the Meseta, a time of much emotional challenge and introspection on the Camino Frances. The main character is juxtapositioned between his old life and one he has yet to define. Thus it is an image of a man wearing a suit and carrying a briefcase, but also wearing a pilgrim’s backpack. His stature also suggests he has not completely let go of his former self. The supporting character is painted as a seasoned pilgrim, guiding the main character along the way. She is painted with a stature that reflects slow and steady progress. Even the tilt of her head suggests she is patiently watchful of and attentive to her walking companion. The arrow, while larger and brighter than one would expect, is purposefully painted this way as it signifies the intensity the Camino has on one’s own self-discovery along the way. The scene is set at daybreak, where the cosmos in the distance represents unlimited possibilities in life and the rising sun represents a new beginning towards that. There is a paradox in this scene, however. The Camino Frances is (mostly) east to west, towards Santiago de Compostela suggesting this scene would be at sunset. Whereas, this scene is set easterly in the opposite direction. This was again done intentionally. While the walk “to” Santiago is logically east to west, many who have walked often discover that it is not about the walk to Santiago, but rather it is the Camino “de” or “of” Santiago. So, symbolically, while the characters are physically walking westerly, in reality their life becomes filled with the Camino, regardless of which direction they are wallkng or their ultimate physical destination. Finally, there are a few hidden symbols in the painting, which I will leave for you to discover when you read the book. May I wish you all a Buen Camino.
Alto Vista Chapel - 2026 - (12" x 12" acrylic on canvas)
Perched high on a hill on the rugged north coast of Aruba is Alto Vista Chapel. Originally built in 1750 by a Venezuelan missionary, it served to convert Aruban Indians to christianity. Rebuilt in 1952, the chapel is a holy place people come to visit, reflect, and pray. It is a place I come to often after a hike or just for some time of quiet time of prayer and introspection. This painting is done in a new style I am experimenting with - geometric pop art style with cubism influences. I chose the vibrant colours to make the painting feel alive, while placing subtle elements in the earth to invoke a sense of peace, love, and spirituality.
Fofoti - 2025 - (12" x 12" acrylic on canvas)
This is a whimsical painting of the famous tree along Aruba's Eagle Beach, consistently rated as one of the top 5 beaches in the world. This tree is often referred to as the "Divi Divi" tree, but factually speaking, this specimen when located on the beach is called a Fofoti tree. Divi trees are of the same family of species but located inland away from the beach. This tree is one of the most iconic photo locations in Aruba. Nothing better than relaxing in flip flops, sipping a nice cold beverage and listening to the surf of the Caribbean Sea under the Aruban sun.
Palapa - 2025 - (12" x 12" acrylic on canvas)
This is my first painting in a style of cubism and pop-art. I continue to explore different styles in pursuit of my painting voice. This creative freedom stretches me from my comfort zone of painting scenes in their literal sense. Palapas are grass and dried leaf covered structures that dot the beaches of Aruba, providing shade to visitors under hot Aruban sun. This scene reflects a quiet place for two sipping a drink while looking out at the turquoise Caribbean Sea.
Standing Strong - 2025 (16" x 12" acrylic on canvas)
I was inspired to paint this piece because of the strength and power the driftwood fofoti represents against the crashing waves and strong winds of the north coast of Aruba. We walk past this scene weekly on our 5km walk of the north coast from the Arashi Beach to the Sasariwichi Dunes. The mood and beauty of this piece are captured in the variation in the blues of the sky and the sea as well as the shades of grey and brown of the fofoti and earth. The twists of the trunk and branches of the fofoti represents the sheer power of this tree holding strong for centuries.
End of the World - 2025 (24" x 16" acrylic on canvas)
I painted this from a request of another friend and fellow pilgrim, Adam Blake from the UK. Adam and I met on the very first day of our 860km walk of the Camino del Norte in 2023. From that moment onwards, a lifelong friendship was forged. Since then we've met in Spain, Canada, Aruba, and Fisterre. The location for this painting is Muxia, referred to by pilgrims as the "end of the world". The painting is set at dusk, where the Santuario da Virxe da Barca stands tall on the west most part of Spain. It is a place where pilgrims have travelled for over a millenium after paying homage to St. James at the cathedral of Santiago de Compestela.
The Cloister at Obona - 2024 (16" x 24' acrylic on canvas)
I painted this piece based on a request from a good friend and fellow pilgrim, Rocco Rossi. Rocco and I had two intersections that connected us. First, I participated in the Ride to Conquer Cancer with Rocco and his team. Second, he and I have both walked the Camino de Santiago, albeit he has walked various routes 23 times and I have walked the Camino four times.
The painting features a cloister from the Monastery of Obona on the Camino Primitivo between Tineo and Campiello. It captivated Rocco as a representation of reflecting on the past through the door to help think about the future. The painting is done in a style and colours reminiscent of the time and place of this scene.
A Splash of Autumn - 2022 (36" x 24" acrylic on canvas)
The setting for this painting is the signature par 3 11th hole of Credit Valley Golf & Country Club in Mississauga, Ontario. Set along the Credit River, this is an autumn scene when the trees burst with colour and reflect in the water. The name of the painting is a play on words, whereby many golf balls come up short and end up splashing in the river. The original painting was donated and auctioned as part of a charity fundraiser at the club.