About H. Gray Park IV
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 lived 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.
Since 1989 Gray has participated in multiple group exhibitions and one-man shows, winning several major awards including: The Museum Purchase Award – 2009, Award of Excellence – 2005 and the Stobart Foundation Award – 2004 at The Maritime Gallery at Mystic Seaport, Mystic CT; Best In Show – 1995, Mystic Arts Center, Mystic, CT; and The Newton Perkins Medal – 1990, The Norwich Free Academy.