George Van Hook is a painter adept in both oil and watercolor. What he paints is a visual response to the subject before him – whether it's the landscape, a figure, or still life. The rich textures, harmonious colors, and design of Van Hook's paintings are the ultimate expression of two converging forces – the external beauty of the world around him and his deep internal emotional response to what he sees.

George Van Hook lives in Cambridge, New York – a beautiful nineteenth-century village in the Hudson Valley. His artistic journey began early in his life, and like Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, it took him through many formative experiences and places that influenced him to become the fine art artist he is today. In high school, he traveled throughout France and England working as a filmmaker. This experience exposed George to the wealth of museums in Europe and their priceless treasures of fine art. Seeing firsthand the breathtaking art in these museums nurtured within him a deep interest in not only art history but also in becoming a professional artist.

In this exuberant conversation, George Van Hook shares his fascinating take on art history, his philosophy of creating fine art, the rewards of working closely with artist friends who are dear to him, and the meaning of truth and honesty in art.

Mentioned in this episode:

George Van Hook: https://georgevanhookfineartist.com

NBC News report: Principal's door from Rockwell's iconic 'Shiner' preserved: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/principal-s-door-rockwell-s-iconic-shiner-preserved-n833231

The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris by David McCollough: https://amzn.to/39ukuZr

The Paynes - Edgar and Elsie by Rena Neumann Coen: https://amzn.to/3dJFVZR

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