Meet Cynthia George

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia George.

Hi Cynthia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The two words I would use, to sum up my story are “Full Circle”. As a teenager, when I saw the movie “Mrs. Doubtfire,” I decided that I wanted to become a Special Effects Makeup Artist. I went on and graduated from the University of Florida with a BFA in Theatrical Production.

I moved to Los Angeles, California, and enrolled in their Special Effects Makeup Artist program. I got a position to work on a major motion picture. It was so surreal seeing my name listed in the credits as a Special Effects Makeup Artist. A few months later, I was hired at Universal Studios Orlando to work on “Halloween Horror Nights.”. I was asked to stay on permanently. This was my dream job.

After September 11th, as the world changed so did I. I realized I had to move back to be with my family. This was a difficult decision but I felt something was missing. So I went back to school and became a Registered Dietetic Technician. Unfortunately, I became disabled and I had to take a long hard look in the mirror and make a decision on what I wanted to do. So I came “Full Circle”, back to art.

I started to pursue acrylic painting. My love for pets and wildlife animals became obvious. I found I can see their innocence and personalities. I have been so fortunate to have painted pets where their owner has said: “You did it! You captured my baby!” To make a difference in someone’s life is all that this artist can hope for.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would say the biggest obstacle in my path has always been myself. I have always been my own worst critic. I don’t think that I will change, but the way I identify myself has. I have spent my life seeing only “black and white.” I questioned my self-worth.  I can honestly say now I see color and I want more!  I identify myself as an artist and nothing less. Whether through painting Pet Portraits or whimsical wildlife themes/scenarios I am constantly evolving.

I love working with my clients to help bring their pets to life through a canvas. I have created “One Girl, One Canvas,” so I can work with animal lovers to give each animal a “voice” that otherwise cannot be heard. It is this “voice” that you see when you look into their eyes. The connection with the viewer is what helps drive me to keep creating.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My art, at its core, is storytelling. I capture the personality of each animal. When I am not working on a Pet Portrait, I am painting animals or endangered wildlife. Sometimes the animals are painted in serious and meaningful environments. Other times in whimsical themes and scenarios. I want the viewer to see the unexpected. For example, it’s common to see a domestic cat and mouse playing inside.

But uncommon for a leopard cub in the wild playing with a mouse. My goal is to use my art as a vehicle for conversation. What sets me apart from other artists is my process with my clients. I take pride in showing them each stage of the painting process so they can have input.

If possible, I like to meet the pet or at least see a video. This gives me a sense of their personality. This is not just any generic painting of a breed, but rather a family member with unconditional love.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
When we were quarantined, during the Covid-19 crisis, I was very fortunate not to have gotten it but some of my family and friends did. The best thing I could do was to focus on my art. YouTube became my best friend. I spent many hours focused on improving my art. I experimented with texture and different tools.

For the first time, instead of just painting animal fur I sculpted it so it could be “felt “on the canvas. My art began to evolve into mixed media. I did more wildlife than Pet Portraits at that time. Covid-19 is a reality check, which has reminded me of how delicate life is. I need to enjoy this journey called “life” and not take it for granted.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cynthiageorgeartist.com
• Email: cg@onegirlonecanvas.com