EMPATHIC OPTIMIST

'Empathic Optimist' by George Hall. This artwork features highlights of metallic bronze paint.

At the start of 2019 I was struggling and losing hope. I decided to draw what I wanted life to feel like. Hearts kept appearing, layered over newsprint. I replaced negative words with positive ones and created my own version of the world. As I worked, my outlook shifted. I found myself smiling more, and people responded. I began sharing the works online. I called them The Optimist, reflecting who I had become.

Tasmanian Oak Floating Frame available. Select for pricing.

This artwork is created with:
1. Graffiti Acrylic Pens
2. Metallic Bronze Paint
3. Photographic Printing
4. Polymer Stain and Glaze
5. Ultra Violet Protective Varnish

Canvas measurements:
76cm x 76cm x 3cm / 30" x 30" x 1.18"

This is a one of a kind artwork, there are no duplicates or prints, though there are others in this series, but they are all completely different from one another. It was created with acrylic graffiti paint pens, the background is a matte photographic print on canvas of the collage newsprint, made up of positive words and quotes, then stained with polymer glazes and finished with 3 coats of UV protective satin varnish, it will not fade in direct sunlight.

Signed on the lower right profile edge as well as a certificate of authenticity signed by myself.

It is an archival canvas and paints, and has UV protected vanish, it will not fade in direct sunlight.

Requires one week for satin finishing and UV protection.

If you would like another version to your size specifications as a commission, please contact me through this on this website.

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I live and work in the seaside town of Port Kembla on the coast of New South Wales, Australia. My acrylic and mixed-media paintings are held in private and public collections around the world.

My background includes formal training in figurative art and three decades in international textile and fashion design. These days, I work in my studio seven days a week, exploring the balance between structure and spontaneity and often allowing unexpected marks to guide a painting’s direction.

I draw inspiration from Australia’s natural and urban environments, the colours of my homeland, New Zealand, and my childhood in Fiji. Through my paintings, I explore energy, calm and a sense of play.

A signature feature of my work is a background of printed positive words arranged in a newspaper-like style. These bring texture and messages of hope and optimism to many of my paintings. For other works, I begin with dyed natural canvas, creating depth beneath the painted surface.

From these foundations, I build layers of acrylics, collage and glazes using brushes, sponges and rough-textured towels.

My signature collections include the FUNK, Nature’s Dance, Optimist Heart, Silent Paradise, News and Gradual series.