An artist his entire life, Doug graduated in Architectural Technology from Mohawk College in 1971 and went on to a business career in the Hamilton area until 2002. During that time he had the good fortune to have studied under several well-known, contemporary Canadian and American watercolourists.
         Doug's painting approach is uniquely ‘loose and impressionistic’ and readily admits- ‘it is greatly influenced by the work of John Singer Sargent’. He has established himself as a popular and much sought after watercolour artist and instructor.
         With ‘Spontaneity’ being the hallmark of Doug’s watercolour workshops, he finds his distinctive coaching style sends people home at the end of the day – ‘tired but inspired’.
Doug believes Edgar Whitney may have been the finest watercolour teacher in North America in the 20th century and consequently he has adopted a Whitney-like instructional style for his workshops with proven results. His daily demonstrations, lessons and critiques utilize the Design Elements and the Principles of Design, all of which form the basis for his workshops.
         His enthusiasm for the watercolour medium along with his pragmatic and light-hearted approach, all lead to a stress-free and enjoyable experience.
         Doug is an elected member of the prestigious – Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour (CSPWC) and he is Past-President of the Central Ontario Art Association (COAA).

The following comments from a few of his students best characterize his workshops:

"After meeting Doug in August, 2002 and being totally inspired by his loose, fresh watercolours, I was anxious to sign up for his classes"

"To watch Doug paint is to be totally captivated by his love of his craft and his joy in each of his successful outcomes"

"He is both an accomplished watercolourist  and a personable & effective instructor.  I look forward to taking future classes with Doug"