Portraiture 2013-2016
Working primarily in oil, Grauer paints subjects with mindful strokes applied with determination and energy. Approaching each subject as a documentarian, he renders not only a physical likeness, but manages to convey a sense of being in a specific place and time. Rather than achieving photorealism, the goal is to depict each subject in a way which expresses the essence. On a technical level, he is fascinated by the interplay of light and shadow, as well as by color; manipulating slightly to render form, depth, and likeness. Through this method of depiction he seeks to find a truth that might not be captured by simply copying. The act of painting is a ritual and a passion that extends beyond just creating a nice image.