George Mauersberger (b.1954)
San Carlos I, 2002
Materials: Chalk pastel on paper | 46” x 88”
Location: Juve Family Behavioral Health Pavilion, Ground Floor Hallway
About the Art
George Mauersberger’s San Carlos I is an immersive, large-scale pastel drawing that captures the quiet expanse of the sea near Sanibel Island, Florida. Without a visible horizon, the composition conveys an atmosphere of infinite motion and meditative calm. The interplay of light and color invites the viewer to slow down and engage with the subtleties of the water’s surface, which the artist describes as 'ambient music for the eye.'
Mauersberger’s approach to this subject stands apart from the dramatic seascapes of painters like Winslow Homer or J.M.W. Turner, who often emphasized the sea’s power and turbulence. Instead, San Carlos I offers a different perspective, one focused on stillness and reflection. The sea here is unpeopled, without landmarks or scale, and its subdued lighting enhances the sense of quiet indifference, asking the viewer to simply observe and absorb.
A hallmark of Mauersberger’s work is his mastery of pastel on an ambitious scale. Traditionally used for more intimate compositions, pastel takes on a new presence in this nearly seven-foot-wide piece. Using a range of techniques such as blending, erasing, and precise linework, the artist conveys both the subtle shifts on the water’s surface and the unseen depths below. His process begins with small reference images, digitally manipulated to explore composition and color, before being fully realized by hand.
About the Artist
Mauersberger has been creating large-format drawings for decades, including a series of oversized charcoal portraits for On the Wall (2006) at Cleveland State University, where he was a longtime professor and department chair. His journey as an artist began with a childhood correspondence course, later leading to formal training at Pratt Institute, Carnegie Mellon University (BFA), and Ohio University (MFA). Over his career, he has exhibited extensively across the Midwest and beyond, earning recognition through fellowships from the Ohio Arts Council and the Cleveland Creative Workforce. His work is also included in prominent collections, including the Cleveland Clinic.
Where to See More of the Artist’s Work
In addition to his exhibitions at Transformer Station and the Bonfoey Gallery, Mauersberger’s work can be explored through his website, which features a comprehensive collection of his pieces, artist statements, and insights into his creative process.