George Gardner Symons Giclée Fine Art Prints

George Gardner Symons stands as a compelling figure in American art history - a master of both impressionism and realism who captured the raw beauty of landscapes with remarkable sensitivity. Born in Chicago in 1863 as George Gardner Simon, his decision to change his surname to Symons upon returning from England reflects the complex social pressures artists faced during that era.

His artistic journey began at the Chicago Art Institute, where he formed a pivotal friendship with William Wendt. Their artistic partnership would prove transformative, leading them to paint together in California and later in Cornwall, England. The European chapter of Symons's education took him through the artistic capitals of Paris, Munich, and London, but it was perhaps his time at the St. Ives artists' colony that most profoundly shaped his plein-air technique under the guidance of Julius Olsson, Adrian Stokes, and Rudolph Hellwag.

By 1903, Symons had established himself in multiple artistic communities. While maintaining his primary studio in Brooklyn, New York, he built a creative haven in Laguna Beach, California, and found inspiration in Colerain, Massachusetts. His ability to capture the essence of these diverse landscapes speaks to his extraordinary versatility as a painter. The energy and simplicity of his work, particularly evident in his panoramic views, became his artistic signature.

What sets Symons apart is his masterful handling of snow scenes, particularly those of the Berkshire Mountains. Yet his artistic range extended far beyond New England winters - his Arizona desert landscapes and Grand Canyon views reveal an artist equally adept at capturing the subtle interplay of light and shadow in vastly different environments. His work found homes in prestigious institutions including the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Recognition came in many forms - from his membership in the National Academy of Design to his inclusion in the Royal Society of British Artists and the Union Internationale des Beaux Arts et des Lettres. When Symons passed away in Hillside, New Jersey in 1930, he left behind a legacy that bridges American Impressionism and Realism, creating works that continue to resonate with their honest, direct approach to nature's beauty.