Aspen Tree - First Snow with Dried Grass Painting

One of the most gratifying things about being an artist is hearing how my work affects those who view it. I'm a landscape artist, and one of my favorite subjects to paint is the Aspen trees. There's something about their tall, powerful trunks and delicate leaves that really speaks to me. When I paint them, I feel like I'm connecting with something much bigger than myself. My art collectors feel that connection too. They feel a sense of joy, bringing back fond memories of childhood ski trips to the mountains with grandparents, some reminders of amazing family vacations or time spent with their loved ones. Some have got engaged or married in Aspen groves and they look at my art as a reminder of those special moments. Some buy the paintings to gift that emotional moment to their loved one. It’s incredible how art can mean so much to different people. Through my art I’ve made many friends and formed powerful bonds with people from all walks of life. It’s truly a privilege and an honour to share these emotions with them. This is what keeps me going, the knowledge that I am creating something that has the ability to touch people in a deep and meaningful way. I love painting with palette knives. There is something about them that feels more wild and unpredictable. Maybe it's the lack of precision, or the way the paint spreads across the canvas in thick swaths. I feel like it allows me to be more spontaneous and expressive in my work. The thick layers of paint create a textured effect that I really enjoy, and it allows me to focus less on individual details and more on the overall composition. As a result, my landscapes tend to be more atmospheric and evocative, which is exactly what I'm going for. Acrylic is my medium of choice because of its fast-drying properties which gives me the ability to create layers of color that allow for flexible and spontaneous changes.