My Painting Process & Materials

Q: What materials do you use in your acrylic paintings?

A: I mostly work with acrylic paint, often mixed with matte medium to build translucent layers and depth. I also use acrylic paint pens for fine linework and detailing.

My process involves multiple layers—sometimes five or six—as I adjust colours and build the final image. These tools help me achieve the light and motion that’s so important in my underwater paintings.

Q: Do you use reference photos or take your own underwater pictures?

A: Yes, I use reference photos—but I don’t currently take them myself. Instead, I create image references using MidJourney, an AI image generation tool. This allows me to craft the composition, light, and movement I want without relying on stock images or paying for photo licenses.

While I do own an underwater camera and plan to experiment with it, I’m currently more focused on painting than photography. The AI-generated images are just a creative starting point—what you see in the final painting is all done by hand, with paint and process.

Q: Do you use a projector or draw everything by hand?

A: I use a projector to speed up the underdrawing phase of my paintings. I used to rely on the grid method, and before I upgraded to a digital projector, I even used an old-school overhead with clear sheets. But after developing carpal tunnel following the birth of my first child, I needed a faster, less physically demanding way to work.

I’m very confident in my drawing skills—I’ve been practicing for years, and I sketch daily with my high school art students to help them train their eyes and understand proportion. I believe drawing from observation is an incredibly valuable skill, and I still teach it regularly.

But for my own art, I’ve moved away from the idea that everything has to be done a certain way. Using digital tools, projectors, and AI-generated references helps me work smarter and stay creative. My goal is always the same: to create bold, expressive acrylic paintings that reflect my personal vision. Every piece is still hand-painted and built with care, attention, and observation—it’s just that the process is more efficient now.

Art Classes & Teaching

Q: Do you teach art classes or painting workshops?

A: I’ve been teaching high school art classes in Alberta for over a decade and hold an after-degree in education. So yes—I do teach! However, I’m not currently offering adult workshops or public painting classes outside of school.

That said, I’d love to host workshops or paint nights in the future. If you're interested, join my email list to get updates when new opportunities open up.

Commissions, Sales & Collecting

Q: Do you accept art commissions?

A: I’ve taken on custom art commissions in the past, but right now I’m focused on building a new body of work for exhibition. Between teaching full-time and raising two young boys, my creative energy is going into my collection.

I may open up commission spots again in the future—feel free to join my email list to be notified when that happens.

Q: Do you sell original artwork or prints?

A: Yes! My original acrylic paintings are available through upcoming exhibitions and my online shop. I also offer fine art prints through Fine Art America, which ships directly to you. If you're local to Alberta and want to see my work in person, check out my exhibition schedule.

Q: Do you offer payment plans for collectors?

A: I don’t offer payment plans. I’ve chosen to keep my sales process simple and direct, without adding third-party systems like Klarna or payment scheduling. All original artwork and prints are available for full purchase through my shop or in person at events.

If you’d like early access to new collections or event announcements, you’re always welcome to join my email list.

Caring for Your Artwork

Q: How do I care for an acrylic painting on canvas?

A: The most important thing is to keep your painting out of direct sunlight. Even with UV-protective varnish, sunlight can fade colours over time—just like an old poster in a shop window.

All of my acrylic paintings are sealed with a varnish that protects against dust and light. To clean, gently wipe with a soft cloth. If needed, a little mild soap and water is fine—nothing too harsh.

Also, avoid placing original artwork in bathrooms or damp areas. The humidity can affect the surface of the painting and shorten its life.

Creative Direction & Inspiration

Q: Have you ever painted mermaids or fantasy underwater scenes?

A: I haven’t painted mermaids—while it’s a fun idea, it’s not the direction I’m exploring right now.

I’m more drawn to capturing the natural movement and emotion of real swimmers underwater. That said, I do admire artists who explore myth and storytelling through water, like Michael Heine, whose work with sirens is stunning. You can check out his work at mheine.com.

Q: What inspires your underwater art?

A: I’ve been swimming lanes for over 15 years, and it’s where I feel the most grounded and at peace. My work is inspired by how light behaves in water—how it bends, shifts, and changes everything it touches. Painting swimmers underwater lets me explore motion, calm, and distortion all at once.

Q: What art books do you recommend?

A: Two of my favourites:

• The Artist’s Guide to Sketching by James Gurney and Thomas Kinkade – full of tips on perspective and observation. Fun fact: James Gurney also created Dinotopia, one of my childhood favorites.

• Paint Red Hot Landscapes That Sell by Mike Svob – bold color strategies and selling tips. His techniques apply to acrylic painting too, even though the book focuses on oils. He also offers great content on YouTube and sometimes teaches in Canmore or Calgary.