My materials


Quality and permanence are at the heart of my work. Whether I’m sketching in the various neighbourhoods of Toronto, capturing a local storefront in Barrie or painting in Algonquin Park, I rely on a specific kit of professional-grade tools that can handle the "Visual Reporting" I do in the field.

The Fountain Pens

I prefer working with fountain pens for the unique line quality and the tactile connection to the paper. My collection ranges from reliable daily carries to precision instruments:

  • The Every-Day Kit: The Platinum Preppy, Pilot Kakuno and Lamy Safari are my go-to tools for first passes and energetic lines.

  • The Workhorses: For longer sessions and heavier lines, I rely on the TWSBI Eco and the TWSBI Diamond 580 ALR. Their large ink capacity is essential for extended drawing sessions.

  • Specialty Lines: The Sailor Fude allows me to vary my line width significantly, perfect for capturing deep shadows and laying down bold marks.

Ink & Color

  • The Ink: All my line work is done with Platinum Carbon Black. It is pigment-based, archival and completely waterproof.

  • The Palette: I use Daniel Smith Watercolours. They are world-renowned for their lightfastness and unique granulating properties, which I use to replicate the natural grit of limestone and granite.

Brushes & Paper

  • Brushes: I use Princeton Aqua Elite round brushes. They are designed to mimic natural sable, providing the perfect balance of water retention and "snap" for precise applications. I also use Raphael SoftAqua mop brushes which hold a tremendous amount of water making them ideal for large passes, particularly skies.

  • The Foundation: My finished pieces are created on Arches Cold- and Hot-Pressed watercolour paper. Arches has been the gold standard for artists for centuries (it was founded in 1492) and its 100% cotton fibre handles heavy washes and fine detail with equal grace.

  • The Journals: For my ongoing visual reporting projects and cemetery studies, I use Stillman & Birn journals. Their heavy-duty paper allows me to work wet-in-wet without worrying about bleed-through or buckling.