George Carey’s work is characterized by superb brushwork, gorgeous colors, decorative composition, and touches of historical aesthetic. As a child, George began painting after his mother, Miss Ruth Carey, an educator, enrolled him in an art class at Nobles Art Gallery. He continued later with the nationally recognized artist, Gerald Leake.   “The classes were held at Ernest Hemingway’s home where I still fondly remember Mrs. Hemingway giving me Kool-Aid in a Dixie cup.”

George’s vignettes are of interaction of light, water and vegetation, filled with undercurrents of a time and place lost to more modern times in Key West.    With depictions ranging from the waterfront to the historic structures which no longer existent, George’s art offers both aesthetic rewards and evocations of a bygone era. Because he is an insider in both the local scene and the art world his work is not easily categorized as mainstream photorealism. His work is brilliantly detailed and intricate. They reflect his fascination with carefully laid-out flora and old houses.   Carey’s elaborately designed paintings of what are sometimes judged to be unconventional themes is a trademark. His work is without a doubt some of the most collectable on the island.

Aside from his painting achievements George was also an art educator, directing students to produce huge welded sculptures in several local Schools, leading to a Teacher of the Year in 1986. He was a finalist four times in the prestigious National Arts for the Parks Top 100 Award.