George Hancin

Artist Statement

I am an observational painter, I greatly enjoy painting from life. The dynamic interaction of focused looking and its recording creates its own type of meditative high. I am interested in how architecture, cars, etc. interact with the natural environment. I am fascinated with commonplace neighborhoods and the subtle strangeness they can evoke. I try to stay away from traditionally picturesque motifs, looking for locations that are more unique and personal to me. Painting on location, approaching each piece with a fresh and open point of views what I strive for. Most of each painting is finished on the spot, but they are frequently reworked and adjusted in my studio. IMy goal is to make my paintings that are more than just a copy of a place but a narrative or documentary about a setting; creating a story and a feeling about a place. I try to balance these narrative and representational issues with a direct and painterly approach. I’ll walk about my neighborhood or drive around my town and quietly observe. It will be in these solitary moods when I see these normal places in a fresh and innocent way. When I am in such a mood; the light cascades across a lawn, and the shape of a shadow, or the color reflecting on a mailbox will fascinate me. It’s these moments I try to capture in my paintings. I also greatly enjoy drawing from life. Drawing people and catching their gesture, body shape, facial characteristics is an exciting challenge. To look at a figure and have your hands fall in sync with your eyes is a magic experience. I try to regularly go to drawing groups to have that experience.