We drove countless routes, each one a winding bounty of sun-drenched vineyards and dusty roadside stops. Fields of grapes, peaches, and cherries blurred into a smear of colour through the car window as they passed. I was searching for the perfect vantage, the view that would reveal this collection to me, but I couldn’t find it.
This summer I spent ten days in the Okanagan. I must have drove every road, walked every path, and sampled every wine which, well, isn’t really connected to my painting. Through breaks in rainy weather, I ventured out to find the view that would inspire my collection and, after a full day’s search, I had nothing. I was too high or too low or there was too much shadow, too much light, too much water, not enough water, the list goes on. Nature is abundant, but it doesn’t always present itself in the golden ratio.
As the day stretched on, I started to have serious doubts on whether I could bring these landscapes to canvas in a way that felt authentic to the place and to me. I decided to get back in the car after an unfruitful search and head back.
Then I noticed something.
In turning around, I saw all the landscape I had just covered. It rose up, dipped down, winded to the sides, and rolled around golden hour orchards and wineries all under the dramatic shadows of cliffs I hadn’t noticed simply because I hadn’t looked back. I was so focused on what was ahead of me, I hadn’t stopped to appreciate everywhere I’d been. And where I’d been looked pretty incredible from where I was.
Such is life, at times, as well.
I immediately grabbed my brush and a small canvas. This moment of literal reflection grew into Solstice, a collection of 14 pieces featuring the vineyards, lakes, and fruit trees from in and around the Okanagan region, home to roughly 300,000 people, 200 wineries, and one incredibly energetic sommelier named Wanda whose bright disposition gave me a second wind that day.
This collection was an absolute joy to paint, but was also a true growth experience. The Okanagan has a very particular beauty and one I hadn’t captured before. I spent many days and nights banging my head against the canvas trying to figure out how to best represent it. I’m thrilled at what came out of that struggle and I hope you recognise that particular beauty in these pieces whether you are fortunate enough to call the Okanagan home or have visited it once, twice, or one hundred times.
Launch details
The collection goes live on Thursday, November 13 at 10 am MST.
What is included
- 5 36x48 inch paintings
- 3 30x40 inch paintings
- 2 24x40 inch paintings
- 2 36x60 inch paintings
- 1 40x48 inch painting
- 1 24x72 inch painting
I cannot wait to share these with you. Keep scrolling for a taste of what's to come! I will send a reminder on launch morning.
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