Special Projects

1912
Oil on Canvas
8″ x 10″

Eugenie Albertine Paquette
(nee: Pilote) 1912 – 2008
 
 A deteriorating black and white photo
was used as a reference.
 

 

“Marabel’s rice”
Oil painting on canvas 
11″ x 14″  

This young lady is under two years old and is
tackling her rice by the handful.

DOB:  June 1 2022 in Uganda.  
I painted her father’s portrait – Geoffrey Wanume
a couple years ago, as seen on this page lower down. 

Portrait – Gurdeep Pandher
Oil Painting on Canvas
20″ x 20″ 

Gurdeep lives in a cabin in the forest of the Yukon, Canada.  Over the past several years, he has been making videos of himself dancing a traditional dance of Punjab called Bhangra. Through his dance in the wilderness, he sends out joy, hope, and positivity across Canada and the rest of the world. Gurdeep’s videos have gone viral all over social media, so much so that international media broadcasters have & continue to feature his story. 

I’ve been in contact with Gurdeep for the past few months.  He has an amazingly positive attitude, joy for life, and he genuinely wants to see others filled with happiness.   It’s an honour to speak with him, as well as paint his portrait. 

He continues to dance in the forests of the Yukon Canada.
Gurdeep’s YouTube channel

Portrait – Former Chief Billy Beardy
of Fox Lake Cree Nation in Manitoba
Oil Painting on Canvas
14″ x 14″

Let me introduce you to former chief Billy Beardy, an individual who’s wife, family, community, and Canada couldn’t be prouder. 

A few years ago, Billy risked his own life, not just for this own family & community, but also for the rest of Canada’s citizens by assisting the RCMP… ending the manhunt for 2 killers. Without hesitation, without a bullet proof vest, and so many unknowns, Billy’s knowledge of the land and how nature interacts within, led to the ending of this situation. 

Putting his own life at risk, was a selfless act of bravery ….
he is … a Hero. 

Documentary by the Globe & Mail – Manhunt, Manitoba: Two Fugitives and the Cree Trapper who helped close the case – YouTube 

This painting will be presented to former chief Billy Beardy by the current Chief and Council of Fox Lake Cree Nation in 2022.

“Billy, you made all of us proud.  It was an honour to paint your portrait.” – JD 

Portrait – Andy Sward
Oil Painting on Canvas
12″ x 16

Andy Sward (from Vancouver Canada) and his Million Bottle Pledge
 
Every summer (since 2012) Andy runs across Canada, coast to coast, picking up bottles & cans found along highway. It’s his way of trying to bring awareness to the ongoing environmental impact that people are making by discarding trash inappropriately.
 
I’ve spoken with Andy on a few occasions and had the opportunity to meet up with him a couple summers ago. During his stopover in Winnipeg, MB, I picked him up from the local Red Cross Clinic, where he had just donated blood. We hung out for a while and shared a few stories and laughs.
 
Learn more about Andy through his FB Page – Million Bottle Pledge
 

Portrait – S.M
Oil Painting on Canvas
12″ x 12″ 

This beautiful Indian Bride was born and raised in South Africa where she continues to live. This painting was requested by her sister.

 

Portrait – Geoffrey Wanume
Oil Painting on Canvas
12″ x 12″

There is something I really want people to know about Wanume, but first….
 
I have known Wanume for 5-6 years via the internet.  He was very keen on wanting to know what it was like to live in Canada. See, he’s from a small community just outside of Jinja, Uganda. Over the years, we’ve text and video chatted… I’ve meet his mother and other family members through video chatting…

Here’s what I want the world to know about Wanume….. although he is quite poor and unable to find steady work …. Here are the top 3 things I admire about him.

  • When unable to find work, he Volunteers his time to help others in his, or other outside communities.
  • He is the only guy I know that Never Stops Smiling, no matter what.
  • Loves his mother dearly

I’m so glad t o have him as a friend.  One day, I hope I’ll get a chance to meet him in person. 

Portrait – Big Daddy Tazz Laughing
Oil Painting on Canvas
12″ x 12″

For approx. 30 years, he’s been doing Stand-up Comedy, TV specials, guest appearances, and he is a huge advocate for Mental Health Issues.  Most recently, ever since Covid hit, he’s been reading to kids everyday through his Facebook page. 

I first met Tazz in 2006, when we had shared the same stage during an open mic night at a local comedy club.  For the next 7 years, our paths crossed several times at various comedy venues, and although he was always the main feature, it was still an honour to be there.  By 2013, my life took a different path, but Tazz and I have remained in contact over the years.   

 

Portrait – Frank the Barber
Oil Painting on Canvas
12″x 12″

Frank Cianflone is the proud owner of Phil’s Barbershop, located in the area known as “Little Italy”, at 836 Corydon Ave in Winnipeg, MB. His shop no bigger than half the size of an average sized living room, consisting of 2 barber chairs and a sink to wash hair. It is very quaint and cozy.

 
Unfortunately, Covid restrictions has caused Frank to close shop during this pandemic. Hopefully it won’t last much longer so he can get back to work and be one of those smiley faces people have been accustom to seeing in the community.
 
About a week before restriction hit, I was lucky enough to meet up with Frank at his barbershop for a photoshoot for this project.
 
I’ve known Frank for a couple years, as I’ve been going to get my haircut and showing my support for the small business owner.
If you get a chance, support the local business, get a haircut and tell him I sent you!

Portrait – Mike Ranta
Oil Painting on Gallery Wrapped Canvas
20″ x 20″

Prints are available upon request

  • This Killarney Ontario resident is the current record holder for being the only person (along with his dog Spitzii) to solo canoe across Canada twice in a single season!  And if that wasn’t enough, he canoed across Canada for a 3rd time!  You can read more about him here: FB –  @mikerantapaddle   
  • 2017, we met up in Gimli MB, where he was kind enough to gift to me one of his hand carved canoes that he had carved during his paddle across Canada. 
  • 2019, sent me a letter with one of his hand carved paddles.  I keep it safe and sound.

Portrait – Dorothy Crate
Oil Painting on canvas, 11″ x 14″

  • First Nations Elder, who was honoured by her Family, Friends and The Community of the Fisher River Cree Nation, Manitoba.  

Portrait – Akihiro
Oil Painting on canvas, 10″ x 10″

  • Let me introduce you to this smiling 11 month old baby – Akihiro from Winnipeg MB Canada

Portrait – Siya 
Oil on Canvas, 12″ x 12″

  • A commissioned painting that was gifted to the parents in Connecticut USA

Portrait – “Ami”
Oil Painting on canvas, 12″ x 12″

  • Let me introduce you to the youngest person I did a portrait of.
  • She was a month shy of her first birthday
  • This commissioned oil painting portrait was shipped out to New Brunswick Canada

Memorial Portraits of Mr. & Mrs. Manikam
Oil Paintings on Canvas, 12″ x 16″ x 1.5″

Married for 52 yrs.  
May they continue their loving journey in the afterlife.
Peace, Love & Gratitude from their children

Song Sparrow
Oil Painting on canvas, 9″ x 12″ 

  • This beautiful little Song Sparrow painting is One of a Kind.
  • There will be no prints available.  
  • It was a special project painted for a family in BC Canada. 

Portrait – Father Dimitrois Sarlakis
1958 – 2020
Oil Painting on canvas, 14″ x 14

Born in Salamina Greece.  By 1986, he was ordained into the Priesthood with the Greek Orthodox Church.  In 1987, along with his 5 year old son, they immigrated to Winnipeg Manitoba Canada, where he continued to serve as a priest.   

Portrait – Akaloo Family
Oil Painting on canvas, 12″ x 12″

The Akaloo Family live in South Africa, where this painting is now located.  
This is a portrait of their son on his 16th birthday. 

Velliama “Amma”
Oil Painting on canvas, 12″ x 16″ 

Velliama, was born and raised in South Africa.  As a tribute to her dearly missed grandmother, this portrait was commissioned by her granddaughter, who resides in Manitoba, Canada.