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In April 1977, one of McRae's pen and ink drawings was selected for exhibition at the McMichael Art Gallery in Kleinburg, Ontario, home to the largest collection of Group of Seven paintings in Canada. Exposure to this collection inspired him to pursue formal art education at the University of Guelph and has had a lasting influence on his style and approach to landscape painting. He has also drawn inspiration from prominent Canadian artists such as Alex Colville and Ken Danby.
McRae works primarily in acrylics on canvas, using thin layers of paint to achieve a sense of luminosity. His goal is to portray Canada's raw beauty through a non-static approach, employing higher-key colours to convey energy and atmosphere. He hopes audiences connect with his interpretation of the nation's landscapes. He is privileged to have his work displayed in homes and offices throughout North America.