George Hamilton
George Hamilton was born in 1934 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. He spent his childhood in the Berkshires and developed his love for the beauty of the outdoors. When he was 12 years old, he met Norman Rockwell. Mr. Rockwell advised young George to learn to paint beautiful ladies if he wanted to make a living in the art world. At that time, magazines were all illustrated and the artists who were doing that work were paid well.George spent five years in Japan studying oriental art and calligraphy. He met his wife, Satsuko, there and they moved back to the United States. Together they raised three sons, encouraged them to be self sufficient and nurtured their creativity.
George attended Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles California.
George began his career as an artist painting landscapes then moved on to figurative art. At first, his figures were Matisse like; black with big brush strokes. Later, George added bright colors and collage.
For many years, George taught workshops in Portland, the Universities of Washington, Oregon and Idaho, Boise State College, the Watercolor Societies of Oregon, Hawaii and Washington, and completed Salem Schools two years Artist in Residence.
George has exhibitions at the American Watercolor Society in New York, the Portland Art Museum Wentz Gallery, Museum of Art, Casper, Wyoming, the Frye Art Museum and the Seattle Art Museum in Washington, the University of Oregon Museum of Art, the Kaiser Foundation, NBC President, State Capital, Salem Oregon, Northwestern Bell and Louisiana Pacific.
George Hamilton has appeared in over sixty One Man Exhibits, his paintings have found homes in over one thousand private collections and his talent has been recognized in Who's Who in American Art, Who's Who in the West, and Who's Who in Society. He hopes his paintings bring joy, happiness and fun into the lives of his numerous collectors.
About his art, George says, "It has evolved over the years. I use softer colors now. I don't want to create a social commentary with my art. All art is decorative. Is there a difference between art and music? Do you want to listen to bad music? Do you want something screaming at you from your walls? In these troubled times, I want to create a world of calm and beauty, something to soothe the soul."
These days, George's time is divided between fishing in the surrounding lakes and rivers of Oregon, painting in his home studio in Portland, or just taking the dogs for a long leisurely stroll.
Mixed Media, 24x20"
Mixed Media, 24x20"
Mixed Media, 24x20"
Mixed Media, 24x20"