George Buytendorp was born in the Netherlands and studied at the Academy of Fine Arts and Related Sciences in the Hague. He followed in the family tradition of his father who had an enviable career as an artist and fine arts restorer. In 1951, he emigrated to Canada and lived in Manitoba for many years before moving to British Columbia.

George Buytendorp has a deep spirituality and it is fitting that his paintings should be featured in "the Simple Truth" as they speak louder than words in expressing the beauty and love of God. He follows in the tradition of fellow countrymen Vincent Van Gogh who not only once was a minister who preached God's Word to the poor, but also remained a minister through his letters, drawings and paintings. George Buytendorp continues to be active as a Sunday School Teacher as well as creating paintings which speak the beauty of nature.

"This book comes at a time when the world is turning away from peace, justice, love and salvation. I pray that the positive warmth of the content may be blessed by god. I am thankful to John Kurtz for choosing these paintings as illustrations to his message of truth. May the reader find enjoyment in contemplation as I found in the portrayal of creation". --- George Buytendorp