A Glimpse Into The Life of Artist George Jennings

A Dancer's Feet

Acrylic on Panel

Artist George Jennings has had anything but a typical life.  In the past, he was in the air force and also worked for the U.S. Secret Service.  At one point he even took a job as a truck driver.  Now he spends his free time creating unique fine arts masterpieces.

Perhaps, George's intriguing life experiences have been an influence in his moving, eye-catching, and thought provoking art work. Visual arts can be a paradox of expression often sharing glimpses of an artist's life or an essence of their emotion.

Koi

Acrylic on Panel

George paints mostly with acrylics. Yet there is not one medium that he favors over another. He finds that a fusion of different mediums help to manipulate the image, creating the results that he envisions.  Each painting for George is personal and has a meaning of it's own. He is acutely aware that this may or may not come across universally to the viewer. He hopes that viewers will perceive their own reflections in his work and find something in it that brings them a sense of peace or joy.


George feels motivated by music while he paints, he finds that listening to music opens his senses and creates a relaxing atmosphere.  He enjoys artists such as, Bob Dylan, Laura Nyro, and Nick Drake. George explains, "great music always helps provide me with the right environment to create."

It was not a conscious decision for George to become an artist; rather, it was more a matter of influential circumstances paired with natural ability and desire.  He was introduced to the concept of being an artist at a very young age by his grandfather, artist John N. Robinson from Washington D.C.  During the summer months, when school was out, his grandfather would line up all seven of the grandchildren on the porch, including George, and teach them the fundamentals of art.  His Grandfather took the time to nurture and engage with him on the subject of fine arts and evidently those moments never left George. This made an impression on the young George Jennings for the rest of his life.

George was fortunate to grow up in Washington D.C., a location rich in artistic culture.  During his weekends he spent many hours roaming the Smithsonian galleries and feeding his hunger for the visual arts.  With immense receptivity he soaked in the art like a sponge in his curious mind.  Assuredly this prompted him to dive into the creation of his own work as an artist.

His young artistic enthusiasm was embellished by spending a year at an art-specific high school called  The Duke Ellington School of the Arts.  This school fosters artistically inclined students and is a place where they offered advanced studies of art. During this time in life George began an active effort as an artist competing against his peers by entering into regional art competitions.

A Moment of Reflection

Acrylic on Panel

After high school George continued to paint and grow as an artist independently.  He submitted his work in various contests, participated in group art shows and solo exposes.  

Currently, George's diligence as a painter continues to open the door to a plethora of art exhibit opportunities for his work. In 2010 and 2011 he was chosen as the featured artist for the Onyx Fine Arts Collectives art shows in Seattle and Portland. In addition he was given the People’s Choice Award from the Onyx event.  He also manages his own art business, and sells his work through various retail outlets, as well as his own website.  While accomplishing all of this he still continues to maintain a nine to five job; however he does plan to get to the point where he is able to make painting a full time commitment.  As it stands he uses his free time after work and on the weekends to paint.  This example of persistence while juggling a busy lifestyle is both inspiring and motivating for others to see.   

As previously mentioned, George's first influence was his grandfather; the caring teacher that took the time to instruct him in the methods of art.  He has found a similar affinity with artists such as Alphonse Mucha, Maxfield Parrish, and Patrick Nagel.  George is also fond of Japanese Anime.

When asked about why he became an artist, George explained, “I can't imagine anything more important in life than waking up and being able to create something every day.”  He believes that art expression is unique to each individual; what touches him may not be parallel to what inspires others.  This makes art such an ever changing expression, truly exclusive to each individual. 

To George Jennings, art is an evolution. His taste in art continues to expand as he gets older. George elaborated that “art brings a purpose to my life.  It allows me to express myself in a way that others may not have available to them.  It keeps me going."

Currently, Local Color Gallery, located in our sister city Seattle Washington is displaying Jennings work through March 2012.  Please see the link for gallery information: http://www.localcolorseattle.com/

You may also view more of George Jennings work on his website: http://georgejenningsart.fineartstudioonline.com/

Jade Dress

Acrylic on Panel

Seattle

George Jennings Fine Art: http://georgejenningsart.fineartstudioonline.com


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