We had the good fortune of connecting with Mardilan Georgio and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mardilan, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart.” – Vincent Van Gogh This speaks to me as I am putting my all into my art journey. Coming late to the art world, I have had to learn as fast as possible. I have read art instruction books, art magazines, and taken many art classes and workshops since beginning this journey 8 years ago. I have engaged several mentors over the years as well.
I love this quote because it expresses the drive to excel that I feel as well as the utter joy I receive from creating beautiful paintings.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a pastel artist. I also work with watercolor, gouache and oils. My work is all about color, movement and light. I paint everything from landscapes and seascapes to animals to people, especially children. I have been on the boards of 4 art organizations (at one point all 4 at the same time!), which has helped enormously in a professional sense. However, I learned from that very busy time, that I wasn’t able to dedicate enough energy to my art. I am now currently serving on only one board, with the Pastel Society of Southern California. I have set goals each year to give myself challenges to overcome. If I haven’t been able to complete a goal, because let’s face it, life can get in the way, then I allow myself to push it back. I have said “Yes!” to opportunities that come my way, even when I have doubts about my ability to accomplish them. This has led to my growth as an artist. My determination to excel in art does not allow for me to say “I can’t”. It isn’t in my vocabulary. My classical ballet background influenced this very disciplined attitude. It also led to a desire to paint the figurative and specifically dancers. I began with painting dancers in charcoal. I love to capture the form and agility, but also the flow of the fabric of the costume. I was an elementary school teacher and dance instructor as well and I enjoy painting children in unguarded moments. Their wonder and joy in life is something I love to capture.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The Beach! A day at the beach is a must! A sunset dinner with a view of the ocean at Geoffrey’s caps a day in Malibu. A show at the Pantages and a Walk of Fame stroll. A concert at the Hollywood Bowl or the Greek Theatre on a balmy LA evening can’t be beat! A trip to the Getty Museum or MOMA would be an excellent outing. A day of shopping at The Grove is one of my favorite things, especially at Christmastime. Universal City Walk is a very fun outdoor mall with a movie theater and great dining and entertainment. A trip up to Santa Barbara or down to Laguna can be fun and full of art galleries, and of course the beach!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The Santa Clarita Artist Association was the first art organization I joined 6 years ago. The members taught me so much about the world of art from the artist’s perspective. I learned about art workshops for taking my art to a higher level, and entering gallery shows. This led to the Pastel Society of Southern California, another wonderful organization dedicated to pastel artists and their enrichment. Along with these, I joined several other prestigious organizations which has opened up multiple opportunities for growth and successes. My most helpful mentor, of several I’ve worked with, is a pastel artist named Jeanne Rosier Smith. She has been so generous with her knowledge and her time. She has written many articles geared to help artists build their businesses. She also teaches pastel techniques. Jeanne has always been available to answer questions and give advice over the last few years.

Website: www.mardilanleegeorgio.com

Instagram: Mardi Georgio

Facebook: Mardilan Georgio Fine Art

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