About the Artist
Chrissanth Greene-Gross is a plein air and portrait painter based in Westchester, New York.
Creating Portals to Sacred Spaces
My drawings of buxom princesses with cleavage bursting out of their elaborate crayola-colored costumes were a shock to my kindergarten teacher.
Until she learned that my dad was an illustrator; and my mother his model and muse.
Growing up in this setting was a blessing and a curse. I saw the entire process of creating a book cover from sketch, to shoot, to painting and observed on a daily basis the many subtleties involved--how just a speck of blue in an orange and white mixture created a cool shadow that made a cheek turn. It was both a rare education and a tough act to follow.
Naturally my creative journey began with the figure, which dominated my work as a storyboard artist, illustrator and portrait painter. There are many exacting demands in portrait painting. Among them is the added challenge of locking into and conveying an unchanging essence that will remain visible and compelling throughout a person's life.
Believe it or not, for me landscape painting was an acquired taste. Living in North Salem, NY (where parks and open spaces are abundant) makes it irresistible. Nevertheless, painting the landscape on location (en plein air) can be daunting beyond the insects and weather. It's the infinite sense of divine imagination that I find most overwhelming. No matter how impossible it may seem to capture the beauty I see and feel, I keep showing up. Even if I fall short, at least this act of devotion says "Thank You" a thousand times.
I create tiny portals to sacred spaces. My clients say my landscapes convey a feeling of peace--a sensation that takes them back to moments of connection, appreciation and gratitude. If I can contribute to their lives in this blessed way, it is an honor and joy.
