All Paintings

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Abbot’s Road

I’m not sure why but I love to paint clerical robes, especially the black and white.
I have no explanation for why this image rocked into my head but I had fun imagining the boys this way.

After The Rain

What a wonderful feeling when the sun comes out After the Rain. Everything smells so good and looks amazing. The world seems brand new – just waiting to be re-discovered and enjoyed.

Original Sold

Giclee Reproduction Available

Afternoon Bus

The school bus bumped along the country road in the afternoon sunshine. The apple trees were beginning to flower and that beautiful spring green was creeping into the countryside. On the bus they were daydreaming
about the end of the school year.

Antique Weather Vanes

Inspired by the collection of antique weather vanes at the Folk Art Museum in Williamsburg, Virginia. On many of the old farms the weathervane was an indication of the type of farming which took place there.

Apple Tree Farm

A sure sign of fall. The sights and sounds of the season intrigue me. I welcome the beautiful colours, the cooler weather and the abundance of fruits and vegetables. My favourite thing is biting into a MacIntosh apple in the great outdoors, closely followed by baking a fall apple pie.

April Showers

“April Showers bring May flowers.” The lovely thing about a warm spring rain is that as long as you have an umbrella you can venture out and enjoy the season. It is a bustling feeling because everyone gets their shopping done just a bit quicker but is happy all the same. It is a sign of things to come.

Au Printemps

La belle saison! Signs of spring are a welcome sight everywhere. Spring is especially welcome in Canada and I enjoy imagining spring in all the places I love.

Barn Raising

The magic of neighbours helping neighbours. In the old days the entire community came together to raise a barn. The men worked from dawn til dusk and the women cooked and helped and visited. The children played and there was a great sense of accomplishment in the end. I think of these wonderful times when I pass the lovely old barns.

Barnyard Boss

My grandchildren spend a lot of time at Riveridge Farm in Caledon. I’m always amazed to see them push their way between the huge cows to feed them apples and carrots. The roosters however command their ultimate respect and a wide berth.

Binder Twine Delivery Night

Kleinburg’s Binder Twine Festival is a re-creation of Charlie Shaw’s Binder Twine Delivery Night. Each year when the twine came in by train Charlie wanted to make sure the local farmers picked up their twine before his mice could eat it. Early in the fall he would invite them all to pick it up on the same day. He threw in some food and entertainment and it became an annual event.

Original Sold

Giclee Reproduction Available

Busy Back Alley

Sometimes the back alley is a social spot. People popping in and out and passing through.

Canadians Heading South

A Canadian Ritual. As soon as the signs of winter begin to appear Canadians begin to think south. I love the stirring song of our beautiful geese honking as they jockey for position in the chevron. This painting began in my mind as we jockeyed for position on the highways going south last year. I think we are all inspired by our beautiful Canada geese.

Christening Sunday

Weddings and christenings are wonderful family gatherings, made special by the loved ones who attend. I always enjoy these celebrations because they signify a beginning.

Original Sold

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Christmas Holidays

Welcome back Merry Olde Christmas; the most magical holiday of all. This painting was inspired by memories of good times spent with family and friends. For a few days the world stood still, ready for comfort and joy.

Original Sold

Giclee Reproduction Available

Christmas Pageant

A tribute to the wonderful telling of “A Child is Born” at Kingsway Lambton United Church in Toronto. This magnificent production has been performed for more than 80 years. It is the perfect beginning to the Christmas season.

Coming Home

My husband is a car junkie. We searched for many years for a 1936 Ford, the car in which his parents brought him home from the hospital. We finally found one in 2004. We are the third owners and we named her June after the old family Ford.

Original Sold

Giclee Reproduction Available

Coming Mother

Inspired by an antique door stop which I caught out of the corner of my eye as I left a curiosity shop in Watchet, Somerset. It materialized in this painting. I do love to paint the black and whites!

Cow

My grandchildren spend a lot of time at Riveridge Farm in Caledon. I’m always amazed to see them push their way between the huge cows to feed them apples and carrots. The roosters however command their ultimate respect and a wide berth.

Cutting Ice on Wood Lake

Before the refrigerator there was the ice box. Ice was harvested on the lakes during the winter months and stored in sawdust for use during the summer. My husband’s grandmother told us about the time they lost a team of horses through the ice while cutting. It always stayed with me and this painting is a tribute to that loss.

Eaton’s Santa Claus Parade

Anyone who grew up in or around Toronto has fond childhood memories of the Santa Claus Parade.  It is the oldest and largest in North America. I remember getting up early and driving ‘downtown’ so we could get a good spot. My father often took a step ladder when we were small so that we could see everything and take up very little space.  After Santa went in through Eaton’s Toyland window we would all stream in to visit him and see all the wonderful things for Christmas. A most magical day.

Eglise Rural

Traveling in Quebec as a child I loved the little rural churches. Every tiny village had one and they were obviously the centre of everything. Although we visited only in summer I imagined this little church in the formidable French Canadian winter.

End of the Railroad

There is a beautifully preserved little  wooden church on the Old Barrie Road near Orillia, Ontario. This little community was the end of the underground railroad in Ontario. The land was originally given as a burial ground and the building was constructed later. I am always moved when I pass this place.

Essence of Orillia

This painting was created for our dear friends in Orillia. Over the years they have introduced us to all the charms of this delightful city and its waters. It is beautiful in all seasons but summer is my favourite.

Original Sold

Giclee Reproduction Available

Fall Cleanup

The boys are busy helping Mother Nature.

Fall Farm

This painting was created as a project for my fall studio trip to Vermont a few years ago. Travelling through the Ontario and New England countryside we saw so many beautiful farms dressed in their fall foliage and looking very much like our painting.  What a privilege to enjoy such beautiful surroundings with friends.

Original Sold

Giclee Reproduction Available

Fall in Caledon

The windows of my studio look out over a wonderful panorama of rural Caledon.  I feel so fortunate to live in this perfect part of Ontario surrounded by lovely old farms and beautiful, rolling countryside.

Fall in the County

The hills and farmland of Dufferin County are breathtaking.  Although I love the lush green look of the county in summer, it is the beautiful colours, delicious air and the bountiful harvest of fall that thrill me most. This is my favourite subject matter.

Fall in the Village

As the county changes clothes and dons the beautiful fall colours, the residents begin to prepare for the season to come. I love the activity and decorations of fall in the little villages around us.

Fall Shade

This is a scene I have witnessed both
In Caledon and in Somerset. I must admit that the foliage in Caledon
was quite a bit more impressive.

Feast of Fields

A wonderful outdoor, organic, culinary festival which was held locally for years. Painted as a fund raiser for The Children’s Organic Garden at Cold Creek Conservation, the Folk Art Pyramid is shown surrounded by local produce.

Orignal Sold

Giclee Reproduction Available

First Day of School

Everyone remembers the first day of school.  I was always a little nervous about what this day had in store.  Once we were all together again there was usually a feeling of excitement.  Lots of chatter, new pencils and books and hopefully some new friends.  The end of summer but the beginning of a brand new school year.

First Snow

The magic of the four seasons is something we cherish in Canada. We never know when to expect the First Snow and it sometimes feels a bit early, but it is always exciting. It brings to life the anticipation of the season to come and the realization that we need to prepare for it.

Original Sold

Giclee Reproduction Available

Fishing in the Humber

The first summer of my father’s retirement my parents would pack a lunch and a rod and tackle box and set out to find a tranquil spot by the river.  My mother would read and my father would sit in quiet contemplation; not really caring whether he caught a fish or not.  How blissfully bucolic.

Five and Five

We usually travel the side roads to visit friends.  As we travel along the 5th Concession we pass through Five and Five several different times.  This painting is a compilation of those lovely intersections.  I think it would be grand to live at Five and Five.

Folk Art Pyramid

This lovely arrangement of animals has been around for several hundred years in many forms.  I have painted it myself numerous times. To me this represents a true example of American Folk Art.

Original Sold

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Folk Art River Scene

I am a huge fan of the work of 18th century artist Rufus Porter and have created many paintings in this style after a wonderful boat trip down the St. Lawrence River one summer.

Folk Art Sheep

I have always had a fondness for sheep since my weaving days. They kindly provide comfort and warmth.  This sheep is ready to meet the shears.

Guernsey Girls

Having spent some time on Guernsey in the Channel Islands, I came to love the almost orange butter and the lovely
rich milk. There are so many delights
in this quaint little world and the
Guernsey Girls are one of them.

Friendly Harbour

Affectionaly known in the studio as “Ah Hahba” because it reminds us of the lovely little harbours in New England. I love to paint maritime scenes.  The hustle and bustle of a seaport is always exciting.

Original Sold

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Glastonbury

One of my favourite Somerset towns. I have painted the famous Tor many times but this is the lovely town from the other direction, set in the ’70’s; a period of time I enjoyed in Britain.

Good Ol’ Hockey Game

When the CBC lost the rights to “Hockey Night in Canada” Stompin’ Tom’s song, The Good Ol’Hockey Game was suggested as a replacement.  It made me remember playing on the backyard rink and watching my brother and his friends play pick up hockey. Sometimes they even let me play, white skates, pompoms and all.

Guinea Hens

One of the most wonderful experiences of my life was a safari in South Africa. I was in awe of the big five but I fell in love with the Guinea Hens. We would round a bend on the dirt road and twenty or thirty of them would raise their heads, stare for a few seconds then scatter in a flurry. It always made us laugh. Adorable!

Harvest Moon

I think Fall is my favourite season.  The colour palette is exceptional.  God’s gift of warmth before the long, cold winter.  There is something about a big beautiful Harvest Moon that inspires me to count my blessings and realize the love around me.

Original Sold

Giclee Reproduction Available

Hen and Rooster

The farm is my favourite theme and what farm is complete without a hen house. I love this pair. They seem to be courting.

Home for Christmas

Home – It is the place to be at Christmas. The most important part is being with family and sharing this time together.

Homeward Flock

In The Coop

These ladies are part of the harem of the Barnyard Boss. It is a thank you for all the delicious eggs we enjoy from the farm.

Kleinburg Chicken Coop

This lovely old structure was just down the road from our home and it fascinated me.
Pierre and Janet Berton always said the Canada Dry Co. started with Kleinburg water from the pump at Hwy. 27 and Nashville Road by the chicken coop. Notice the little red pump.

Last Day Of School

Last Day of School
It was the best day of the year.
It was the Last Day of School!
There was great excitement in the air
as the children tumbled out into the
sunshine, clutching their report cards
and their CNE tickets.
Calling out “See ya next year.”

Little Red Schoolhouse

When our children were young they loved to go to the outdoor centre just up our sideroad. The building was the local one room school house and I couldn’t help imagining it in a bye-gone era. I put this little schoolhouse in my Memory paintings whenever I can. I think I would have enjoyed attending a one room schoolhouse and I thought that lovely old icon deserved its own presence. 

Maisons de Ville

Although my heart is in the countryside I have a great fondness for townhouses. I love the beautiful London row houses, the Circle in Bath and the lovely Brownstones of New York City. The most beautiful are the maisons of Old Montreal.

Maple Sugaring

When our grandchildren were small we lived in a Sugar Bush. They loved the sugaring off. A wonderful day in the woods, pouring hot syrup on the snow to make taffy. How lucky we are to live  in this part of the world where something so yummy comes from maple trees.

Original Sold

Giclee Reproduction Available

Merry Christmas

What a wonderful holiday. Everything about Christmas makes us happy.  The town, the tree, the carollers, window shopping and just being together. Our family feels so fortunate to have grown together in Kleinburg.  It really is a Christmas town.  We wish you a Merry Christmas all year.

Original Sold

Giclee Reproduction Available

Michael

As I’m sure you can imagine I have loved folk music since my teens. I have belted out ‘Michael Rowed the Boat Ashore’ along with Peter, Paul and Mary, many times. Notice the ‘Milk and honey on the other side’.

Milking Time

I always wished I had grown up on a farm.  There is something so peaceful about rural life. The cows coming back to the barn to be milked is like the tide coming in – it happens without fail. It is sad that our family farms are disappearing. There are still a few of these beautiful homesteads to the north and west of us and we love driving around the countryside to see them.

Original Sold

Giclee Reproduction Available

Monday, Monday

I love the sight of a line of laundry blowing in the breeze.  The heavenly scent of fresh air and sunlight.  I remember Monday mornings on the street where I grew up. Every house proudly displayed crisp white sheets and towels.  We used to run through the sheets.  Do kids ever get to do that now?

Original Sold

Giclee Reproduction Available

Mute Swans in Winter

As a small child I had a close encounter with the swans of Wells Cathedral in England. Because of that experience I have always had a fascination and a healthy respect for these beautiful creatures.

Original Sold

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Neighbours

Although rural properties are sometimes separated by concessions, country folk still manage to be good neighbours.

Original Sold

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Oh No, More Snow

Winter seems to last forever. Just when you get all the snow cleared away you wake up to yet another thick blanket of white. While hoping for inspiration to create a spring painting, this scene instead came to mind.

Our House

This lovely house in Kleinburg was our home for 17 years.  We grew together as a family, added a son in law and three beautiful grandchildren, and shared its welcoming grace with many friends and family.

Our Town

This is a traditional early American style of painting.  The term ‘Early American’ refers to the continent without borders.  It is not a political statement but a feel for what went before.  I love the peacefulness of this style and this painting is my impression of that genre.

Partridge in a Pear Tree

This is a traditional early American style often found in mourning pictures and young girls’ needlework from the 1700s and 1800s.  I like to think of it as the tree of life.  I often use it for baby gifts but the partridge and pears make it perfect for the season.

Original Sold

Giclee Reproduction Available

Pig

In the early 1700 to 1800’s on the eastern seaboard of the United States and some parts of Canada, itinerant artists would travel to the fall agricultural fairs. They would paint the prize winning animals larger than life to fan the farmer’s ego and insure the sale of the painting.

Prize Holsteins

When itinerant artists of the 18th century painted prize winning livestock, they portrayed them larger than life to fan the farmer’s ego and ensure the sale of the painting.

Puck’s Pig

Painted for my grandson, Duncan, after a visit to Puck’s Farm in King Township.  Neither of us could believe the size of that pig and we went back several times to visit her.

Ready For The Shears

River Ridge Farm

This painting was a commission by the sons, for their parents who own River Ridge Farm. It shows all the delights of this lovely farm. The cows are pets but the vegetables and eggs are delicious.

Rooster

In the early 1700 to 1800’s on the eastern seaboard of the United States and some parts of Canada, itinerant artists would travel to the fall agricultural fairs. They would paint the prize winning animals larger than life to fan the farmer’s ego and insure the sale of the painting.

Rufus Porter

A most amazing man. He lived from 1792 until 1884 in New England. He was an inventor, artist, author and the founder of the magazine Scientific American, which is still published today.  I discovered one of his murals in New Hampshire many years ago and I have been fascinated by him ever since.  I took a wall mural class at the Rufus Porter Museum in Bridgton, Maine and this painting is a result of that class. His simple style definitely influences my work.

Saturday in the Park

As a small child I went a few times to watch my grandfather play cricket. The St. Clair Cricket Club was near a park and I was always fascinated by the number of people enjoying  their Saturday. While listening to a pianist playing ‘Saturday in the Park’ at an art show the memory returned and this painting danced into my head.

Saturday Morning Sailing School

This is the view on Saturday morning from our friends’ deck on Lake Muskoka.  So enjoyable sipping a coffee and watching the trials and tribulations afloat. Can’t wait for the Regatta.

Sheep

In the early 1700 to 1800’s on the eastern seaboard of the United States and some parts of Canada, itinerant artists would travel to the fall agricultural fairs. They would paint the prize winning animals larger than life to fan the farmer’s ego and insure the sale of the painting.

Skating on the Village Pond

On our way to visit family I love to pass the Palgrave Pond in winter. The town comes together and with the help of the volunteer firefighters creates the most wonderful rink, then they share winter afternoons and evenings enjoying it. The friendly small town atmosphere reminds me of the winter skating of my childhood.

Snow Day

Remember the joy of finding you did not have to go to school? A wonderful day spent in a winter wonderland of skating, skiing and snowman building – after the shovelling was finished, of course.  These are the benefits of a Canadian childhood.  I still think a good snow day makes everyone feel happy to see their neighbours and thankful to live in the four seasons.

Original Sold

Giclee Reproduction Available

Soapbox Derby

Little boys have always been interested in speed and competition. Soapbox Derbies were a neighbourhood thing in the early 50’s. The rickety vehicles were constructed out of old wooden soapboxes and bits of junk…..and NO HELMETS. I realize that little girls like speed too but in my neighbourhood we sold the Freshie.

Spring Cleaning

There are many signs of Spring. I fondly remember our neighbours all out on the first beautiful day, busily sweeping away Old Man Winter.  The first day of skipping, bike riding and going to the park. Glorious!

Sunday Morning

This is the best day of the week.  Everyone is converging on the little village church. Some early, some late, but all welcomed by the vicar on Sunday Morning.

Giclee Reproduction Available

Thanksgiving Preparations

Canadian Thanksgiving is at the perfect time of year. The crops are in, the days are still warm and nature is changing into its most beautifully coloured outfit. It is a busy time at the farm; gathering honey, picking apples pumpkins and corn, the apple pie bee and stalking the turkey, all in preparation for Thanksgiving. A perfect time to be thankful.

The Automobile

What an exciting thing – the first automobile. People came out of their houses to watch one pass by. The horse is a bit worried. He’s not sure why but he feels this will not bode well for him.

The Birthday Party

What happy memories are conjured up by the return each year of our birthday. Frilly dresses, pin the tail on the donkey and friends bearing gifts are just a few.  Such joy to be the focus of the day.

Original Sold

Giclee Reproduction Available

The Carnival Comes to Town

We all remember the excitement of seeing the trucks arrive at the fairgrounds. Magically the carnival appeared the very next day.  It was the local highlight of the summer, a glimpse into another world and everyone wanted to go.  I loved going with my family when I was small but it was even more fun later to be able to go with my friends.  Even today when I see them setting up in a parking lot I am immediately transported back to my childhood.

The Flock

The Regatta

Everyone who summered at the lake remembers the regatta. Scattergood summers since the 40’s were spent at Wood Lake in Muskoka. The annual Wood Lake Regatta was held at Caribou Lodge on the south shore and was always great fun.  A favourite memory is Grandad’s canoe, ‘Silver Bullet’ sinking at the dock at the beginning of the race! I hope this painting reminds you of your regatta.

The Tree

The age old tradition that signals the beginning of the festivities. Let Christmas begin. Entering the still silence of an evergreen forest
gives one a sense of peace.
Choosing the perfect tree and bringing it home is a privilege of living in Ontario.
Merry Christmas.

Original Sold

Giclee Reproduction Available

To Market

Early in the morning on market day the industrious farmers and vendors head To Market with their wares. I am happy that local farmer’s markets are so popular. It is the most wonderful way to shop and to meet your neighbours. I love getting to know the people who grow my food.

Original Sold

Giclee Reproduction Available

Toronto Harbour

This painting was inspired by archival photographs of Toronto which are a passion of mine. I thought it was fascinating that the Flat Iron Building on Wellington Street in the St Lawrence Market district, was initially so close to the lake. It makes us realize how much of Lake Ontario has been reclaimed. Ah, progress.

Original Sold

Giclee Reproduction Available

Train Time

In the past the railway station was the busiest spot in any little town. People coming and going – waiting for the train or rushing to catch it! Train travel was definitely exciting.

Tuscan Holiday

Our holiday in the Tuscan hills outside of Siena was a magical time spent with friends. It is not often that I paint outside of my studio but the absolute beauty of Toscano in spring was truly inspiring.

Original Sold

Giclee Reproduction Available

Twins

Uptown, Downtown

This painting is a result of the joy of seeing protected old buildings in the shadow of development. I know progress is inevitable but I truly hope that all of the beautiful old buildings will not be lost.  We cannot appreciate our present if we do not honour our past.

Sold Original

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Victoria Day

“The twenty fourth of May is the Queen’s birthday. If they don’t give us a holiday we’ll all run away.” My grandmother used to sing this little ditty as she packed the picnic lunch. Our children always enjoyed the day long festivities in Binder Twine Park. This is a blending of my childhood memories and theirs. Thanks Queen Vicky for the first holiday of summer.

Violette

Our daughter loved French in grade one and sang this simple little song constantly.
Un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq, six, sept, ‘Vee o lette, Vee o lette,’
Un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq, six, sept, Un voyage en ‘bee cee clette’.
I still love it.

Wedding in Kleinburg

Sharing in the magic of Kleinburg is a wonderful beginning. In days gone by Kleinburg weddings took place in the Methodist Church on Nashville Road, where the monument now stands. It was a large white wooden structure with frosted windows and was the heart of the community. Weddings in Kleinburg have always been special.

Winter Evening

There is something so tranquil about a cold, crisp, still evening in rural Canada in January.

Winter Farm

A few years ago I painted a series of farms in winter. One of the things I love about them is their tranquility. The great stretches of snow covered fields and the quiet barns and houses make me think of hibernation.  Farms seem to sleep in winter. Dairy farmers would not agree.

Winter Farm at Night

Nothing creates a sense of peace and joy like a quiet, starlit December night in rural Ontario.

Winter Fun

Such jolly fun follows a beautiful pristine snow fall. We all remember the thrill of tobogganing, backyard hockey, snowman building and the magic of a sleigh ride. Ah, Winter.

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Winter In The Hills

I was so happy with the cover of Winter in the Hills magazine, which bore my painting‘Christmas Holidays, I was inspired in January to begin ‘Winter in the Hills’.
I love the variety of activities available when our rolling countryside is beautifully dressed for winter.

Winter’s Night

On a calm, crisp winter evening I often recall the lovely line from an old Gordon Lightfoot song “I would be happy just to hold the hands I love, on this Winter’s Night with you.” As I worked on this painting I could hear the jingle of the bells on the horses’ harness and feel the glow of the moon on the beautiful snow.

Woodland Santa

This little folk art Santa is my favourite.  He is from a time before the frills of the Dickens’ Victorian Christmas and I love the simplicity. I painted the landscape with simple folk art icons such as the leaping stag and the little church to complement his style.