Influenced by the Brandywine Tradition, George Van Hook thinks of his paintings as primarily a visual response to the selected environment, be it landscape, figure or still life. "I want the color to be beautiful and the drawing firm and secure," he says. The paintings are a marriage of external and internal forces- what emerges on the canvas should be a reflection of both the beauty of the world and the artist's most inner response. 

An opening reception will be held Thursday, August 22nd from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Lily Pad Gallery West, located at 215 N Broadway Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202. George Van Hook will be present, conducting painting demonstrations and will be available for conversation and discussion.