Incorporating loosely controlled physical interactions in my painting process means that occasionally accidents completely change the direction of a piece midway through their realization. Initially a source of frustration I have begun to embrace the unexpected and experiment without the sense of risk and loss that accompanied my earlier career. Sometimes, I have to admit, it’s nice to surprise yourself.

This painting originally began as an homage to Japanese graphic arts and was to be a depiction of a cherry tree in blossom. In the end, it became more representative of the lone trees that dot the landscape in Southwestern Ontario’s fields and out of the way copses. Although it’s different than my idea, there’s always more time to paint that ghost of a tree.

untitled
2009
acrylic on canvas
36x36in

Private collection of Julia & Paul Salvini.