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
