The Power of Black and White

I began studying at the Academy of Realist Art in Toronto to refine my portrait work—and it’s done more than that. It’s reignited my passion for traditional, realistic drawing.

As a kid, I loved working in pencil. But once you become a painter, drawing often becomes the underlayer—something to build on, not something to finish. This course reminded me just how powerful graphite and charcoal can be on their own. No colour, no distraction—just tone, form, and raw emotion.

Through the Academy’s program, I began with the Charles Bargue Drawing Course and progressed to charcoal cast studies. It’s all about meticulous observation, understanding how light and shadow turn form, and learning the patience and precision it takes to truly see. That training allowed me to fully embrace these two charcoal commissions—Butterfly Kisses and The Green and the Blue.

As I drew my niece’s twins, the song Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle kept running through my mind. It not only inspired the title but also the delicate watercolour butterflies I included—symbolic of two young people who will one day spread their wings and take flight on their own life journeys.

The Green and the Blue is a family portrait of a mother and child, commissioned by the grandmother. As a surprise for her, I included the grandparents reflected in the eyes—turning it into a true generational portrait.

I love creating work like this—capturing a moment in time, a loved one, something deeply personal. For me, it’s not just about painting a likeness—it’s about connection, emotion, and storytelling.

If you’ve been thinking about a portrait, I’d love to talk.

Warmly,