Get to Know Local Artist: Greg Potter

Strolling along the streets of Franklin, the art of Greg Potter can't be missed. Whether it's the mural of two dogs, two raccoons, and a cat paddling down a river on the side of Pet Elves to the Rescue, the koi fish in Franklin's Kuji Alley, or his portraits of royal canines at the Ethos Celebration of the Arts, you are sure to come across his whimsical and enchanting artwork. Along with painting fanciful portraits and artwork across town, Greg is a friend of Franklin Heritage, Inc., works at Madison Street Salvage, and is a veteran of the U.S. Army.
 
During First Fridays, dozens of shops will have special open-late hours, and live musicians will play throughout town. Greg and several other local artists will display their art in the Artcraft's cottage at 49 E. Madison St.
 
I got to talk with Greg about what inspires his art, how he started painting, and the stories behind the captivating creatures he paints.
 
Q: When did your interest in painting start?
A: When I was a senior in high school in the 80s, they had an opportunity for a few students to go to Herron School of Art + Design on Saturdays. I was a part of the group who got to go, which sparked it for me. It was a great opportunity and opened me up to painting and art. At the same time, it was a punch in the gut because the teacher who came around was just very critical. It kind of turned me off, you know. So, at that point, I was like, I’m going to the Army anyway. What I didn't understand then was how important critique is. It's really t’ugh but so important. I never realized that until 24 years later. Around 2013, I started taking’classes at Franklin College. The guy who taught those classes was tough, but I embraced it and took’it more seriously. I think it helped improve my skills.
 
Q: In your art, what do you find the most challenging?
A: I think portraits are challenging. They require a lot more thought. I don't remember who said it, but someone said that painting is easy when you don't know how but hard when you do know how. But I really like portraits, and I've started doing them on the side. I recently discovered a Zorn palette from the painter Anders Zorn (in the early 1900s), who only used four colors to do everything. And I started using that method, except for landscapes. Only using four colors simplifies everything.
 
Many people fall under the YouTube curse, where they watch several portrait painters, and then they are all mixed up because everyone does it differently. But I've been sticking to the four-color palette. It's very limited. A lot of people criticize it, but it works for me. But then, after you figure out your portrait, you can move on and add more colors. But starting with the four colors and the technique is great. The human face has so many shadows, shapes, and colors. It's ridiculous. Everything has to be symmetrical; if one eyeball is out of shape, it ruins everything. But I love doing portraits.
 
Q: Is there a style or technique that you gravitate toward?
A: I like old Flemish, Rococo, and Renaissance paintings. You know what I mean? I gravitate to those for some reason. I think it's because of the colors and the ridiculous poses. And the flamboyancy makes me laugh. Sometimes, I look at one where they're making a genuinely ridiculous pose, and I think, "That should be a possum." It would make it funny.
 
Q: What inspires and influences your art?
A: Conversations really influence my art. That's really the base of almost all of them. It's just a conversation I have with someone. One that was inspired by a conversation was my painting of a hippo underwater with a shark fin. One night, my daughter and I watched National Geographic, and we discovered hippos killed more people than sharks. We ended up having this conversation and came up with the idea of painting a hippo with a shark fin on it. It was really humorous. But the paintings just kind of evolve out of people's conversations. Someone once asked me, "Could you paint my dog? She’s such a queen. She owns the home and everything.” So, it's like, I could paint the dog like she's Queen Elizabeth or something. So, that is where they come from—conversations. Just ideas, people, they just make a comment. When I hear it, I'm like, “That's a painting.”
 
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to another eager artist, what would it be?
A: If you are new to painting, don't post pictures of your paintings on the internet immediately. Because nobody's going to tell you it needs work or give you constructive feedback, which will not help you. Instead, join a club in which they critique each other's work.
 
I would also say to look for grants. Look into some of these arts councils in Indy or Columbus. They are always looking for artists, and many different types of grants are available. There are grants for emerging artists or reinvigorating your art if you want to change your style. So, I would say to look into some of these councils but don't get discouraged if you get denied. You could get turned down four, five, or six times, but you'll get one if you keep doing it. Just keep applying and just keep making art. You have to find your audience.

Q: Can you tell me about First Fridays at the Artcraft cottage?
A: During First Fridays, me and a few other local artists in town put up our art in a gallery in the Artcraft cottage. The first First Friday in March had rainy weather, but even so, we had a pretty good turnout. I was ready for anything and was excited to see what kind of engagement we got. Now that the days are getting longer and the weather is getting nicer, I hope more people will turn up. They may start selling drinks on the patio in the upcoming months, and there could be music. I'm really looking forward to what it could grow into.
 
Q: What do you do for Madison Street Salvage? Why do you enjoy working there?
A: I help out around the shop as much as I can. I help pick up donations, fix furniture that comes in—giving them a little care before they come onto the floor—or helping customers out around the shop. But I enjoy working here; I feel like I have found my tribe, especially after leaving the military. Franklin Heritage is just a good bunch of people.
 
Q: What movie have you enjoyed seeing the most at the Artcraft?
A: I would say that I loved watching Rear Window directed by Alfred Hitchcock and A Christmas Story at the Artcraft.
 
See Greg Potter and his work during the next First Friday from 6–8 p.m. on April 5, 2024, at the Historic Artcraft Theatre's Cottage at 49 E. Madison St., Franklin, IN 46131.