INTRODUCTION I arrived in Victoria in 1974. The unexpected beauty of the place--awesome mountains, sparkling waterfront, fascinating architecture--immediately captivated me. Having completed my basic art training and wondering what to do with my life, I came up with the idea to paint Victoria. In that way, my creations would not be just a host of unconnected ideas but would form a cumulative portrait of this wonderful place. Half a century later, this book is the result. There are many artists who inspired me. Key among them are the Japanese printmakers Hokusai, Hiroshige, and Hasui, and the painters J. M.

Turner, Edward Hopper, and E. J. Hughes. Their way of working encouraged me to paint what was in front of me and let history take care of the rest. Because my work is, first and foremost, of local interest, I did not pursue gallery representation. As it is unashamedly old-fashioned, I never bothered to try for government grants. my goal has been to create paintings which people will like, and which will become part of the life of the community. It is gratifying when my artworks take their place in people's homes, and I like to see them hung in public spaces--schools, churches, hospitals, hotels, and a wide variety of shops and businesses.

As illustrations in books, and as cards and prints, these images have made their way out into the world again and again. Most of the paintings in this book were done on location, and I think they reflect the pleasure which was mine at the time of their creation. Looking back, I see that the Victoria which caught my eye has changed and changed. I hope that within these pages you'll find much to recognize and remember and enjoy. --from Painting Victoria.