A landscape and marine painter, George Symons was one of America’s notable plein-air artists, combining elements of Impressionism and Realism in works celebrated for their energy, simplicity, and sweeping panoramic views.

Born George Gardner Simon in Chicago, Symons later changed his surname after returning from studies in England due to concerns about antisemitism. Little is known about his early life, though he first studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, where he formed a lifelong friendship with fellow painter William Wendt. The two artists painted together in California and later in Cornwall, England, in 1898.

Symons also studied in Paris, Munich, and London. While in England, he joined the artist colony at St. Ives, where he adopted the plein-air techniques of painters including Julius Olsson, Adrian Stokes, and Rudolf Hellwag.

He worked in Chicago as a commercial artist before returning to California around 1903 with Wendt. There, he built a studio in Laguna Beach and became active in western art organizations, including the California Art Club. Although he frequently traveled and painted in the American West, Symons maintained his primary studio in Brooklyn, New York, and also spent considerable time painting in Colrain, Massachusetts.

Painting almost entirely outdoors, Symons became known for his Arizona desert landscapes, Grand Canyon views, and especially his New England snow scenes, many depicting the Berkshire Mountains.

His work is represented in several important collections, including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences. He was affiliated with numerous organizations, including the National Academy of Design, the National Arts Club, the Salmagundi Club, and the Royal Society of British Artists.