"I always wanted to be a painter," Nathan Greene says recalling his childhood fascination with his mother’s canvasses. Greene still remembers peering up at her easel with the smell of linseed oil hanging in the air.

Nathan Greene is a contemporary painter with his feet firmly planted in the rich tradition of American illustration. Though still in his 30's, Greene's discipline and technique reflect his respect for the golden age of illustration that produced such legends as Hayden Sundbloom, Tom Lovell and Greene's hero Harry Anderson during the 1930's and 40's. Nathan's admiration for the pioneers of his craft continually shows in his own work.

In 1980, young Nathan visited an American Academy of Art exhibit at Chicago's Sears Tower. He was so taken with the quality of the student work, with its emphasis on traditional painting and drawing skills, that he decided to study at the Academy.

Greene followed his instincts toward realism, but at the Academy learned to incorporate abstract patterns of light and dark into his realistic paintings. This technique has become a trademark of Greene's art and enables the artist to direct the viewer's attention to key focal points in a painting. The lessons at the Academy remain solidly in the artist's philosophy.

Upon leaving the Academy in 1983, Nathan, newly married, decided to plunge directly into the highly competitive world of freelance illustration. Greene paid his dues in the Chicago area as his focus, talent, and determination enabled him to make a living in a tough market.

It's that same focus that helps Greene maintain his regular running commitment, usually four or five miles per day. It's common to see the artist running through the rural Michigan countryside.

By the late 1980's, Greene's stirring illustrations for inspirational book covers and magazines were establishing his reputation as a top contemporary illustrator.

NASA was quick to notice the Michigan artist's skill and commissioned Greene a number of paintings portraying the U.S. space program. Nathan is honored by the opportunity to produce work for NASA following in the footsteps of such notable contributors as Norman Rockwell and Paul Calle. He has been privileged to take reference photos at the launching of the space shuttle Atlantis and has been present at the landing of Endeavour and astronaut training activities. Some of his NASA work includes "The View of Space Station Freedom" and "The Deployment of the Gamma Ray Observatory."

When asked the question, "Can an artist really make a difference?" Nathan smiles and quotes the old adage, "... a picture is worth a thousand words."

Warming to the question, Greene continues, "Art in general is intended to raise the quality of life for both the person who creates it and the people who see it." Christian art has the added benefit of communicating the Gospel which means 'Good News'."

Through his art Greene seeks to portray the love of God and demonstrate what he believes God is like.

The painter's work reflects his heart, for in Greene's work the themes of acceptance, redemption, and compassion shine through powerfully. There is an approachability and strength in Nathan's portrayals of Christ that have become trademarks of the artist's work.

The future looks bright for Nathan Greene as his sensitive paintings and prints are hitting a nerve with buyers of inspirational art.

The rippling waters flow over the rocks in Pipestone Creek down the hill from Greene's studio, and the Michigan wind whispers through the sycamore trees along the riverbank. This rural calm seems a fitting place for Nathan, his wife Patty, and their two young children. A working artist life can be quite hectic, but the wonders of fatherhood can readily put life in perspective. As much as Greene loves painting, his young family is the joy of his life. Perhaps that is another reason for the warm emotion in his work.