The Exeter Courthouse Gallery is currently featuring the work of mixed-media artist George Tanimoto of Fresno.
George, who describes his style as impressionistic contemporary art, is a valley native with roots going back to Hawaii, where his grandfather was a tombstone cutter of fancy headstones. He credits his grandfather for the artistic branch that runs through his family tree.
George graduated from high school in Sanger, where he first took art classes. He has a degree in industrial arts from Fresno State, where he majored in woodworking, but found that allergies did not allow him to continue to pursue the craft.
George became a special education
teacher at Porterville Developmental Center in the early 1980s, teaching arts and crafts. He concluded his career by teaching self-care skills to the clients.
It wasn’t until retirement that George finally found the time to pursue his love of art. He took a semester of art at Fresno State and honed his skills through local workshops. He studied with Marguerite Barton, who taught adult oil painting classes at Porterville High School, and he took watercolor classes with Margaret Wheeler, along with drawing classes at Porterville College.
Now in his mid-80s, George describes himself as a “line artist.” He works primarily in watercolors, acrylics and colored pencils. He takes time to draw and paint every day. He may choose whimsical subjects, but he takes his work seriously.
George is a member of the Porterville Art Association and the Tulare Palette Club. His work has previously been featured at The Courthouse Gallery.
George’s current exhibition at The Courthouse Gallery is scheduled to continue through February. In addition, the Gallery is offering many of his pieces for sale at a special price.
Members: An incredible one-time offer is available to you. Information is available in announcements.
