DVAA Member since 2025
Artist Name
WEBsite: nickgrasart.com
About:
Nick always had an interest and desire to draw and paint, it wasn’t until retirement after 40 years in the maritime industry, that he would begin in earnest his artistic journey. He holds a USCG License as 1600 Ton Master of Steam and Motor Vessels, with 14 years sailing primarily on seagoing tugs before coming shoreside in various related positions.
He is largely self-taught, in the sense that he has no formal art training. However he has taken advantage of some alternative learning opportunities. A few years before retirement, he enrolled in an adult art course that met for a weekly one hour session. This was the impetus to propel him on his present artistic journey Since then he sat in on a Color Theory course at a local college, and took several classes at Perkins Center for the Arts in Moorestown, NJ. Other learning experiences were publications, online features, and group experiences with other artists.
Working primarily in acrylic and pastel, much of his work is is heavily influenced from his career nautical experience.. He enjoys experimenting in other media and styles, including recent interest in abstract painting.
Nick exhibited in several solo shows in the South Jersey area, and participates in many group exhibits. His work has received a number of awards in the local South Jersey area.
Artist Statement:
Whether painting intuitively abstract or representationally, I strive to capture the intriguing relationships of shapes, movement, and light and color. I draw on life experience for inspiration, sometimes it is just noticing an unusual aspect in nature or a man-made object. A good portion of my paintings is heavily influenced by my career nautical experiences. I am fascinated by the myriad of sea and sky conditions and the interplay of the lines and shapes of vessels. Even abandoned ships or boats, in various states of decay, have stories to tell. I Work primarily in acrylic or pastel, but enjoy the challenges of experimenting in other media and styles.
