Earlier this week I discovered artist George Nick beginning a cityscape of a building on Dartmouth Street. Everything about him –the plant of his feet in front of the canvas, his deep concentration, assured way he scrubbed off an offending line - gave the impression of a master.
I watched for a bit and took a series of photos of him as he worked. When he became aware of me, I asked his name and if he had a card. He didn't have a card, but he gave me his name, told me he had a website and that he showed his work at the Gallery Naga on Newbury street.
When I returned to my desk to search for more information about him, I found a treasure trove of Boston memories. His website and that of Gallery Naga feature paintings where he has preserved moments of the city that were once familiar. You see businesses that are gone or moved. You see the clean lines of architecture without the uncomfortable visual clutter of today's commercial districts.
Naturally, this made me want to learn more about the man who created the art. One article in American Artist Magazine begins "George Nick, long revered by other painters, is one of the most respected contemporary realist in the country. A painter of urban scenes, he depicts the Boston area where he has lived since 1969."
He has also influence generations of artists at Massachusetts College of Art where he taught for 25 years. Today, he is a visiting Professor Emeritus at that institution.
Do go to his site and that of Gallery Naga and explore his work. Boston and architecture are only a small part of the Nick portfolio. He lends power and a very revealing eye to his interpretations of subjects ranging from figures to cars and other vehicles. I know that I will often check in to see what George Nick is doing and will take every opportunity to see his work when he has a show.
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