Don Gray’s earliest inspirations came from the landscape of his childhood in northeast Oregon. He studied art at Eastern Oregon University, training his eye and hand in traditional techniques that resulted in meticulously rendered realist paintings. After graduation in 1970, Gray taught high school art for one year before beginning a professional art career. He exhibited widely in the Pacific Northwest, developing a regional following for his landscapes and figures.

Around 1985 the artist began exploring other directions in his work, resulting in paintings that moved beyond literal realism. Today his work is broadly based, ranging from a painterly traditional realism to energetic combinations of abstraction and representation. In March of 2007 he began an online journal, www.dailyartwest.com, where he posts his small daily paintings and commentary.

Since 1994 Gray has divided his time between studio work and numerous mural projects across the United States and Canada. Many of these are large exterior paintings that deal with regional history or events, created at the behest of community mural societies. Preparation for these projects nearly always takes much more time than painting the mural itself.

The process usually works like this: The mural society selects a wall and identifies a general theme. Then the artist is asked to flesh out the idea and submit a sketch proposal. Many hours are spent doing research for historical accuracy and developing an effective design. After the sketch design is approved, a scale color rendering called a maquette is usually done. Finally, after the wall is prepared for painting, the mural itself commences.

Don Gray has exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the United States. He has also taught occasional workshops and college-level courses and illustrated over twenty books. He and his wife Brenda live in northeast Oregon.