Artist in Residence: H. Gray Park IV

The art collection at the Ocean House from the lobby down to the OH! Spa and Gallery Foyer, portrays a range of distinctive styles including realism, naturalism, impressionism. To continue our desire to share great works of art, we host an Artist in Residence series in collaboration with the Mystic Seaport Maritime Gallery. Every week an artist, selected for their unparalleled talent and national recognition, will take residence next door to the Ocean House in our Artist’s Cottage.

A cocktail reception will be hosted Friday evenings and the artist in residence will showcase some of their work in the Winter Garden. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the artist in residence will work in a public area of their choice, allowing guests to observe them for two hours. Each Saturday and Sunday morning, Ocean House guests and interested outside patrons are invited to participate in an hour-long demonstration or hands-on workshop given by the artist in residence.

Artist

H. Gray Park, IV was born in 1972 and at a young age he was identified as having a natural artistic talent. He was placed in gifted and talented programs in Elementary School and his interest and love of painting was advanced in High School at the Norwich Free Academy where he majored in Art. In 1994 he received his BFA from the Maryland Institute of Art in Baltimore, Md. During his third year, he spent four months in England at the Winchester School of Art. At a later date he returned to Europe and spent several months painting in Scotland. Here he was inspired by the colors and shapes of the boats in fishing villages.

As a Plein Air painter, Gray is known for his large marsh and coastal landscapes. He lives in Ledyard, Connecticut where he has a studio, but the majority of his work is done outside. He has been inspired by the works of Fairfield Porter, Edward Hopper, George Nick and Wayne Thiebaud. His other interests include: History, rebuilding wooden boats, sailing and coaching ice hockey.

Art Class

“How I Paint Big Format Paintings en Plein Air” – Gray is widely known for his large marsh and coastal landscapes that he paints on location with a large easel and oversized canvas. He will show how the large format works for him and how he manages the materials.