Greg Young is a retired commercial photographer who resides in Pennsylvania. He’s a self-proclaimed geek, and about a year ago, he found a computer program, Dynamic Auto Painter, to turn his photographs into works of art. We asked Young a few questions about his “paintings” and what keeps drawing him back to the Grand Canyon State.
What brought you to Arizona?
I enjoy traveling with my wife and capturing photos of the different places we visit. Usually, we choose a different destination every year; I’d like to see as much as I can while I’m still here. Arizona is a bit of an exception because there are so many beautiful places to see, and partly because it gives us a reason to see my sister and her husband in Cottonwood.
What is it that you love about Arizona?
I just love the outdoors, I love the scenery, I love the textures, and the colors of Sedona just really wow me. As an aerial photographer, I just love to see that. I can’t approach it like a professional job, because I don’t live there and I can’t spend as much time as I’d like to, but I did charter a plane around sunset a couple of years ago. Originally, Arizona to me was the Grand Canyon, and I didn’t know much more about the state than that. As I got to see my sister in Cottonwood, I learned more about the Sedona area, and the more I was there, the more I enjoyed it.
Tell us about your paintings.
For a year or so, I’ve been working with software that turns photos into some great-looking paintings. It’s not a filter effect; it actually redraws the entire image and provides dozens of presets that were inspired by real artists.
I basically consider it an extension of my interest in photography. In no way do I present them as original paintings or original drawings. I’m sure some traditionalist artists may resent the approach, but I don’t think they should, as long as no one tries to claim that their work is an original painting. In fact, most traditional paintings are done by artists who take photographs of their subject and then paint from the photo. I don’t have that skill. I’m a creative photographer, but I can’t paint worth a lick.
How did you discover the program?
I’m a computer geek, so I’m always surfing the web, exploring different things. I got into digital imaging probably as early as anybody. I was editing traditional photography years before digital cameras. Pictures would be scanned, and then digital images could be brought into the computer. I evolved with the technology. There were some programs doing simple filter effects, which I was amazed by 20 years ago, and now it’s such child's play — you could do better on your phone.
Do you have a preference for the software paintings versus your traditional photography?
I enjoy both. Some subjects just don’t lend themselves to it as well, regardless of the style, but some really do. I think there’s a place for both. I don’t see it replacing any of my photography. There are just things that it does. It enhances the colors and the textures in such a cool way.
— Kirsten Kraklio
To learn more about Greg Young or to see more of his work, visit his website.