Gaston Locklear  (Buddy) :

      Buddy moved to the South Carolina coast when he was about 10. He was inspired by his older brother to begin surfing, skating, and painting. He took the normal creative route of drawing, watercolor, acrylics, and finally oils. Buddy didn't take art serious in high school because all he really wanted to do was surf.  In College he still didn't care that much about art and was lucky enough to be naturally talented and skate through his art classes. After Graduation he began airbrushing surfboards , traveled a bit, and did the occasional mural and painting.

     Then he went to the MOMA and there was a painting on display by Egon Sheile titled 'Tree in Winter' which had a profound effect on him. He couldn't wait to get home and start painting. He Started ordering canvas by the roll, stretching it himself, got a warehouse, the whole 9 yards. Buddy began studying all the old masters as well, Klimt, Gaugin, van Gogh, Modigliani. Surfing slowly waned as painting became more and more important. His art changed from guys ripping waves to the other aspects of surfing that you appreciate as you get older. The road trip, last wave at sunset, cup of coffee while checking the surf. His painting technique evolved as well, changing from Classicism to Impressionism and today edging toward the Abstract. Buddy paints almost everyday, and realizes that he is blessed to make a decent living doing what he loves.

        Visit Budy's Website to purchase pieces or prints!