Experiences of a new expat in Albania I recently moved from Canada to Albania and applied for residency. I have learned many valuable things over the past 48 days, not the least of which is that it is easier to be a tourist than a newcomer. As a tourist, the…

Perks, pitfalls, and a letter to Santa Here it is, just a few more weeks until my flight. I have managed to dispose of the contents of my apartment and now I am finishing with the final details while living at my mother’s place. …

When you cannot find the words, find the shapes and colours. This may look like a painting about fear or trauma, but it is actually a painting about coping with those feelings. …

Six months and counting… Eight months ago, I resolved to quit my day job and relocate to Europe. I have known for my entire adult life that travel was something I wished to do. …

Cadenza - Chroma and Timbre — Inspired by a composer, inspired by a painting, inspired by a musician practicing on a beautiful September afternoon. I have a full-time day job, but that is not what I define as my work. I am an artist. Painting is not a hobby or…

It all started with a new pair of glasses In late 2018, I re-launched myself as a professional artist. I also left my marriage. Both of these changes were long-overdue, and it was impossible to make the first without the second. As I approached the age of 50, I had…

Turning a trigger into a triumph In my 20+ years of painting, I have completed a few works that I consider pivotal. They either reveal a technical or stylistic evolution in my work; or they portray a defining moment or revelation. One such work is a self-portrait, The Mask is…

Downsizing for my international move. I am preparing for my move from Canada to Europe. I will be vacating my apartment to temporary lodgings on January 1 until my flight out, which I anticipate will be in March. I am very excited about the adventure ahead. My plan is to…

(Or, click that “Like” button, we don’t just say it to annoy you) Choosing to be a professional artist has been a great joy to me. I work every day on my art, whether that means actual studio time (the best part), searching out and creating passive income streams so…