George Wastle realized he was a pretty good artist as he sat in elementary school, using pencil crayons for his art class.
Wastle, a graduate of OCAD University, has illustrated children’s books, studied in France and Italy, and had his works displayed in his hometown’s gallery – the Art Gallery of Burlington.
“I started with pencil crayons, and got very detailed drawings with that medium,” Wastle said. “In university, I started using paints like acrylic and oil. In private lessons I tried watercolour, which was able to cover a larger surface a lot easier than pencil crayon.”
After graduating from Aldershot High School, Wastle made his way to southern France, where he lived for four months as he volunteered at an art workshop.
He helped kids with their paintings, and when he could find the time he’d work on his own pieces.
“I also worked at a summer camp in England, because I had a UK visa I could go the following year,” Wastle said. “After my studies, I took an art course in Florence, Italy, and had very intentional days full of painting watercolour and oil. On weekends I visited museums and churches, exploring the surrounding towns and villages.”
Wastle’s oil work is rich in textures, as he uses a palette knife to spread several colours at once, and add some depth to the piece – which he says can add to the realism of the painting.
The European connection goes back to Wastle’s father ,who worked in Italy as well. He did add the language barrier was particularly difficult at times, as his French was ok but he spoke no Italian at the time of his trip.
Wastle spent his spare time painting churches and scenes from around the city and surrounding area. Outside of traditional paintings, he has worked on illustrating four French children’s books – two of which have been published, Chez Mamie and The House in the Lilac.
“It was a very interesting opportunity to find, thanks to my French prof,” Wastle said. “Working with a company in Hamilton that does French camps, tutoring, and poetry, I met with a team of four, weekly to collaborate on the progress of each book. I sent in sketches, works in progress, and we discussed how it was going. It was a really helpful experience for me to develop a whole storyline through pictures.”
Working on children’s books is something that Wastle wishes he could do more full time, as he waits for two other book projects to come off the back burner
At home, Wastle showcases his works at the Art Gallery of Burlington, and will be at the Artisan Market at Dundas Driving Park on Sunday, Sept. 8, from 10 a..m – 4 p.m.
Those interested in Wastle’s work can view more on his website.
