Paul Lancaster was born in Lobelville,Tennessee in 1930 and grew up in Nashville. Without any art education, Lancaster began to paint about 1959 and gained increasing recognition. His works are in significant private collections and numerous permanent collections such as the Smithsonian, American Visionary Art Museum, Reece, Parthenon, Parrish and Hickory Art Museums and University of Virginia collection . Lancaster's early works had primitive qualities and were full of fantasy. His techniques grew exceptionally so that many cannot believe he is self taught. He worked with most all media available to the painter and even taught himself how to create etchings. His graphics work proved significant for it is in his etchings that his great facility for the drawn line and subtle color could be so fully accomplished.
Paul was a simple man, quiet and modest. He was part Cherokee Indian which contributed to
his personality and is clearly reflected in his work. One could easily see his works as
"visions" of a beautiful life deeply rich in the wonders of nature. He belonged to the outdoors
and his works always belonged to nature and the spiritual. The subjects of his work are the
forest, woods and streams. Figures are in his works but they may, in many works, seem
unimportant, helpful for proportion but not always essential to the presentation. When he
did include figures they are usually female, always beautiful, often exotic. Working strictly
from imagination, he often animated his trees and rocks suggesting animal or human forms.
His visions were peaceful and quiet, almost fairy tale pretty and idealistic. Lancaster was a true
self-taught artist in every respect--his knowledge and technique are natural gifts not
academic. His skills have been honed over fifty plus years of work. While his style ranged
from the simple to extraordinarily complex, it is always innocent and honest. In this sense,
he was great rather than good. “Paul Lancaster: Immersed in Nature” was published in 2009
and described his life and his art. Lancaster died on June 18, 2019
GREY CARTER
Objects of Art, LLC
1126 Duchess Drive, McLean VA, 22102 703-734-0533 www.greyart.com
Paul Edward Lancaster was born August 31,1930 in Lobelville, Tennessee to parents, Jesse and Pearl Curtis Lancaster. He passed away Tuesday, June 18, 2019 in Smyrna, Tennessee at the age of 88 years.
Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Lorene Lancaster; brother, Gene Lancaster; sisters, Clara Renfro and Ophelia Stubblefield. He is survived by his loving children, Ramona (James) Tucker, Paul Edward Lancaster, Jr, Mike (Marilyn) Lancaster, Amy (John) Holland, Jesse (Ronica) Lancaster; sister, Lois Willis; 13 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Funeral service will be held 12:30 pm Friday, June 21, 2019 at Mount Olivet Funeral Home with Reverend James R. Tucker and Reverend Micah McAllister officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Michael Lancaster, Patrick Lancaster, Aaron Lancaster, Chris Holland, Daniel Wallace and Brayden Howell.
Visitation Thursday, June 20th from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm and again Friday from 11:00 am until 12:30 pm.
PALLBEARERS
Michael LancasterActive
Patrick LancasterActive
Aaron LancasterActive
Chris HollandActive
Daniel WallaceActive
Brayden HowellActive
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