My Octopus Teacher
Inspired by the Netflix documentary of the same name. I loved it.
The anatomy of an octopus is fascinating — eight arms, three hearts, and the ability to change color and shape in an instant. I had to paint one.
The Queen Mary Cathedral in Montreal
The Queen Mary Cathedral sits in downtown Montreal, and just behind it is a hotel that has been renamed over the years — it used to be the Château Champlain, where my mom worked for 18 years.
Montreal is rich in old architecture. Every block has something worth drawing.
Done with Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens and a fountain pen in a Rhodia notebook.
Central Park Burnaby Autumn
Burnaby’s answer to Central Park — and just as beautiful in autumn.
My wife and I would often come here for walks. It’s the kind of place that feels a world away from the city even though it’s right in the middle of it.
Lessons From Self Portraits
Done near the end of the pandemic. By that point it had worn me down — I was burnt out, and I think the drawing reflects it.
Sometimes art doesn’t lie.
Parc Extension Where I Grew Up
Parc Extension is the neighbourhood in Montreal where I grew up — and where my family still lives today.
The house we live in belonged to a man whose daughter went on to produce a TV show called Dogs with Jobs. Every place has a story.
Early Morning Sketching
Every morning I’d sit at this same spot with a coffee, and every morning I’d feel frustrated — I never knew what to sketch. So I just drew the same view over and over.
Then one day I noticed something I’d never seen before, even though it had always been there. That’s when I understood what the practice was actually for.
Dark Self Portrait
My first attempt at starting a self portrait practice. Looking at it now I can see the mistakes — the contrast is too strong, the colors too cold.
But I learned a lot about the materials. Part of the problem was using professional grade watercolor paper and being too afraid to ruin it. Switching to cheaper paper changed everything — suddenly I could take risks.