My journey with paint began in Quebec city during the covid-19 lockdown.  I decided painting would be a good way to keep my mind busy.  As I explored colors and textures, my passion for painting was ignited.

 

In the 1980's, I would "confiscate" snowmobile trail signs and install them in my own dirt bike trails. I was amazed by the details and color arrangements of those hand painted tins.

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My first signs were made on recycled pallet wood, which I prepared in my parents garage while visiting them in Knowlton. I mostly painted old snowmobile and railroad logos with acrylic paint, giving  them away at Christmas. 

 

When the lockdown was over, I went back to work.  In the summer of 2025, I pulled out a Gordon Ladd painting (Famous Knowlton painter) that was stored away for over 20 years.  My parents gave me the painting in my 20's.  I began to truly appreciate his artwork.

 

I later stumbled upon Bob Ross' Joy of Painting videos in the fall of 2025.  I was intimidated by oil painting , but Bob encouraged me to persevere with his famous quote "We don't make mistakes, just happy accidents".   Thanks Bob!

 

I gained more confidence and began studying other artists, such as Robert Mee and Andrew Tischler.  I'd wake up early and paint from 3am to 6am, then head out to work. I painted over 30 studies during that winter, along with a few of my own creations. It helped me develop my brush skills and sense of observation. 

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In may of 2026, my last contract as a consultant ended.  I was inspired to get serious about sign painting; idea which I'd been putting off for quite a while.

 

As I began to trust the process, new ideas flowed to me at night. I'd often wake up at 2am to write down the inspirations. Those ideas were mostly memories  about the people and businesses that had an impact on me as a young lad in my hometown.

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I began to add those stories to the signs I painted, which in some cases helped me heal from the past, and help others release emotions as well.

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