As Featured in Granby Living Magazine, written by Jenn Terrell.
We were honored when the local paper featured George’s story. With permission, we’re sharing the article here for those who’d like to learn more about the man behind the paintings.
Local artist George Mattingly’s life and work are both as colorful and varied as his paintings. With a story that reads like a novel, George’s journey from a troubled youth to a celebrated local artist is not just inspiring; it’s a testament to the transformative power of art.
George’s tryst with art began in his childhood. Sketching comic book characters and painting were more than hobbies; they were his early encounters with a talent that his fifth-grade art teacher once described as a “gift from God.” However, as teenage years rolled in, George’s life took a dark turn.
“In my teens, I put art aside and became dependent on drugs and alcohol,” George said. “At 23 years old and on death’s doorstep, I got clean through the AA program on Cape Cod. I learned the trade of carpentry and went on to have a very successful design/build construction company, which kept art in my life because of construction drawings. But I didn’t paint…for over 40 years!”
For over four decades, his artistic soul lay dormant, but it was never extinguished.
When Christmas of 2017 found me divorced and disabled from my trade with no outlet for creativity, I picked up a paintbrush and a new journey began,” George said.
Starting from the basics, George embarked on a self-taught journey, absorbing every nuance of color, light, and composition. His canvases began to fill with landscapes and seascapes, each stroke echoing his newfound appreciation for the natural world.
“My career in building and design honed me to have discipline and patience; I started with the very basics (and didn’t even know that blue and yellow made green until 2018!) and have advanced to studies of light, values, and composition,” George explained. “Everything I learn opens up limitless possibilities for exploration of the world through my art. I’m drawn to the natural world; landscapes, seascapes, and places that catch my eye have mainly been the focus of my paintings to date, and I take classes to develop my ‘gift’. This way of life—learn and paint, paint and learn—reveals that there is still more to explore, including different techniques, styles, and subjects.”
George’s artistic inspirations are as diverse as his life experiences.
“I think there are different artists who inspire me based on what I’m painting at that moment,” George elaborated. “I’m currently doing portraits, so comic book artists such as Frank Frazetta and Barry Smith inspire me. When I’m doing landscapes and scenery, artists Mark Boedges and Clyde Aspevig prompt me to push myself a bit more. Connecticut resident Shauna Shane has been a great instructor and the most encouraging. Local artists Jean Manzelli, Debra Dunfry, and Liz Popolo have also been very supportive.”
A father of two, Ben and Celeste, George has seen his share of life’s highs and lows. His personal struggles, including overcoming dependency and dealing with the loss of his ex-wife Kathryn, have shaped his perspectives and art. Despite these challenges, he finds joy and companionship in his pet, a white Berger Blanc Swiss Shepherd named Buck.
“My kids were both adopted at birth, and I’m quite proud of how they’ve grown up, and the adults they have become,” George said. “Ben is 27, married to Stephanie, and living in Salem, CT. He is a certified marine mechanic, assistant chief of the fire department, and a certified EMT. Celeste is 24, and she followed her passion for animals and their care by getting a job at a canine camp/doggy daycare facility.”
Living above an auto body shop in Granby, George finds solace in his quaint apartment, which doubles as his studio.
“It serves me well as my home and painting workplace,” he said. “The location of my place is conveniently close to town and provided by my wonderful friend, John. I like that Salmon Brook runs through a small part of the back of the property, and is enjoyable walking there.”
The town, with its supportive community and serene landscapes, fuels his creativity. As a member of the Granby Art Association, he actively engages with other local artists, sharing and learning in a collaborative space.
“It is the people of Granby that are great and supportive of my art undertaking, and I appreciate them,” George added. “Also, the guys working at the shop are my neighbors, and I have gotten to know and get along well with them over the years. They also have done good work for me keeping my vehicle running!”
George’s art is not just an expression of beauty; it’s a lifeline that pulled him back from the edge. His journey is a powerful narrative of redemption, resilience, and the enduring human spirit. Each painting is a chapter from his life, a blend of past experiences and present realizations.
George’s story is one of transformation. From a troubled youth to a respected artist, his life mirrors the very essence of his art - vibrant, hopeful, and ever-evolving. As he continues to explore and expand his artistic horizons, George Mattingly remains a beacon of inspiration, not just in Granby, but for anyone who believes in the power of second chances and the magic of art.
George Mattingly’s art is more than a visual feast; it’s a journey through the soul of a man who found his redemption and purpose through the strokes of his paintbrush. In the landscapes and portraits that emerge from his studio, one can sense the depth of his experiences and the sincerity of his artistic quest. George’s story is a vivid reminder that it’s never too late to rediscover one’s passion and transform it into a life’s work.
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Originally published by
Granby Living Magazine. Reprinted with permission.
