George Botich's fascination with Europe began following graduation from the Art Institute of Chicago and the Ringling School of Art, when he spent a year traveling through the European countryside and painting from the back of an old truck. Those experiences had a tremendous impact on his work and philosophy.

Annually Mr. Botich travels to Europe… usually Paris and the Greek Isles."Paris has been painted so often, and it can be overpowering," says Botich. "But one day in 1985, I happened to catch a glimpse of the light on a particular building. It just clicked for me."

"I usually spend three to six hours on location," says Botich. "But rain clouds sweep through in a flash and I have to work quickly. I try to choose the perfect moment. I always aim for the contrast. And though it's difficult to deconstruct something that comes naturally to me, I feel that a transformation occurs in moving from shadows to light."

Mr. Botch, his wife and their daughter reside in the Chicago area. He works daily in his studio completing paintings from on-site sketches as well as putting the finishing touches on paintings executed primarily in the field. His paintings are not large, usually 20x12 inches or smaller, and usually of a vertical composition rather than horizontal. It's not uncommon for collectors to own more than one painting by Mr. Botich, since the works lend themselves to groupings readily. Gallery staff also has heard more than once, "I remember that shop (or corner, or window)!" or "I was right there last…"

Meyer Gallery is pleased to display Mr. Botich's fine paintings. His works may be found in numerous private, corporate, institutional, and public collections.