Testimonials
One of the best things about my chosen profession is the comments I get from some of the people who've either seen or purchased my paintings. I'm often amazed at how accurately they've analyzed the ideas or inspiration behind a particular piece of work.
Occasionally, they even take the time to write me a letter expressing their feelings. Here are a few I thought I should share:
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"Mr. McGill - It is impossible to relate the daily pleasures we all get from your 'Recess Remembered'. The realism is uncanny. North of Waverly, Ohio on Route 23 is a one-room (may be gone now) school that could have been your model. As a young fella in first grade I attended this school. The number of students...many decades later...about same as your creation. "I have long since given names of the Waverly class to the children playing in the school-yard. Even Sam's little sister who cried so often is entering the front door. "The picture continues to amaze me...needless to say the constant pleasures of recalling one's childhood are daily satisfying. "I am in your debt, for I feel you must somehow have had me in mind as you drew it. Thank you. Regards," T.C.M. Lewisburg, WV |
And from the above-quoted gentleman's wife, another letter addressed to Mrs. Kaulback of Nest Egg Antiques, who sold the print:
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"In the 55 years I've given him gifts, he has never enjoyed one so much. Every day I hear a new story about Sam or Sam's little sister or some other children he remembers. ...I wanted you and the artist to know the joy the print brought to this home. Sincerely, C.M." |
And from a buyer of quite a few of my original paintings:
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"...As you may know I have been a fan of your art for sometime and have done considerable business with Alan and Jill in Intercourse. At last count I believe we have ten pieces of your work; all of which I enjoy immensely. "I just wanted to write and thank you profusely for giving me your self portrait. It is a treasured piece. Some years ago I met you briefly outside Alan's gallery and you had the portrait there. I was amazed at the striking resemblance and have often since thought how nice it would be to have a picture of the artist with whose work we are surrounded. You may be sure that it will be in an honored place in our home...I have asked Alan to pass on to you our admiration of your work. Your unique ability to capture the rare beauty of the area is a gift and you use it well." J.L. Sarnia, ON |
A congressman who is now a senior member of the Bush administration:
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"Your artwork is a nostalgic reflection on the historic past of our area. We should all be more aware of the tranquility of Amish traditions and the beauty of our own past as it is so reverently depicted by you. With best regards, I am Sincerely, T.R." United States Congressman |
The following is excerpted from the text of an installation speech by the new president of a large eastern theological seminary:
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"The print hangs in our family room because it caught Dona's eye during a trip to the Pennsylvania Dutch country late last fall. The artist, J.G. McGill of Lawrence County, had painted a one-room school, a building with a prominent place in our family history. Dona spent eight years in a one-room school. But history aside, it was the haunting quality of the work that first repulsed and then attracted us. "In the left foreground McGill has painted a smiling white haired man leaning on his walking stick staring at the school, its windows broken and boarded, its porch sagging. Move closer and the eye follows the elderly man's line of sight to a dilapidated outhouse, door hanging askew. Keep following the direction of his eyes and shadowy figures emerge in the schoolyard, apparitions, ghostly children playing. The specters are jumping rope, playing leapfrog and tag, shooting marbles, having a wonderful time. The painting is titled 'Recess Remembered.' "For just a few minutes permit me to lean on my walking stick, to share my line of sight, my perspective on this school. To be sure, the windows are not broken and boarded. The campus remains a blooming garden, the buildings stately and majestic. But today I find myself gazing at ghostly figures of the past who still play here, not because they return in some supernatural way, but because they have given this institution shape and definition. Join me then in a 'Recess Remembered.'" |
The following letter was written by a nun working in Africa to her friend Sally:
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"Sally, remember when you took us to that lovely little shop in New Wilmington called 'The Nest Egg' on South Market Street? We browsed among their treasures and finally bought some exquisite pen & ink cards by J.G. McGill. I used some of them, but I've got two left which I can't part with. When I need a 'lift' as an inspiration I get out those 2 cards and gaze at the beauty of the artist's work. What a gift of God." Sister Jean, Kenya |
The following was on a Christmas card from a collector of original JG McGill paintings:
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"We enjoy your 4 original pieces every day and look forward each year to coming back to Lancaster County (Dutchland Gallery in Intercourse, PA) to see what you have done that year. Your work is extraordinary!" N.T. Whitmore Lake, MI |
A letter from a man who commissioned seven oil paintings, after the delivery of one of them:
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"Dear Gib, Great work! Great work! The painting is outstanding and will be proudly displayed in my study (with two Remington Bronzes)." R.H. Washington, D.C. |
Another letter from a print buyer:
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"Mr. McGill, My wife and I purchased 4 of your prints and are tremendously pleased with their effect in our home. In addition, we found your agent, Mrs. Kaulback, and her son Bob very helpful in selecting the proper combination of prints and a real pleasure to deal with. My wife and I look forward to returning to their shop to purchase 'Light Cover' this spring." B.G. Coudersport, PA |
The following was written as an entry in the guest book of Gabriel's Bed & Breakfast, New Wilmington, PA:
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"The painting in my room - the 'Michael' - captures the essence of this place, I think; its warm yellow lights pierce the gloaming and the shadows of a winter night, speaking of warmth and cheerfulness." |
I received the following note from a very wealthy lady who had received one of my prints at a political rally:
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"Dear Mr. McGill, Please accept this belated note of thanks for the wonderful print which was given to me by the Lawrence County Republican Committee. It is hanging in my house in the country and already has been much admired by our family and friends. You have added a happy touch to our lives and I am truly grateful. Most sincerely, E.H." Pittsburgh, PA |
An excerpt from another letter:
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"If you had been seated that afternoon with Sisters Ruth and Jean and yours truly--you would have had a re-awakening about your work and I thought you should know that. I am of course, speaking of the immeasurable pleasure. I particularly love the ethereal quality of 'RECESS REMEMBERED' (in pastel) and 'TWILIGHT REVERIE' (also in pastel). The fine linear quality of both paintings surpasses my imagination of what can be done in pastel--you are indeed unique." A.M. Pittsburgh, PA |
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