ARTICLE

THE DALMASO COLLECTION

Indomitable Spirit II/Indian Mask – Diptych

Paul’s paintings

I first met Paul on the sea-walk near Stanley Park. My wife and I had only recently moved to a building nearby. Paul was sitting in a lawn chair near a display of 10 to 12 canvases leaning on each other on the grass. Barb and I stopped to admire the
intriguing paintings. Their style was impressionistic but different… more color, more movement – wild but restrained and balanced. We settled on an Emily Carr(1) theme – a fallen, decomposing totem. The only uncertainty was if it fitted in our new living room. To our surprise, Paul suggested that we take it and try it out. The even bigger surprise was that he didn’t want to take any money until we were sure it was right for us. I remember his comment, “I am more concerned about someone stealing my sunglasses than my painting”. That was in 2006.

In 2007 we met Joanne at the Cambie St. Mall. She had a number of canvases which I instantly recognised as Paul’s work. It was apparent by the style and colors. We picked 3 – what I call Summer(2), Fall(3), Coal Harbour(4). Joanne took these, had them stretched, and Paul delivered them a couple of days later.

In 2010 we met Joanne at the Park Royale Mall where we saw and bought Spring/Mountain Creek North Vancouver(5). And soon followed a commission for a variant we call Abstract(6), which was similar to another Paul had created. We wanted a different colour scheme. It took 1-2 weeks and the results were fantastic.

Our last purchase was also a commission. We moved to a different apartment and had a large wall to cover. We asked Paul for something special – the cover of his 2013 book called Indomitable Spirit. I call ours Indomitable Spirit II/Indian Masks(7). It hangs proudly in our dining room.

In our time knowing Paul and his work, we have seen many creations. The styles and subjects change while his art continues in a masterly way. As Paul says “I get bored with doing the same thing” and “I have new ideas”.

We marvel at his ability to evolve styles and subject themes, to re-invent his artistic voice while staying true to his creative spirit and we look forward to his continuing impressive inspirations.

Thank you, Paul, for the beauty you bring into the world–and into our home.

Corrado DalMaso

Barbara DalMaso

February 2026

Vancouver, B.,C., Canada