Biography

Life in Vermont
Like many Vermonters I grew up on an active dairy farm, with my mother, father, and older brother and sister, which had a lot of organic visual stimulation. My father's hobby was photography, which for a decade he exhibited throughout New England. My mother, a clinical psychologist, used art therapy in her practice with children, giving me support for my visual curiosity. In high school (Peoples Academy) I became interested in interpretive painting. Looking for guidance I met in Stowe on a regular basis with a local artist, Carroll Jones, a contemporary painter who uses Renaissance techniques of under painting with egg tempera, glazing, and over painting to achieve depth and form. He pointed me in the direction of Paier College of Art in Hamden, Connecticut to learn the artistic fundamentals.

Paier College of art
The 4 years there were spent trying to grasp the essence of each individual's mood. The life drawing classes at Paier were very helpful in showing me how to do this. Each model had a different persona, which carried over into my work.

During my senior year at Paier, I looked at masters programs throughout the country to further my artistic skills. The Academy of Art University had a solid Illustration program in the heart of San Francisco, a city that I visited as a child, which I remembered as having a New England feel to it.

Academy of Art University
San Francisco, California had a vast array of human emotion for which to paint from. There was Chinatown, the Financial District, Mission, Haight-Ashbury, Golden Gate Park, each with their own distinct flavor. Following in my fathers "street photography" footsteps, spare moments here and there were spent shooting photos of people.

Back to Vermont
When it came time to start the "Academy of Art" thesis project I proposed to the Graduate Illustration Director to study with Carroll Jones in Vermont for the completion of 15 thesis project paintings. He said, "you are lucky to have an opportunity to study with him." I agree.

Currently I have been exhibiting at gallerys in Stowe and Burlington. This has led to some commission work which has been deeply satifying for me and patrons alike. If you would like a custom painting feel free to email me at igrah287@yahoo.com.

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