“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” ~ John Muir
When initially contemplating my self-portrait, I considered a handful of candid photos but in the end could only envision an outdoor photograph being the stimulus for its creation. I am primarily a landscape painter inspired by natural scenery, taking reference photos everywhere I go. Blooming alpine meadows, stunning views from the top of a mountain, morning sunrises or evening sunsets, and of course forest trails, have provided me with opportunities for stillness and inspiration. The photo reference for my portrait was taken in Quesnel’s Wonderland Trail network. Several mornings a week I can be found hiking here, finding solace and artistic inspiration year-round. As a creator, I have always preferred to paint a stylized interpretation of the scene before me rather than focusing on minute details. Painting a self-portrait provided an invitation to the exploration of fine detail and an opportunity to stretch and grow as an artist.