DESERT SPIRITS : The Surrealistic Paintings of George Shively

George Shively is one of a dying breed of high quality painters who gives of his whole self in his art. It is a total Zen-like experience for George, and he holds back nothing. He does not paint for marketing—he paints from his soul. He is a perfectionist.

The acrylic paintings that one sees in this book are, no doubt, beautiful. But to see them in person is a majestic experience—unique and breathtaking. He has created his own art, and we are truly fortunate that George shares it with us. It may seem trite, but I believe that it is well worth one’s while to make a trip to the Tucson Valley to see these incredibly mystifying works of art.

"I want these paintings to convey a sense of the future and the past. My intent is to express a feeling of time beyond this world. What I most love in this world is nature. I am utterly fascinated with and in awe of the natural geological formations of the American Southwest. In my paintings I want to show the monumental mythical quality of these environments as they morph into transcendent etheric dreams. I want each painting to show multiple celestial realities. These scenes should give the viewer a sense of leaving the physical plane and entering into a “flow” that can connect them to the past and the future. These paintings depict surrealistic environments I’d like to be a part of."