The Art of George Buchanan

"McKinna"

16" x 20" Watercolor on d'Arches paper

 "The Stationary Gentlemen”

My father’s father owned a service station and it was a magical place. For weeks in the summer, on holidays and many other occasions, our family would visit from our home in Virginia. On each visit, I would find the same gathering of gentlemen. They sat on wooden chairs, smoked pipes and drank cokes from the honor system coke box. One of my earliest memories is an image of my grandfather and his friends seated in a group with the sunlight streaming through the window panes, filtered by sweet smelling tobacco smoke hanging in the room like cirrus clouds and finally falling across the time worn faces. Even as a child, I was impressed enough to attempt to capture the rich atmosphere and compelling characters. As I aged, elementary through high school, John Buchanan’s Service Station was a constant. Through the stories of his customers, I was provided with a feeling for the era that preceded my birth. The perspective I gained at the store, softened the pangs, immediacy and self absorbed dilemmas of childhood. The Zen like pace suited me and I learned to appreciate the act of just sitting still and watching the surroundings. The paintings in this collection, painted while in my late teens to early twenties, punctuate a happy childhood, made extraordinary by the close bond of family and friends.

 I painted these in my late teens and early 20’s.

Signed, very limited edition, museum quality Giclees available: 11" x 14" $150 or 16" x 20" $300

My grandfather's friend patiently sat for many portraits over the course of my childhood. This watercolor is one of my final efforts which was painted in my late teens.

"Doc Robertson"

20" x 16" Watercolor on d'Arches paper

"Joe Hubbard"

20" x 16" Watercolor on d'Arches paper

Mr. Joe Hubbard had so many stories that I was fortunate enough to hear. I only wish I had been wise enough to carry along a recorder.

   Portrait Technique

I wish I could get all of my subjects to sit still long enough to portray. I paint fast, however for children, I make use of photos. When possible, I like to include a brief sitting to make observations of eye, hair and skin colors. I begin by making a pencil drawing. Then using a small brush, the pencil lines are reinforced with burnt umber paint. Using a wide, flat, sable brush and fluid paint, I cover the background with warm colors. Then I’m ready to add layers of translucent color, in both warm and cool, to build the form, light of the background and the face. I finish with a medium, flat, sable brush to add details. In this case, I wanted the plaid shirt to showcase the brushwork by remaining painterly.

I was given three photos; the two brothers in one picture and each dog in separate pictures. This will be a cherished heirloom for many generations. 

Aziza

After watching the report in the news about the Yazidi's being chased to the top of a mountain by Isis, I was moved by the story of Aziza and her family. I'm painting Aziza's portrait from a paused tv screen. I'm truly outraged by Isis and their hateful perversions. I pray Aziza and her family stay safe.