Paintings By Gregory Karas: January 2009

Friday, January 23, 2009

2009-January

Back in the studio. I've been revisiting/exploring my other creative paths over the past few months. Capturing a personality through portraiture has always been an interest of mine. Be on the lookout for more portrait work from me in the future.

Now onto the graphic arts side of my brain. My full time position as a photoshop guy went south in November. Yes, I was one of the November statistics. The layoff was painful. Like everyone knows, life has a series of doors, when one door closes another will open.

I've been working daily drawing on my past skills and pushing them forward to the next level. By developing a portfolio that reflects my current skills, I will be able to continue in the photo retouching profession once the economy rebounds.

I'm still working as a part time art instructor with the fine artist Bob Boroski at his school in Shelton, CT.

Painting appeals to all ages. Painting in the open air brings the craft to an exhilarating level. I'm planning on offering Outdoor Painting classes in the spring to share my skills and techniques with artists who have some experience.

About me

I have has always had a deep respect and love for the natural world. Growing up in Connecticut I spent a great deal of my time outside in the woods hiking, fishing and exploring Connecticut's watershed areas. To be able to document these moments is an priviledge and to draw from nature in this fashion fuels a lifetime of inspiration for me.

Early on, capturing peoples likenesses with pastels came to me with relative ease. I began to except commisions drawing/painting portraits of people and dogs. It became apparent that this “natural” ability should be developed further to a professional level. Studying art at The Paier College of Art is where I began to develop the skills which I draw upon today.

I've been painting “en plein air” for a few years now. Painting "en plein air" simply means to paint outside. As I'm sure other painters will attest, this way of painting is as both exhilerating as it is addicting. Just by the nature of painting outside, dealing with the ever changing conditions forces a spontanaity into my paintings. This as a positive force that is also being reflected in my studio work.

Currently excepting commissions. I can be reached at 203.732.3106