ORANGE PARK —William Gura is on the quest to find what he calls the “American Mona Lisa.”
As an artist and expert at his craft, Gura doesn’t know exactly what all that entails, but he’s going to find it, one way or another. And create a recognizable masterpiece as a result.
“I just want to find someplace that appreciates my work and says, ‘Wow, this guy is as good as Leonardo Da Vinci or Michelangelo.”
Entered in numerous national and local contests, Gura said he has drawn around 500 portraits in his lifetime. Whether it’s monochromatic pencil or an added pop of color, Gura said all his drawings have meaning and a story.
As a disabled Navy veteran Gura said it’s an escape for him. After years of trauma and suffering from PTSD it was important for him to find an outlet. A haven. And art has always been a lingering passion.
It’s his story of success.
“When I was a little kid, I always wanted to be an artist. I wanted to be a medical illustrator.”
He started off at 10 years old going to private school for art classes in junior high school.
“I got selected for what’s called...Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh. I went there for three years. Then in high school, 10th grade, they had no more art classes. So, they sent me to vocational training for commercial arts.”
Due to a family situation, Gura said he quit college one semester shy from graduation and joined the Navy.
Gura began as a presidential honor guard at age 19, then became an illustrator draftsman. One of his biggest projects: designing the new Navy eagle and shield logo.
Gura said he also began drawing portraits when he was in a presidential honor guard; He would draw them for reviewing officials during summer ceremonies.
“Once I started doing portraits, it followed me. Whenever I went to the next commander, [they said] ‘Hey, do you do portraits?’ So, that’s why I started doing portraits.”
Later in life, Gura also spent time working as an independent scenic carpenter, designing and building props for Cirque du Soleil, movies and even theme parks, including Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld.
Nowadays, in his 1,650-sqaure-foot at-home studio, you can still find Gura tucked away creating artwork, specifically his portraits, by the dozens.
“It’s a God-given talent. I have to give God the credit for it, and I’m just a worker bee in his workshop. I wake up with visions, or if I have an idea, I pray about it and I actually get visions of what I’m supposed to do.”
Acting as subjects for his portraits, Gura said he seeks out any individual who is willing to model. Dressed as medieval knights, Greek and Roman icons, pirates and even cowboys, Guru said the process is stringent.
“When you come, we dress you up. Within an hour, I get 80 to 100 photos, different costumes and lighting. And then I go there,” he said.
Gura said he has a specific area for mounting and framing, a work area and a photo area. He also makes his own costumes.
Before getting to work, Gura said he studies facial features, and even bone construction. There’s a lot of nuances to the process.
“Do I put you against the light background or do I put you against a dark background?"
Using cross hatching method and Bristol board paper made from cotton fibers, Gura said that within four to six hours, he usually has the drawing complete.
Back in 2012, Gura said he began entering his work in competitions at the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, a competition put on annually by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the American Legion Auxiliary. He discovered it after a trip to the VA clinic in Orlando.
“I entered some pieces and every year I entered; I would take three awards. First place, best in show and people’s choice.”
Just this year, he was awarded three first place wins for his work at the VA hospital in Gainesville.
“I took three first places, color photography, monochromatic pencil and I have one for combat related art. I gave homage to field nurses in Vietnam (Dollies Last Ride)."
After moving to Orange Park in 2021, Gura has even garnered numerous first place and second place wins at local shows and contests, including at the Thrasher-Horne Center, Mossman Hall and the St. Johns Country Day School (SJCDS)
His student choice award at SJCDS was for a photography piece detailing a dairy maid.
Gura said he loves to share his love of portrait painting with others. Frequently, he hosts sessions with the Orange Park Art Guild, where he will bring a live model in and the group just draws. No expectations and no perfection.
“There’s no critique. You just sit; you draw the model. I provide refreshments and a good atmosphere.”
For other talented, disabled veterans who need an outlet, he suggests putting yourself out there and getting involved.
“When you see vets that think they’re not worth anything, but yet have a skill that they don’t know of or they know of, but who cares [that] I paint? Find out when you enter a competition and win. Talk about a boost.”
Gura said he never fails to shed a tear whenever he takes home another accolade. It’s his success story. And he wants other disabled veterans, especially those who may be struggling, to feel the same.
For more information about the annual National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, visit department.va.gov/veteran-sports/national-veterans-creative-arts-festival/. To see more of Gura’s work visit veteranartinstitute.org/william-gura/.
