This is a loosely handled rendition of one of the largest dairy farms in Canada. Located in the Elmira/Floradale area of Ontario, in the heart of Mennonite country, this farm is a tribute to foresight and hard work. On this farm 162 cows are milked three times a day and have produced award winning results. Coopon Flora is in seventh position overall for Holstein operations in Canada, due to a balanced selection for high production and long-lasting type, as well as the exceptional care and management expertise provided by Henk and Betina Schuurmans and family.

See also Potato Fields, Image #2740

In 2003 I saw this view from the deck of a ship in the harbor in Belfast. Harbours are, by and large, dirty noisy and congested places, and this was no exception. As a visitor I found the congested dock areas exciting, but living in that environs might become a bit stressful with the pollution of the air, the water and the sounds. This platform was being readied for positioning, or so I assume. Standing well away from shore it looked like a giant water bug, its legs wading through the less than pristine waters.

The retreating tide leaves golden debris behind on the beaches in Prince Edward Island. Irish Moss, carageenan, is gathered from the shore, sorted and cleaned. Used in the production of toothpaste and cosmetics, this seaweed is a valuable crop for the islanders.

This maquette was developed for submission to a glass museum in Austria. Showing the various phases of traditional glassblowing, I wanted to highlight the theatrical character of this ancient craft. The competition was short circuited by internal issues at the museum.

Using impressions of Scotland and a few of its distilleries, I created a montage that I hope says Scotch. I have deliberately avoided particular producers because I wish to present the industry, not individuals.

This project near Petrolia, Ontario, caused much concern among the local populous when its construction was first announced. I was commissioned, after this small refinery was built, to show just how well it fit in with the environment. The refinery turned out to be smaller than some of the barns in the area.

The industrial revolution in England inspired many paintings of views inside factories. These artists recognized the drama of work-related images. I follow in that tradition of describing the theatre that occurs at an industrial plant. The people at Clemmer SteelCraft were kind enough to give me a tour of their facility in Waterloo. The flashing bursts of welding light provided a drama that appealed greatly to me.

This dramatic view from the hill behind the town provides an endless number of subjects. While many artists avoid industrial subjects, I find them fascinating. All the smoke and steam are tailor-made for a dramatic presentation. This piece is handled in a designed, patchy sort of way which, I hope, adds to the industrial energy approach.

What a chance to present the lovely rolling land of Alberta and the quiet footprint of industry. In the many industrial commissions that I have painted, I am challenged by the need to create an artistic piece out of an industrial setting.