Natural World to Worldview

Written By: Wiley Sloan | Issue: 2017/01 - Winter

Readers of The Highlander are familiar with the works of cartoonist Duncan Greenlee. 

Each week for the past 31 years Duncan’s cartoons have provided a glimpse of his pen and ink talent as he puts a spin on some current event.  

“Highlands is very blessed in that so many problems that we have are minor,” he says. “Through the cartoons I can call attention to these problems and generate thought-provoking discussion.”      

Many of our readers may  also  know Duncan from  the Mountaintop  Rotary Club’s Quick Draw events a few years ago where area artists complete a painting over the course of an evening, creations that were then auctioned to benefit local charities.    

Duncan’s paintings were vibrant, colorful evocations of the changing seasons.   Whether he is working in watercolor, acrylic or pen and ink, Duncan’s art reflects the way he lives his life.  He enjoys his days and that positive energy is reflected in his creations.

It’s hard for Duncan to remember when he first drew his first picture.  His dad was an industrial designer and also taught Industrial design.  His mother was an English teacher, and he grew up surrounded by great books and interesting people.  His parents recognized Duncan’s talents early and provided art classes.  Saturday mornings would find him at the Cleveland Institute of Art, where talented professionals helped him explore his talents and enhance his native abilities. 

“My parents and teachers always encouraged me to think for myself and to be able to defend my thinking,” he says. “The professors were firmly grounded in anatomy, design and color theory– key elements required of any good artist.”

He cherishes his BFA from Cleveland Institute of Art and hopes to focus on his art more in the future.

Duncan has earned his living as a landscaper, thus the natural world has had a profound influence on his art and his worldview.   Autumn is his favorite season.  His love of nature and of people are often the subject of his paintings.  

“I fear that many youngsters today are not offered the chance to explore their artistic abilities — with so much emphasis on automation and technology, artistic endeavors are sometimes overlooked,” he says.  “Think about the art of A. Beardsley, a talented pen and ink professional who was known for his sense of design, or Alphonse Mucha, a Czechoslovakian artist whose paintings are exuberant, emotional and enthusiastic.  These are just two of many artists whose style and talent have influenced my art.”

Duncan and his wife, Ann, are well-known in Highlands.   He’s responsible for the beautiful landscaping fronting First Presbyterian Church of Highlands.

When retirement calls, Duncan hopes to paint full-time.  

Who knows, along with the names of Picasso or Matisse, art historians may cherish the works of Duncan Greenlee.