HAMILTON — George S. Patton Jr. sometimes has trouble making his point. He usually gets it across, but it can take some time.
Patton is developmentally disabled, and the words just don't form as easily as they do for most people.
But his watercolors? Well, they can tell a story, though he insists that's not why he paints.
Patton, 53, was the first artist to exhibit at the Gallery at Southside at North Shore Arc when it opened in 2004, and he has a reprise coming up, beginning today.
He began painting in earnest just nine years ago, but he's become an accomplished artist whose works are regularly purchased by collectors.
He mostly paints landscapes and particularly enjoys painting lighthouses. He has a way with colors, and if his works appear clean and simple, it's the result of hard work. He said it usually takes him two to three weeks to finish a painting.
He said he's been interested in art most of his life, and that may be a bit genetic.
Patton is the son of Joanne Patton and the late Gen. George Patton and the grandson of the legendary World War II general, also named George Patton. Joanne's grandmother, Anna Standley, was a noted impressionist artist, and when Joanne is asked where her son's talent comes from, she says it must be her grandmother.
Coincidentally, Wenham artist Anna Stanley — no "d" — has proven to be a great mentor for George Jr.
Patton lives in a house at Green Meadows Farm his parents built for him when they decided he needed a bit more independence. He shares the place with Greg and Shirley Halliday, and it's a world that reflects Patton's love of all things Western.
The walls are covered with his paintings, and there are display cases that offer proof of his other love, horses and riding. He's won numerous trophies in barrel racing and other events, and he once proved his versatility.
He made it to the International Special Olympics in South Bend, Ind., in 1987. When he got there, he was told there would be no Western riding that year, and if he wanted to compete he'd have to learn to ride English style.
He won gold and silver medals.
Joanne recalls her husband poking her with his elbow at the time and telling her he used to wonder if George would ever be able to do the things their other four children did.
"Now look — he's the only one who's an Olympian!" the general said.
George is adamant when asked if painting is in any way therapeutic, or if he finds it easier to communicate on paper or canvas than through words. He loves it so much for a reason anyone could find rewarding.
"It's relaxing," he said.
When George started taking art instruction and bringing his works home, his mother wasn't certain they could all be the products of his brush alone. So she accompanied him to the studio one day and saw the proof in front of her.
Now she's a believer, but you sense she's still wowed by George's unexpected talent.
"I'm overproud, but you'll forgive me," she says with a big smile.
If you go
What: Artist's reception for George Patton Jr.
Where: The Gallery at Southside, North Shore Arc, 6 Southside Road, Danvers.
When: Tonight, 5 to 8 p.m. Call Suzanne Ryan at 978-624-2318 with questions. Patton's works will be on display through June 20.
North Shore Arc is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing lifelong support to people with disabilities.
