Corinthian Tonka
2011, Oil on Canvas, 18”x 36”
For me, the juxtaposition of the well used Tonka toy and the elegance of the Corinthian capital form a bridge between an individual’s childhood building toy and their ultimate awareness of architecture. As this theme is consistent throughout the ages, this image is one of 3 in the Tonka set where column caps from the Doric and Egyptian help flow the concept of play to ultimate purpose.
Egyptian Tonka
2011, Oil on Canvas, 18” x 36”
The Egyptian Tonka is the 3rd member of this series. This image uses more of the warm spectrum and is rendered to show the antiquity of this civilization. Further, this historic period predates mechanization so the ‘dump truck’ adds a twist in relationship to time. For fun, the hydrographic depict ‘Peach be with you.”
Doric Tonka
2011, Oil on Canvas, 18” x 36”
The Doric Tonka image employs the same colour pallet as does the Corinthian Tonka painting. In this they compose a joint composition. The toys are placed in similar alignments and, when displayed together, the subjects appear to face each other to ‘contain’ the composition. The comparison of the vastly different column capitals invites the viewer to consider the evolution of human settlement.
Plane on a Box
2010, Oil on Canvas, 18”x 18”
This painting is a simple image of a wonderful toy with its giant key reinforcing the play potential. However, sitting on its box, the plane becomes a cherished possession on a podium and not a play thing but an object to be viewed. The suspension of lost childhood is an emotional undertone of this simple work. The toy is available with purchase of the original painting.
Comic Race
2011, Oil on Canvas, 20” x 20”
Toy tin cars and comic books have a place in many men’s hearts. This painting is a celebration of that time in a boy’s life when play and the fantasy of a being a race car driver fills their imagination. The toy is available with purchase of the original painting.
Chill
2010, Oil on Canvas, 72” x 18”
This is a light hearted look at air conditioning and iPods - Chill
Don & Minnie Just Love the Movies
2010, Oil on Canvas, 24” x 36”
This still life takes the innocence of a cartoon and extends a message of simple pleasure. The fun of a good friend and the common ground of a mutually appreciated movie is a delight.
Imagine Air (Taxi ~ Fly ~ Bye)
2011, Oil on canvas, Set of 3, 24" by 24"
A toy is an imagination tool that sparks the very young to visualize all sorts of realities. These 3 paintings of a toy plane that actually flies away is a statement about keeping your imagination running free.
Imagine Air ~ Taxi
2011, Oil on Canvas, 24” x 24”
This image is of a DC3 toy passing an actual wheel of the real aircraft.
Imagine Air ~ Fly
2011, Oil on Canvas, 24” x 24”
Gaining altitude amid a backdrop of a sepia toned DC3 exposes the windup motor and the improbability of the reality of actual flight…but wait!
Imagine Air ~ Bye
2011, Oil on Canvas, 24” x 24”
The passengers and pilot are outbound for the distant horizon. Imagine Air is an invitation to the inner child and encourages lifelong play. The toy is included with the purchase of this series.
Lettuce Fly
2011, Oil on Canvas, 12” x 12”
A whimsical play on words and the impossible relationship of a child’s toy and romaine. Just a little fun…
Fast Fries
2011, Oil on Canvas, 12” x 12”
This lighthearted image is just for fun. The toy is included with purchase of the original painting
Citroën en Éclair
2012, Oil on Canvas, 12” x 12”
French pastries and automobiles have similar characteristics, tasteful, soft and peculiar. This image of an Éclair topped by a toy Citroën could only be French. Toy is included with purchase of the original painting.
Q-Ball & Creature
2011, Oil on Canvas, 36” x 36”
A still life with unusual objects that appear to be dealing with some plastic bug-creature. The static suspension holding the creature seems at tension with the scene. The toy is included with purchase of the original painting.
The Quest for Timmy’s
2011, Oil on Canvas, 24” x 24”
This is a Canadian thing. Where else would you find a toy snowmobile and Lego Mounty? The toy snowmobile is included with purchase of the original painting.
