George Beer was born in Johannesburg in December 1956 and spent his school years in Alberton, Gauteng. Art was already part of his life in high school, where it was one of his six matric subjects.

After completing compulsory national service in 1975, George enrolled at the Johannesburg College of Art to study graphic design. At the same time, he remained in the National Defence Force and trained as a technical draughtsman. However, as life unfolded — with work, responsibilities, and starting a family — his creative pursuits were put on hold.

For over 35 years, George did little in the way of art. He founded his own business in 2007 and initially found success, until the global recession brought unexpected challenges. During this time, he began returning to art, working mostly in graphite portraits.

In 2020, following serious health issues and early retirement, George relocated to Bathurst in the Eastern Cape to live with his son and family. After months of recovery, he resumed his artistic practice in April 2021 — this time focusing on soft pastels, a medium that quickly became his passion.

Today, George works primarily in pastel, creating lifelike animal portraits. His work has found homes with tourists around the world and now resides in at least eight different countries. Art has become both a creative outlet and a meaningful way to spend his time — a full-circle return to the passion that first took root in his youth.