George Buytendorp

Born in the Netherlands in 1923, he studied at the Academy of Fine Arts and Related Sciences in The Hague. He apprenticed under his father, also a graduate of the academy. He completed his studies in art and art restoration.
He owned his first studio in Arnhem and later in Amsterdam, worked for the aesthetic department of the Dutch government, then became designer, art consultant, and purchasing agent for the Artificia Gallery in The Hague.
George and his family immigrated to Canada in 1951, and settled in Manitoba. During his 40 years in Manitoba, he was executive member of Brandon Allied Arts Council, member of the Board of Directors of the Manitoba Design Institute, Brandon University arts advisory board, and Manitoba Society of Artists.
He taught workshops and advanced classes in Ontario and across the Prairies, and guest lectured at universities. He now lives in British Columbia and has set up his studio in Abbotsford.
George’s paintings capture the grandeur of Canada’s prairie and wilderness, distilling it to the essence of simple statement in line, form and colour.
His intensity as an artist causes him to believe that, “One should only make a statement when one is emotionally involved and understands the character of one’s subject. One must have the technical ability to make that statement. When you have made it you should stop. Emotion can only last so long. Anything after is weak and ineffective.”
Art can never be just a copy of God’s created nature, an artist must do more than that, he talks about it, but he does not merely illustrate it.
George’s technical dexterity enables him to evoke an emotional response in the viewer that ranges from the exuberance of sun drenched wheat fields to the peaceful contemplation of rock, pine-strewn northern lakes.
He often spends time in the wilderness creating small panels, which he will later expand and enlarge in his studio.
George’s work can be found in private and corporate collections throughout North America and Europe.