New York City is a bustling metropolis, often referred to as the “Big Apple.†The cityscapes, history and mixed cultures, are like no other place in the world. From 19th century row houses in Brooklyn and the modern architecture of Manhattan, to the stately Hudson River and the daily interaction of residents, artists in search of subjects to paint, have an abundance of choices.
Garin Baker is a professional realist and contemporary painter, a muralist, a teacher, an award winning illustrator and the owner of Carriage House Art Studios. Raised in New York City and reared by artistic parents, it was as if Garin was born to be a renowned artist. He attended the High School of Art & Design where celebrated Max Ginsburg and Irwin Greenberg were his art teachers.
Among the long-haired students of the 70s that learned about art, life and sensibility from these masters, Garin’s desire to become a representational artist seemed imminent; in fact, his teachers encouraged him to continue studies at the Art Students League in New York City, where Baker now teaches students occasionally.
The distinguished works that set artist Baker apart from the crowd are his Exterior Murals. Created on a lightweight fabric called “parachute cloth” that has been primed with gesso, the murals are hand-painted with light fast acrylic paints that resist fading when exposed to direct sunlight and ultra violet rays. The murals are painted in his studio then transported to the site where they are adhered to the wall with acrylic glues and varnishes and appear as though they were painted directly on the wall.
    The Helsingor Mural Project, contracted by the Ministry of Culture in Denmark, celebrates the Industrial Ship Building era in realistic grandeur. Hosting detail in authenticity, Baker’s piece gives more personal meaning than a mere conceptual dogma found in modern art of today.
Interior murals are done on canvas and then adhered to the wall with wallpaper paste, similar process with many of the 19th century muralists and WPA Era Murals that are found in designated Public Buildings in the United States of America and abroad. An example of a recent Interior Mural project on canvas adhered to walls was completed last year in Washington D.C. and includes several Murals for the New Ballou High School. The anticipation and excitement that is accented by vivid memorable colors, highlights the meaning and pride of an exceptional place of study.
By far, Garin Baker’s most profound project has been the renovation of a circa 1790 carriage house that was transposed into a post and beam barn studio in New Windsor, New York, located 60 miles north of the Big Apple along the Hudson River and is a way for collectors to come and view new works available for sale, as well as visit and see current murals and studio paintings in progress while enjoying the beautiful Hudson Valley.
The Carriage House Atelier was created out of necessity, according to Baker. Finding qualified young artists to work with him on his many projects was difficult. Training in representational painting was once limited. However, falling right into line with his 35-year plan, there has been an explosion of young artists that interested in painting and drawing from life.
The serious artists of today that wish to improve their skills and language, in a more traditional vein, are flocking to the Carriage House to learn from Baker.
From workshops and plein air painting to intense figure and portrait studies, the Carriage House is forming a masterful reputation for being the place to be for serious representational painting study.
The next show at the Carriage House is planned for late January 2016 and will feature figure painting and drawings. Entitled: “It’s Cold Outside, Take Home a Nude†serves as a look inside the works of artist Baker, including works of other artists of merit.
The world of potential artists has been waiting for the chance to take part in the overdue evolution in realism painting. Fine artists and mentors, such as Garin Baker are rare and may only come along once in a lifetime. Follow him at www.garinbaker.com  and take part in this living history of a new era of art in the making.
Editor’s note: Comments accepted at the bottom on this artist. Â For the print format to view at www.scribd.com/arttoartpalette or download by clicking on type below:
Portrait of Garin Baker – New York USA
Reality in its finest, Portrait of Garin Baker,
Art-to-Art Palette Journal, 01-2016
KMstanford
- Edit
A real treat to learn more about this “gem” in my region. I admire realism; they tell a story and they grant me the opportunity to add a few “chapters” myself. I salute artist-educator Baker.