As a self-taught artist, George Tsakiris was always concerned with developing his technique and painting skills. He now confidently focuses on the design and composition of each piece, with his style varying from photorealistic to a looser, impressionistic approach. How he decides on his method depends specifically on what he is creating and the medium used.
George Tsakiris in his Athens, Greece, studio.
“Each time the subject matter and the medium I choose dictates the path I take,” elaborates the Greek artist. “For example, I have a tendency to paint in a tight, highly realistic style wheneverI use pastels for still lifes. Conversely, I believe that painting fast and loose is a better way to translate what I feel about a landscape when the medium of choice is oil or watercolor.”
Recycling like hell, pastel on paper, 11 x 11"
Often Tsakiris’ inspiration comes from his surroundings, which he observes through the lenses of composition, shape and color. “As a result of this abstract perception of visible things, I’m able to find inspiration in almost anything, be it a figure, an object or a landscape,” he says. “I’ve never had the intention to paint a series of a particular theme through my artistic journey; although at some point I realized that every so often I have been painting themes that pertain to children.”
Textures, pastel on sanded paper, 14 x 20".This painting received the Grand Prize in International Artist magazine’s ChallengeNo. 113, Still Life.
Lending itself naturally to the idea of finding inspiration in almost anything is Tsakiris’ belief that each work has its own language “through which it transmits its message to the soul of the viewers by elevating their spiritual vibes,” he says. “In other words, art acts as a refining tool for the soul. That’s why I don’t feel it necessary to incorporate social or political messages in my paintings; I don’t reject it though. After all, whatever lies in an artist’s heart eventually will emerge.”
My dad is a fighter, pastel on sanded paper, 11 x 13"
The artist creates not only still lifes, but landscapes and figurative compositions. He often is inspired by one component that builds a larger composition. For instance, the pile of cans in Recycling like hell allowed the artist to create an “abstract hyperrealistic” piece, while My dad is a fighter emerged from a themed exhibition based on shoes—so in his work he paired baby shoes with boxing gloves. Of Stavrolimenas beach, he says, “A simple L-shaped composition and a blue-green color harmony with a few complementary accents were the spark to paint this picturesque Greek beach. I worked fast and loose on this as if I pained in plein air conditions.”
Stavrolimenas beach, oil on canvas, 10 x 11"
Painting can be a time-consuming process for Tsakiris, so he relies on sketches and his photographs. He will often envision the composition first and then search through his references for what approach to use for the work. “Other times I start looking at my photos and afterI find a potential one, manipulate it to make a pleasing composition,” he says. “I don’t follow a steadfast way of painting but rather rely on intuition and the spur of the moment.”
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