Don Gray Professional Artist
For my artist to honor for International Artists Day I have chosen Professional Artist Don Gray.
I chose Don because he is so diverse in his work and subjects. He is a realist and one of the best I have seen. I think what impresses me the most about Don is that he will not hesitate to climb scaffolds and work endlessly on HUGE Murals all over the country and maybe on another day will sit down in his studio to created tiny Daily Paintings in small format of 6 x8 inches. Either way his paintings are full of detail and love for his art. Don is a hard working artist and I admire him for his talent and stamina.
Happy International Artists Day Don!
Don Grays earliest inspirations came from the landscape of his childhood in northeast Oregon. He studied art at Eastern Oregon University, training his eye and hand in traditional techniques that resulted in meticulously rendered realist paintings. After graduation in 1970, Gray taught high school art for one year before beginning a professional art career. He exhibited widely in the Pacific Northwest, developing a regional following for his landscapes and figures.
Around 1985 the artist began exploring other directions in his work, resulting in paintings that moved beyond literal realism. Today his work is broadly based, ranging from a painterly traditional realism to energetic combinations of abstraction and representation.
Since 1994 Gray has divided his time between studio work and numerous mural projects across the United States and Canada. Many of these are large exterior paintings that deal with regional history or events. They can be viewed online at www.dongraymurals.com. He has also begun keeping an online journal, where he posts his small daily paintings and commentary.
Don Gray has exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the United States. He has also taught occasional workshops and college-level courses and illustrated over twenty books. He and his wife Brenda live in northeast Oregon.
Artist Statement
I must like extremes. Having painted many murals that cover the sides of large buildings, now I find myself doing daily paintings that fit in the palm of a hand. Truth is, large or small, I don't care. With a brush in my hand and something to paint on, I'm happy.
My paintings have been exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the United States. I've also taught, painted numerous indoor and outdoor murals and illustrated over twenty books.
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