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Stan Berry is a Greenville, South Carolina area artist working primarily in watercolors.  His subjects range from landscapes and cityscapes to family pet protraits.  

Artist's Statement:

I have always been interested in drawing and art. As a young boy and during college I was continually sketching, drawing futuristic cars and laying out plans for dream houses. As an aspiring college student I was interested in Architecture and Auto Design, but ended-up pursuing an education in Mechanical Engineering. I took drafting courses and a few product design courses. Much of my engineering work was before the days of Computer Aided Design; therefore, I expressed my ideas for the design of mechanical devices and machine tools through conceptual, perspective drawings. This experience helped me develop my drawing skills.

My career took me into many areas of Engineering, Marketing and General Management far from artistic endeavors, but I promised myself that upon retirement I would take up some type of creative art. I always admired those artists who master the use of watercolors. Their skillful application of the combination of water and paint can create a translucent effect giving the painting a more natural look. Dramatic effects can be created by overlapping different shades and by mixing and matching colors. Sometimes dramatic things happen simply by accident. I was always drawn to watercolor artwork; therefore, I decided to try my hand. I have been working with watercolors seriously now since 2007. I have experimented with other mediums such as charcoal, pastels and pen & ink, but always seem to return to watercolors. It is an exciting journey and I continue to learn and develop.

Somebody once said, “A person working just with their hands is a laborer, working with both hands and head is a craftsperson, but working with the hands, head and heart makes an artist”. I strive to place a little heart in my paintings and drawings. I began painting landscapes and seascapes and then had the opportunity to work on several pet portrait commissions. I really enjoy painting animal portraits and I am pleased to accept commissions for portraits of family pets.

Recently, I have been moved by older buildings and cityscapes. Cities here in the Southeast offer many interesting subjects. Greenville and Charleston are especially great locations for an artist searching for inspiring architecture. These structures offer an opportunity for working some heart into the process, as well as exploring colors, values and textures. Although I find the painting process is an enjoyable end unto itself, to convey something deeper than just color and form is truly fulfilling.

 

Artist's Bio:

I was born and raised in Mansfield, Ohio, but spent much of my life in Michigan. My career then took me through Wisconsin, North Carolina and ultimately here to the Greenville, SC Area. I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kettering University and an MBA from the University of Michigan. I then spent over 45 years in the Industrial Automation and Machine Tool Industries in various Engineering, Marketing and General Management positions.

I was lucky to relocate to the Greenville Area some 20 years ago. The art scene and art educational opportunities in the area are extraordinary. So, after retirement in 2006, I enrolled in beginner watercolor classes at Furman and followed-up with courses through the Art Museum. I continue to take advantage of these classes and workshops and am thankful for the fine local artists who have shared their knowledge and assisted in my development. This has been an exciting experience for me and I hope you enjoy my artwork as much as I enjoy it's creation.




I am a member of the Greenville Metropolitan Art Council, the Greenville Art Museum and the Upstate Visual Arts. My work can be found at the Frame Warehouse, 2454 Hudson Road, Greer, SC.