376 Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Turnpike, P.O. Box 316, Bridgehampton, NY 11932

631-537-8250

Q & A With Local Artist, Grant Haffner

grantGrant Haffner (left) with the Steve Long, the Museum’s President, during an Artist Reception and Family Workshop held earlier this summer.

A resident of the East End for most of his life, Grant Haffner‘s work (a collection of which is currently on display at the Museum) is inspired by the country roads, local landmarks, and breathtaking landscapes that make the area so unique. Using a bold—and sometimes neon—color palette, his images vibrantly re-imagine the rural roadways we travel every day. In between raising two toddlers with his wife and daily trips to his studio, he was kind enough to answer a few of our questions.

headofpondroad“Head of Pond Road”

When did you first realize you wanted to be an artist?

I grew up in a household immersed in art. My parents enjoyed the local art scene and always took all three children with them to weekend art shows at an early age. Recreation for us was often drawing, coloring and other creative projects. I always enjoyed drawing and coloring and I knew at a very young age that I wanted to become an Artist.

How did growing up on the East End play a role in your development as an artist?

My childhood here on the East End, especially my experience growing up in Springs, completely shaped me. Being in nature, following the Horse Trails that connected the woods, enjoying the beautiful bays throughout the area all made me fall in love with the Landscape. Also experiencing all the local Art and learning about the talented Abstract Expressionists that lived in the area gave me the courage and confidence to pursue and create art, to become the artist I am today.

1469580-7“The End”

You have such a distinct style, how did it come about?

When I decided I wanted to paint the landscape my idea was to try and dissect the scene into just lines of color and allow the lines to create the overall picture. The power lines seemed to fit the equation because they are essentially composed of lines themselves. The eventually became a great tool to create depth and location, a way to give the viewer a familiar place within my artwork. My color palette has always been on the more bright, vivid side, that is just what moves me.

How do you select the landscapes you paint?

When creating my landscapes I try to find scenes to paint that seem iconic, areas that I feel people can easily recognize or relate too. I want the viewer to connect with the painting, to share a memory with it or feel nostalgic for a time they spent there. Sometimes finding a good location is just a matter of taking time to watch the sunset or enjoying my drive home from work.

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A collection of Grant’s prints—all of which are available for purchase—can be viewed at the Museum during normal business hours (9am – 5pm) until Labor Day. Please e-mail granthaffner@gmail.com for information about sales. 

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