Sara Gray

I began painting after transitioning from a successful photography business of 25 years. My work has always been influenced by my love of the natural landscape. Photography has been extremely important in my transition to painting. It taught me to see and how to compose a compelling image. It also taught me the importance of light and the role it plays in a successful image. Painting has allowed me a different level of intimacy with the landscape. By slowing down and spending hours looking at a subject I see details and subtle nuances that went unnoticed when photographing the same landscape. What fascinates me after spending years of recording light with my camera is that I am now the creator of light in my paintings through the use of color and value. I studied extensively at the Maine College of Art in their Continuing Studies Program painting with Janet Manyan and Diane Dahlke. After discovering Plein Air painting and the challenge and joy of creating outside once again I began taking workshops with Plein Air painters I admire including Tim Horn, Jon Redmond, Bjorn Runquist, Mark Boedges, Lori Putnam and Claudia Rilling. I currently paint with oils and the landscape of Maine and Vermont continue to offer a constant source of inspiration.