Shown is “Almond Blossoms” by Vincent van Gogh. The style of the painting is similar to Ryan George’s work. Image provided.

By Darla McCammon
and DeeAnna Muraski
Guest Columnists

WARSAW — We take a break from our Art in America series to introduce our new Warsaw City Hall artist. This artist is a current American artist, Ryan George.

George studied art education and fine art painting at Herron School of Art and Design. The school is part of the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis campus. They are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. He also obtained a minor in art history, which is a passion of his.

Due to life’s demands and stretching of his time, George has only recently come back to his love of painting and creating. Like many artists such as Paul Cezanne and Grandma Moses, George found his calling to create art later in life. There is something to say for older artists, like Claude Monet, who, due to their age, have experienced a tree in more settings and more ways due to the beauty of time. That sage lens creates a richer experience for the artist and viewer.

George’s current exhibit at Warsaw City Hall is his first body of work for a decade. He recently transplanted to Warsaw from the Carmel area. He was inspired to start painting again due to his home studio on Little Chapman Lake. He enjoys putting onto canvas the tranquil, beautiful lakes, abundant wildlife and ever-changing landscapes he gets to witness daily.

“I am a life and landscape painter by heart,” George said. “My works are a thank you to God for all the beautiful subject matter around us.” He further said of God’s influence in his work that “I just copy God’s work — he is the greatest painter creator of all.”

He has enjoyed rediscovering who he is at this later stage in his life. Part of this exploration has been a found love of collecting and selling antiques, similar to our prior exhibitor, Dave Taylor.

George’s art is styled akin to modern, post-impressionist style similar to van Gogh and Gauguin. You will enjoy seeing his viewpoint of our area from a transplant’s fresh perspective. George is open to taking new art students and his contact information will be available at the exhibit.

Events

Warsaw City Hall: New local artist Ryan George. City Hall is located at 102 S. Buffalo St. in downtown Warsaw. The exhibits are on the first floor, and the building is handicapped accessible. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Stop by on your lunch break.

Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields: The Lume features “Dali Alive,” which started last week. These immersive art experiences are floor-to-ceiling, digitally reimagined paintings. Between the two Lume exhibit halls is a café that will be featuring Spanish-influenced cocktails, coffees and pastries during the “Dali Alive” exhibit. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and also from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. It is closed Mondays.

Darla McCammon is an artist, columnist and author. DeeAnna Muraski is executive director of Operation Read USA Inc. Send an email to the mother/daughter team at either [email protected] or [email protected].