We were lucky to catch up with George Shipperley recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, George thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
Mostly learned from my long time friend and tutor Marianne Grundwald Scoggin. What she taught me is and was incredibly valuable because I would not be the successful artist I am today had it not been for her insistence and inspiration. I discovered it’s not what we paint but HOW we paint and interpret subject that really matters and differentiates ourselves from others., because of her guidance most of my work is imaginative. God has blessed me with a talent and creativity she discovered and nurtured.
George , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My wife Lois and I reside in Aurora, Il. We have three grown married daughters, Lorianne, Lynn and Leanne who have supported and encouraged my career since the beginning. I am represented by four highly respected gallery’s. Edgewood Orchard Gallery Fish Creek, Wi., Abel Contemporary Gallery, Stoughton. Wi, Tory Folliard Gallery, Milwaukee. Wi, and KarenAnderer Gallery in
Lancaster, Pa.
My professional career begin in 1996. Attended the Art Institute of Chicago
and Aurora University, and The Palette and Chisel in Chicago. Il. Private tutoring from Marianne Grunwald Scoggin.
Mediums currently using, Oil
Pastel, and Oil Stick.. Works, especially landscapes and still life’s are all imaginative. I have color blindness I consider a gift because i don’t see colors like others which gives me an edge. Imperfections can often be our assets. My advice to others is technical knowledge is essential but your style and individual technique must come from you. That will be your trademark and identification.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
First responsibility was my wife and family, a consistent income was paramount, so I had a 34 year career in the corporate world, when our daughters finished schooling I knew it was time for an early retirement and dedicated my efforts in achieving my ultimate goal with the support of my wife Lois to painting daily, Never regretted having to delay a professional art career for its not the time itself but how we make the best it. That along with the desire to paint was the motivation.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Much has to do municipalities we live in. Many, not all are not actively supporting the arts brcause they fail to recognize the cultural value. Apart from family support we need more emphasis in the school systems by teaching our children to explore their creativeness and by taking it off the back burner. So much has been discovered by the creativity of others for centuries in all fields.
Contact Info:
- Website: Georgeshipperley.com
- Instagram: Georgeshipperley795
Image Credits
Sally Berardi, professional photographer St. Charles, Illinois