Jim Gruber, who lives in Sun City, has loved art all his life. His seventh-grade teacher noticed his talent and helped him get into sketch classes at the Art Institute of Chicago. Those classes gave him a strong start, with weekly assignments and feedback from professionals.
Gruber found his artistic identity while attending Hirsch High School in Chicago. He said, “I earned the nickname ‘The Art Guy.’ Although my father was a businessman who first wanted me to go into business, he always supported my creative dreams. He even built me a custom art table to help with my work.”
After getting his art degree from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Gruber started a successful career in point-of-purchase (POP) advertising. He used his creativity to influence shoppers with digital signs, eye-catching displays, and smart product placement.
Gruber said, “I used injection molding to create marketing tools. My projects included motion-effect light signs for beverage brands and displays for products like tires and luxury apparel.”
Gruber almost always carries his sketch pad, drawing wherever he goes, whether it’s a doctor’s visit, a concert, or a local event in Sun City.
“I sketch people, places, and events. I am always inspired,” Gruber says.
Gruber works with graphite, charcoal, markers, gouache, pastels, and acrylic paint. “My favorite for sketching is a worn Sharpie marker,” he said. “It lets me add some shading, and it’s not as blunt.”
Gruber moved to Sun City in June 2016 after spending four years retired in North Carolina. He loved drawing the scenery there, but he and his wife wanted to be closer to their grandchildren, so they moved to Huntley. Since then, Gruber has joined the Pencil & Palette Charter Club and takes part in almost every event.
“It is a big part of my life,” he shares. “Put a pencil in my hand, and I am happy.”
Last September, Gruber took part in the Pencil and Palette Charter Club’s second annual “Colors of Sun City” show, where he displayed his art and gave live demonstrations.
Linda Wadman, the club’s vice president, said, “Jim will soon demo advanced techniques, like mastering chrome’s reflective look.”
If you want to join the Pencil and Palette Charter Club, contact Barbara Schramm atbjsschramm@yahoo.com.
