Showing posts with label Gray Park. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gray Park. Show all posts

Friday, February 1, 2013

Artist on Artist: Interview with Gray Park.

This month I have the great pleasure in featuring plein-air painter, Gray Park. Park's work has resonated with me for a long time because his paintings have a strong sense of light and are unencumbered, playful and are truthful to the landscape.

Here is a brief biography from his website www.hgraypark.com

"H. Gray Park, IV was born in 1972 and at a young age he was identified as having a natural artistic talent. He was placed in gifted and talented programs in Elementary School and his interest and love of painting was advanced in High School at the Norwich Free Academy where he majored in Art. In 1994 he received his BFA from the Maryland Institute of Art in Baltimore, Md. During his third year, he spent four months in England at the Winchester School of Art. At a later date he returned to Europe and spent several months painting in Scotland. Here he was inspired by the colors and shapes of the boats in fishing villages. As a Plein-air painter, Gray is known for his large marsh and coastal landscapes. He lives in Ledyard, Connecticut where he has a studio, but the majority of his work is done outside. He has been inspired by the works of Fairfield Porter, Edward Hopper, George Nick and Wayne Thiebaud. His other interests include: History, rebuilding wooden boats, sailing and coaching ice hockey. Since 1989 Gray has participated in multiple group exhibitions and one-man shows, winning several major awards including: The Museum Purchase Award – 2009, Award of Excellence – 2005 and the Stobart Foundation Award – 2004 at The Maritime Gallery at Mystic Seaport, Mystic CT; Best In Show – 1995, Mystic Arts Center, Mystic, CT; and The Newton Perkins Medal 1990, The Norwich Free Academy."

And now without further delay, here is the interview along with images of his works!

And now without further delay, here is the interview along with images of his works!



Gray infront of his painting 'Water Lillies'


Polly: Would you describe your earliest memories as an artist?

Gray: Sitting at a table, drawing something and was told I was going to be an artist. I was 2.




December Sunset. 34" x 36". 2011.


Polly: Would you describe your style and methods?

Gray: Representative. Painterly. Landscape.



Seam. 34" x 36". 2012.


Polly: Who are some favourite artists of yours and what is about their work you admire?

Gray: Sargent; for making paint look real. Gerhardt Ritcher; going from Realism to Abstract.



Polly: Many people are curious to know how artists work - What paints, palette, brushes, supports, materials, and mediums etc, do you prefer?

Gray: Oil on Linen. Gamsal and Stand Oil.



Lamb Farm. 34" x 36". 2011.



Polly: What interests you most (in terms of subject and theme) as an artist and why?

Gray: Landscape of the woods, grasses and fields. I like the way the light hits the tress. It also me back to when I was a youngster.



Spring Grasses. 34" x 36". 2012.
Polly: What has been most challenging for you as an artist?

Gray: Making myself get all the gear ready to go out and paint.




Polly: Who has been the greatest support to you as an artist and how?

Gray: Friends and Family - always gave me good construction criticism.



Turkey Crossing. 34" x 36". 2011.



Polly: Please share with us some information about your influences.

Gray: The Marsh. The Woods. Antique Trucks. Classic Color Car and Truck colors.



Polly: Why do you make art? Why is it Important?

Gray: I make Art to show the world Beauty.



Stonington Meadow. 34" x 36". 2011.


Polly: What does painting mean to you?

Gray: Creativity through a new image.



Polly: Could you tell us about your education and training?

Gray: Norwich Free Academy. Maryland Institute College of Art - BFA 1994. Self-Taught.



Tipping Rock. 34" x 36". 2012.


Polly: And lastly, what words of wisdom would you offer to young artists?

Gray: Keep following your insight.


Thank you again, Gray! To learn more about his work and to see images, please visit his website at

Friday, February 10, 2012

Last Light at Mohegan Park.


Last Light at Mohegan Park.
10" x 10". oil on mdo board. 2012.
© Copyright.

If interested, please contact me
for price and delivery options.

......

Had the wonderful
opportunity yesterday
to go plein-air painting
with fellow and veteran 
plein-air artist, Gray Park.

We ventured off to Mohegan Park,
not too far from my studio.

This was Gray's first time to the park
and it was my first time painting at the park.

There were a number of good spots to
choose from and with the winter Sun
quickly descending in the sky
spots had to be chosen.

The day was bright and sunny
slightly warm in the sun,
but with a winter chill in the air. 

The wonderful thing about
plein-air painting is that
it gives you the opportunity
to stay focused on the 'now'.

You're completely connected
to the moment in front of you
as it ever changes and evolves,
something which seems
to be difficult to
attain in these modern times. 


The plein-air, the 'now', bug is back!






Gray keeping his cold fingers moving
by making quick work of the fading light.




At the end of day,
when your painting gear is packed away
and all you can think about is heading home
and having a nice cup of hot tea,
the only thing that really matters
whether you're happy or not
with your new piece,
is gaining brush mileage!