Self-taught artist still loves painting after 36 years

When travelling on the Mandela Highway, passing Central Village, it is inevitable to notice the beautifully painted portraits.

George Brown, who was a stone's throw away, came to greet the news team, pleased to say he was the painter.

For him, painting is more than just a hobby. It is a craft that he has honed and developed into his career for almost 40 years, having started in 1984.

The White Marl Junior High School past student said he hasn't received any formal training but his works of art tell a different tale of expert detailing and precision.

However, he believes Jamaicans are not appreciative of self-taught artists as very little respect is being paid to them and their craft.

But his craft has allowed him to make a living and send his three children to school. "I love it from childhood. I could do it with pencil and then I expanded to paint," he said.

He recalled that his first painting of White River in St Ann, which was done in 1984, sold for $500. He recalled that at that time, $500 carried more value. Brown was understandably ecstatic. "I have never tried doing anything else because it was successful, so I just continue it, plus I have a passion for it," the 62-year-old said.

Deep in concentration

He invited THE STAR to his home, where he showcased several unfinished pieces. Brown was deep in concentration doing the final touches to one piece he titled Lakeside.

He said that his favourite piece has to be a portrait of children playing marbles, as it reminds him of his childhood experiences as he was good at that game.

"On a regular day, I sell up to six paintings. People pass and buy it to sell back to hotels," he said. However, since the COVID-19 lockdown in March, Brown's business has been impacted.

"It get slow down in a way, and it cut my income into none. There were weeks when I couldn't even make a dollar," he said. Although he is grateful that restrictions have since been lifted, and he is able to sell a few pieces, he is still hopeful that he can sell his usual amount. Brown said that he has spotted several of his pieces in different parts of the island.

"I feel good. One time I went to a gallery and they put a mark up on one of my pieces and a lady said to me 'You can't buy them painting here man' but the person who own the gallery came from around the back and said 'You looking at your work' and the lady said 'Oh I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I take it back'," he laughed.

For Brown, that initial excitement from selling his first painting all those years ago is what keeps him creating more portraits. Furthermore, even though he's been painting for so many years, he has not got tired of it. "No, I have no plans to stop painting, maybe I will go into another business but not at the moment," he said.