A Special Interview with Kansas City Artist Gregory Summers

I am very excited to feature local artist Gregory Summers and some of his stunning works of art.

Greg has a wonderful sense of humor  and as you can see he has a special love of Kansas City in his heart!

Gregory is involved in a number of art groups in the area. The Kansas City Artists Coalition, Friends of the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, Friends of the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art, Friend of the Overland Park Arts. and am one of the founding members of the Missouri Valley Impressionist Society.

A Plaza Light

 K) When did you realize that you wanted to paint and create art? 

G) A long long time ago, I remember reading "The Wind in the Willows" and loving the story, and not liking the illustrations that went along with it, so I proceeded to redraw it to my liking. It was a start, and it gave me something to do whenever I was sent to my room for one reason or another.

 Waiting on the Till

 K) I understand you are a member of the Kansas City Artists Coalition. Did joining that membership provide inspiration and support?

 G) Joining the KCAC brought me out of my little cocoon of my own making that kept me out of the art world.

Out of the Wind

 K)  You’re latest art I have seen is truly amazing, the light and shadows draw one in? Do you work from photographs, reality, or the visions in your own mind?

 G)Well thank you for saying that. What has revitalized my passion for art has been painting "en plein air". I just love grabbing my easel and paints and getting outdoors. Wind, rain, snow, it's like the postman's old mantra, but rearranged a bit to fit my own purposes... to paint. I do normally take a photo of the setting, and if I don't finish on site, I have no problem finishing it off in my studio.

Moraine Valley Elk

K) What keeps your passion to paint alive?

G) It's more like it's been reborn! In 2002 I sobered up after a long bout with alcoholism,  I was actually able to see the canvas clearly. I met a wonderfully supportive  woman whom I married. And pretty much she keeps my passion alive, that and all the years of trying to recapture all that I missed while "absent" from the art.

Gems from the West

K) Greg, do you have any exhibits currently or on the 2012 agenda?

G) I spent the better part of 2011 knocking on galleries trying to find places to show my art, and ended up with 10 openings last year. 2o12 looks to be equally as busy, just less foot work. I presently have a solo show of my "Plein Air" art at the West Patron Gallery, I am showing at the KC Arts Council, the Kansas City Convention and Visitors Assoc, and Glacial Till Gallery in Ashland Nebraska. In February I have a solo show at the Art Institute International Kansas City, March I am featured at the Kansas City Club, June is a the MVIS Founders Show in Lee's Summit. This February I am headed out of state for a plein air workshop, maybe it would have been easier to say "yes" I do. I really am using 2012 to improve and refine my work, and that will be my main focus for the year.

On Broadway

K) Finally, what words of wisdom do you have for the aspiring artist of any age?

G) Don't drink and drive? I bet you meant towards art. It would take a wiser man than I to profess any great words of wisdom. But I can speak from the experiences that I have encountered.  

If you want to amount to anything, go for greatness, don't just settle for being good at your work. There are a lot of things I am good at, but that's not what I will be remembered for.  It's when you continue to better yourself, and know that the next painting will be even better, that's how I'm going to get to be great at what I do.

K) Thank you so much Greg for taking the time  to share with us!

G) And thank you for your interest in me and my art

You can visit Gregory's  Art Website

Also  Visit his Blog at rgregorysummers.comBlog 

Also thank you to my faithful friends and followers who make it encourage and support the arts!

xoxo

Karena

Art by Karena