Homes & Gardens: Rod Adam Captures the Vibrancy of the Sea

Stepping into Oakville watercolourist and decorator Rod Adam's world takes you swiftly into another place and time. Growing up in Dundee, Scotland on the north bank of the River Tay, and having family members that worked at the harbour has made a life long impact on the witty artist. As you walk into his studio a beautiful painting of Dundee's city centre, circa 1960's commands one's attention.

A feeling of community and a fascination for neighbourhoods resonates throughout Rod's work, whether the painting is of Dundee; the Spadina area in Toronto; a ship at sea or a desolate barn that epitomizes Canadian winters. Equally mesmerizing to Rod are unique architecture, streetscapes and spaces and the challenges of capturing the ever evolving vibrancy of the sea on paper. These interests led Rod to create limited edition prints for Queensway General Hospital, and to paint covers and inside spreads for GAM, a yachting magazine as well as commissions for proud boat owners.

"My father and grandfather both worked at the harbour in Dundee. Most of my spare time was spent watching the ships dock, so my watercolours reflect these early influences, as they are mainly marine in subject," explains Rod.

Dovetailing nicely into his love for the sea is another of Rod's artistic endeavours: building ship models. After painstakingly completing the ships the end result is displayed in a glass case and is purchased by collectors who love and appreciate the sea as much as the artist himself.

Being meticulous is a skill that Rod has developed over the years, not only as he builds ship models, but also in his parallel career, as an interior/exterior painter and decorator, specializing in faux finishes. As Rod states, "both of my businesses allow me to use my creativity and imagination to leave a lasting image."

In addition to all these activities, Rod's entrepreneurial spirit has found an outlet in painting portraits of homes for real estate agents. As people move out of their long time family home, Rod will capture a memory that will travel with them to their new abode.

It's obvious that the importance of neighbourhood and community comes full circle in all the Rod creates. For more information on Rod please contact him by email or by phone at 905.827.7274.

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