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Portraits in Progress

Greg's portraits are almost always created through the same process. Looking at photographs rather than live subjects, he starts with a piece of 8.5 x 11 plain white paper. Using regular pencils, a kneaded eraser & a ruler, he slowly but surely focuses on the darkest parts of the portrait, gradually moves to the lightest parts & then draws the eyes last.  He typically spends between 25 & 60 hours on each portrait. Here (below) are two examples of portraits through various stages of progress: U.S. Senator John McCain & South African musician Vusi Mahlasela. Click on the first image (the initial blank piece of paper) to start the gallery to watch the progression & to see captions indicating how many hours had elapsed at that point in the drawing process.

(Side note: In advance, before anyone asks about the Senator McCain portrait, Greg's art is completely non-partisan. He drew President Obama, too -- as well as many Americans who are not involved in politics at all.  And, for that matter, many people -- like Mahlasela -- who are not American) 
To see photos from art-related events, click here
For more on his art using images, click here
To see one of his artist journals, click here
To order the books, click here
  • home
  • bio
  • events
    • speeches
    • virtual
    • biz
    • teaching
    • schools
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    • about
    • covers
    • reviews
    • pictures
    • posters
    • elevator project
    • Store
  • creative
    • art
    • writing
    • writing samples
    • legacy
    • film & theater
  • personal
    • Grandma
    • farm
    • take leaps
    • animals
    • milkshakes
    • sports
    • cooking
    • twins
  • civic
    • childhood & college
    • mentoring
    • philanthropy
    • seniors
    • interns
    • military
    • cancer
    • physical obstacles
    • learning differences
    • literacy
    • pandemic
    • collaborations
  • Shop
  • contact
    • send a message
    • instagram