 Portfolio of
Brad Greek
View Artist Statement
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Gallery Direct Interview with BRAD GREEK
Brad s greatest pleasure comes from creating a painting from an inner vision that appears while working on a piece. Although he is inclined to paint with a detailed style of realism, he will often venture into a symbolic, surrealistic style which is magical and awe-inspiring.
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You began drawing at a very young age could you tell us about your childhood memories and who gave you the inspiration to create works at such a young age?
As far back as I can remember I always spent my time drawing something. I would show my parents and they always supported my work. I received art supplies for every Birthday and Christmas. My Dad has really been my biggest supporter and inspiration. He was pretty creative himself.
At what age did you realize that you were destined to become an artist? Was there a special event or person that influenced this decision?
I would have to say that I was in my teens when I realized that art was in my blood. No matter what I was doing, I was always being inspired by my surroundings; wanting to capture it on paper. I used to look at the illustrations in the history books thinking that maybe 100 years from now they will be showing my work in these books.
What formal or informal art related training have you found most useful?
Skills I have learned by doing the work is what I've found to be the best teacher. Getting involved with the art community has also been rewarding; both locally & online.
During your career as an artist, who has given you the most inspiration?
Outside of my Dad, I would say that I admire the work and career of Leroy Neiman. I think he has done a great job being a present day artist.
What kinds of images did you first start out with and what was your media of choice during that time?
I really liked to draw and paint wildlife in the beginning. Pencil, charcoal and pastel drawings comprised most of my earliest work. I started out painting in watercolor with pen & ink and then started working with oil paints. Today I paint mostly in acrylics.
Could you tell us a little about your Fantasy Series of paintings and what inspired you to do them?
Back in the 90's I first started going online to a beta site called VP (virtual places). There I met a very large group of people from around the globe. Some were into the fantasy world and had web pages made with that style of work. I created a series of paintings for them to use as their website homepages. That's how I started painting the fantasy works.
Do you have a preconceived vision of your fantasy pieces before you start or do you develop the image as you paint?
Most of mine were developed as I was studying the work in progress. They sort of guided me to their completion.
Is there a symbolic meaning in your paintings?
I do use a lot of symbolic meanings in most of my work. Especially those pieces created for themed shows. Trying to tell a personal story most of the time. I try to bring a fresh feel to my work that the viewer may not have seen too often.
What role do you think your emotions play in the creative process?
It is total involvement, it guides me, and it has to be there. Otherwise, the paintings don't seem to work. Most artists use technics to guide their work. Mine is total emotion, it has to feel right.
What are your favorite pieces of work you have done and why?
I have to say that my plein-air paintings have really been my favorites. The reason being, they have given me the most growth as an artist and have been the greatest fun to create. They have freed my spirit.
As an artist do you think you perceive the world differently from most other people?
I think so, most see the ugliness in the world. I try to find the beauty in it. Even as strange as it may seem, disasters & war have its inspirations.
Tell me what has been your biggest challenge in your career and what has been your greatest success?
One of the biggest challenges for me and most artists are to stay motivated and market your work. I've had my bouts with both over the years and it is always there.
The greatest success I believe I've gained is knowing that I've done something in my life time that my kids can carry on and that maybe one day my work can be used for a greater good.
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