Master portrait artist that specializes in capturing the soul of the subject. Realistic or impressionistic paintings that are vibrant in color. Black and white, sepia, or brown tone portraits available. Paintings and fine-art photographs available for purchase. Visit the Art Gallery and Portrait Gardens. All visits by appointment.
Keywords: art, artist, painter, landscape, Italy, portrait, photograph, fine-art, decor, RTP, Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Southeast, Canvas, Oil, Design, creative portrait design, master, local
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
50 Years
What is your primary product or service?
Families, Children, Seniors, Executives, Paintings, Photographic Portraits.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
Started in photography with the 82nd Airborne after serving with the 101st Airborne in Viet Nam. Opened in Durham and moved to Raleigh, NC in 1980. We have an outdoor and indoor studio serving mostly repeat clients.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Doing timeless fresh classic portraits that will always look like they were just taken 10-20 years later and not dated because of clothing or fads.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
One location
Provide detailed directions to your location
Near Rex Hospital and Crabtree Valley Mall
What type of payments do you accept?
Cash, check, Debit Card, Master Card and Visa and offer a layaway plan
Which areas do you service?
World wide
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Sam and Donna Gray
What are your hours of operation?
9-5 Monday - Friday
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
I am convinced that the greatest talent of Sam Gray lies in his willingness to allow God to direct his gift. His humility is genuine. A portrait session, which I thought would be like watching a self, assured master at work was more like watching a young boy at play! His passion for re-creating on film what we hold precious in our hearts is startling and refreshing. It was like he was an unexpected helper who wanted to help us save these memories in a beautiful crystal box.
As the camera clicked, it was if years and tons of love and emotion raced across my child's face. We watched as Sam drew out all the complexities of her character; impish wonder, discovery, mystique, awe, silly innocence- they tiptoed before us, spilling out like a wellspring of Childhood. Our hearts danced with hers and for a secret moment we all passed through the sometimes-blinded door of forgotten Childhood passed.
And best of all, Sam helped us save it in a crystal box. It's ours to cherish. And I would not trade it for a thousand galaxies.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
John 3:16 (NIV)
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 14:27 (NIV)
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.