Gary Ahrens was born and raised in Woodhaven, New York. His early training with a local painter fostered his love of art and helped gain his acceptance at the School of Industrial Arts in Manhattan. His family moved to Puerto Rico over forty years ago and he has lived here since that time.

The artist has always been fascinated by the mystery that painting is, the world that exists just behind the reality of the substrate, the surface that is being worked upon. The magic of communication, that is the essence of painting, and that the artist accomplishes each time someone confronts his work, has always been a special wonder for him. "Watercolor is the medium that has always been my favorite window to this world, this magic place I go to.....I delight in the special effects of water medium."

Gary has painted professionally for the past six years and maintains his studio in La Roca in Las Croabas, Fajardo. He has been fortunate in selling to collectors both here and in the United States. He maintains membership in the Watercolor Society of Puerto Rico and the East End Art Guild and has shown in many juried exhibitions receiving both honors and awards in addition to sales.

The artist is represented on the island at Galeria Viota in Guaynabo, The owners of Galeria de Calle Cristo in Old San Juan and the newly opened paper only gallery of Isleño Diseño on De Diego Avenue. You are invited to visit his website at http://www.garyahrens.net/.