Visit the Studio with Ilana Greenberg

Franz Kline inspired abstract painter Ilana Greenberg invites us on a journey through her paintings' deliciously textural black and white architectural-like realms. As artist, graphic designer, gallery owner, and mother, we are in awe of this true Renaissance woman. Let's take a peek into Ilana's painting journals and experience her raw and inviting work together!

What materials do you use? And why?

I primarily work in acrylics for my abstract paintings. I am a very impatient painter (and person) so I love how quickly the paint dries and how easy it is to manipulate the paint directly on the canvas. I’ve dabbled in watercolors and I love working in charcoal and sumi ink on paper. I also use archival ink and ballpoint pens for my illustrations.

What is your artwork about? What does it speak to?

My canvas is like a journal of my deepest emotions and I often don’t know how a painting will end up until it is done. I find painting and drawing to be the best form of meditation. My hope is that the viewer connects to this emotion and finds the same type of happiness from my work that I achieve while creating it.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I find inspiration from the work of the mid-century masters and strive for the clean and modern aesthetic of their designs. I am also inspired by the grit and fast-paced streets of my hometown of Brooklyn which adds a touch of imperfection to all of my work.

What is your typical routine when you get to the studio? Walk us through a typical studio day.

I have a gallery space where I can work but I love working from home. I have an easel set up behind my sofa in my den and that is my studio (really). My day starts by getting my kids out of bed and ready for school. Pre-pandemic the house would be empty by 8 AM and I would paint whenever I had a free minute. I am also a graphic designer so I’ve become quite adept at designing a layout and answering an email in between painting. Now that my kids are learning remotely my painting time has definitely been limited so I often end up painting into the wee hours.

Do you work at a particular size or scale? Why?

I try to paint every day and I work from my home, so for practical reasons I tend to work in smaller sizes like 16 x 20. For commissions, I am often asked to work in much larger formats which I really enjoy. I love mixing up the sizes that I work in because I find new challenges at each size which only helps my creativity.

What are you currently working on? Share with us what is exciting to you about this most recent work.

During the height of the pandemic, I began working in small brushstrokes and created quite intricate patterns. Unlike my typical work, these were quite colorful and elaborate. I think the paintings were a manifestation of excess energy and now I am working to incorporate this new style with my more abstract and minimal work. The Holding Path Diptych is an example of this. I used only black and white in this work, but experimented with the smaller pattern-like strokes. I am very happy with the results.

Which artists most inspire you and your work?

I guess Franz Kline would be the obvious answer, but I really think Picasso has influenced my work more than any other artist. Studying his art, I’ve become braver about drawing outside the lines.

Do you balance another job in addition to being an artist?

Yes! I have been the creative director at Graphic Design USA/GDUSA Magazine for the past 20 years. I also have a freelance graphic design business and run my own gallery in Downtown Brooklyn. Oh, and I have two teenage kids which is pretty much a full time job on its own.

Do you have any current or upcoming exhibits? Please share!

Obviously, many exhibits are closed right now due to the pandemic but I do have 2 paintings in a group show called “Brooklyn Collected: Artists Next Door” at The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights. I also have my own gallery in Downtown Brooklyn where my work is always on view, but currently I am only showing my work by appointment.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this special peek into Ilana's creative environment! Even in a virtual age, we encourage all budding collectors to take the time to connect with the artists you love directly.

We want to remind you of our awesome artist messaging feature directly on the Art in Res site––reach out now and foster that creative energy! Have more questions for Ilana on her art and practice? Follow up with her directly via our messenger. We know she’ll be thrilled to answer any questions you might have. Ask about a specific painting or about her specific process in general––either approach works!