I am grateful to have the OPPORTUNITY to show my work at the Arts & Letters Club here in Toronto - the MEANS by which I do this is 50 portraits of Agatha Christie characters displayed in the Great Hall. My MOTIVE is to become a better portrait painter and be available for commissions (hired gun).

The Arts & Letters Club has a rich history of portraiture - the hallways and lounge are full of 'Past President' images - an amazing collection. I have a small Lake O'Hara painting in the Permanent Collection... maybe a Presidential Portrait one day!

I overheard an inspector in one of the murder mysteries say, "There are two main reasons people MURDER: love or money." I noted these are the same two reasons people make art.

Mystery Portraits is a premeditated art show of paintings depicting actors from recent Agatha Christie productions (mostly). The movies and series are from the BBC and include Poirot, Miss Marple, The Pale Horse, Murder is Easy, Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?, and others. I’m sure you will recognize some if you are a fan.

Agatha Christie’s characters have been criticized for being two-dimensional (stereotypical) - they are perfect for a painting exhibition! We are celebrating the co-stars in the lesser roles - people from the background - the extras, the maid, the butler, the gardener. There are big stars, as there are big paintings, but mostly smaller paintings and smaller roles. (The painting size does not necessarily match the star power.)

The entirety of the productions is a visual treat. I chose to focus on the characters rather than the scenery, sets, or props. They capture my imagination even over plot - so much, I wanted to share them as an art show. The Arts & Letters Club is a perfect venue for a murder-mystery art show! A contemporary of Agatha, the Club is a visual treat.
But it is the characters - the members, and the staff -  that make it extra special.

I hope you have an opportunity to see the work in situ. Until then, enjoy the digital preview.

Large PORTRAITS

40 x 50 inches - oil on canvas - $4500

framed SMALLER PORTRAITS

Oil on Panel - three sizes - 12 x 15 inch - 10 x 12 inch - 8 x 10 inch - frames handmade by the artist

12 x 15 inch

oil on panel + artist-made frame - $1250

10 x 12 incH

oil on panel + artist-made frame - $1050

8 x 10 Inch

oil on panel + artist-made frame - $850