Serving as a young signal intelligence officer during WWII, George found himself in Tuscany at the end of the war surrounded by Italian masterpieces. After a brief period of study in Florence, he became inspired to make his way in life as a artist. Returning to Boston, he studied portraiture for several years under Ernest Lee Major, one of the founding members of the Boston School, which has its roots in classical painting and French Impressionism.

George was a prolific artist. Whenever he wasn't working on a portrait commission, he was off with his dog and easel to paint plein air style, or working on figures and still life in his studio.

He enjoyed a successful 60-year career as a portrait painter and his works hang in homes and institutions across North America. His portrait of Chief Justice Warren Burger is displayed in the gallery of the US Supreme Court, and his official portrait of Rosalyn Carter is in the First Ladies' portrait gallery of the White House. Other notables who sat for him include Derek Bok, Norris Cotton, Clark Clifford, Francis Sargent, Cyrus Vance, Elliot Richardson, Millie Monks, and Lewis Powell.