Gregory Frank Harris (American, b. 1953)

"The Eve of Autumn", 1983. Oil on canvas, signed and dated lower right, artist name and dated inscribed on canvas verso, title inscribed on stretcher bars verso with inscription "commissioned for Marvin Laba by Greg Harris Nov. 12", in a gilt frame with velvet liner, overall 26 ¾" x 30 ¾".

Artist Statement: "The reason I paint at all is because of light. I try to convey in my work the effects of light, which is no different a quest than the Impressionists or Realists of the late 19th and early 20th century. Their influence can be seen in many of my pictures, in particular Benson, Zorn and Sorolla, among others. These artists, in one form or another, produced work combining impressionism and academic realism.

I have experimented through the years with many techniques, and the concept of alla prima painting to me is the most challenging. Born out of plein-air painting, alla prima painting involves working under ever changing conditions forcing you to develop a clear focus early in the painting process.

Most of what I do is the result of a combination of the use of live models, plein-air studies and photography. This is very similar to the late 19th century Naturalist painters, wherein plein-air oil sketches were used later in the studios to work up larger paintings. That is when the years of knowledge from outdoor painting become of utmost importance. Only through years of painting from life has my work been truly affected. Nature is the best teacher."

Source: Hammer Gallery

Condition: Good.