Born in Milford, Gregory Karas spent much of his youth outdoors, hiking, fishing and exploring local wetlands. The deep love and respect for the natural world that he developed during those years remains with him today, and often finds expression in his choice of subject matter. Early on, he discovered a talent for pastel portraiture and began accepting commissions to sketch people and pets. This natural ability led him to study at Paier College of Art. Karas began painting "en plein air" (outdoors) and finds it exciting. The Naugatuck Valley, including the Housatonic River and surrounding towns, often provide the subject matter for his work: from barns and old mills, to prized farm animals, to floral studies. His current project is a solo show of paintings and photographs about Colony Pond to coincide with the rededication of Abe Stone Park (Ansonia) in 2006. His work has been exhibited at the Kellogg Environmental Center, Westport Nature Center and Mount Carmel Art Association. He has won numerous First Place and "Best in Show" awards.