George Tanner was born in Winnipeg and has lived here most of his life He is trained in graphic design, although his time has been increasingly devoted to painting and drawing. He is a long-standing member of the Winnipeg Sketch Club as well as a member of CARFAC, Manitoba.
His subject matter comes from two very distinct sources. One is the natural world, in particular the area within Manitoba's Whiteshell Provincial Park. The other is his imagination. He has created a number of paintings based on dreams, memories, and possibilities.
George's paintings have won awards in several annual juried exhibitions and he participates regularly in group shows. His pieces are included in several corporate as well as private collections.
In George's own words,
My paintings continue to progress along different and varied paths at least in terms of subject matter. The goal in all work is the same though – to produce an artwork that captures the attention of the viewer and communicates something, perhaps only a feeling or memory, on a non-verbal level.
I have organized my work into three categories; landscape, figure and invention.
Landcape focuses on the light and atmosphere of the environment, especially locations in the Whiteshell Provincial Park. I find these scenes not just pretty or picturesque, but powerful. They require an approach beyond photographic realism to communicate that power and to capture their impact.
Figure drawing and painting is the category in which I feel most at home. I have always enjoyed trying to depict people and personalities though not often in a photographically accurate manner. I feel it's more important to get a good painting than a good likeness. Best, of course, is to achieve both goals whenever that's possible.
Invention deals with subject matter from imagination, ideas and experience. Often theseare treated in an unexpected humorous or manner. I have also experimented in abstract and narrative paintings. I expect these experiments to continue.
