Today we’d like to introduce you to Don Ray.
Don, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Being born and raised in Ohio, I enjoyed and painted the natural world that it provided. With a visit to Florida, however, I knew I’d found the environment with which to draw inspiration from. The wealth of fish and wildlife would become a virtually boundless source of reference material. When my family, which included my wife and two children, finally made the move, it’s easy to say that it was the best choice we ever made. As our business began to grow, we were able to acquire a large home on a four-plus acre wooded property minutes from the beach that included a pond. It became the ideal place to raise our, now three, kids and have a natural sanctuary to enjoy and steward. We now have another generation (grandkids) to share it with.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I’ve found that oil paint is by far my favorite medium. I love the richness and malleability that it offers. Oil on linen has been my primary medium, both for its luster and permanence. As for my interest in fish, I don’t know where it comes from, only that it’s been there since I was very young. There is a mystery as to what lie’s below the surface. Light underwater is a fascinating and particularly difficult thing to paint. When I move to a subject that’s above water, I find it takes me a fraction of the time to complete. I love to paint the environment in which my subjects live as much as the primary subjects themselves. It helps create a narrative that show’s how interwoven all life is. That’s important to me as a lover and conservator of the natural world.
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities, and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
Yes. If finances are your primary concern, then it might be better to choose something outside of the arts. To me, it feels like you don’t choose art, rather, art chooses you. There are options though. Many fine actors, musicians, painters, sculptors or anyone else who is a practitioner of the arts, maintain themselves with a “day” job. If you work at it long enough, be aware of and seize opportunities (and don’t discount luck) you may find that you are able to support yourself with your passions.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My work has been shown in numerous galleries and exhibitions throughout the years. Also used as covers for many books, magazines, and catalogs. Included are International Game Fish Association World Record Book, Field and Stream, Outdoor Life, Cabela’s, Florida Sport Fishing and many others. Current galleries include Redbone Gallery, Collector’s Covey and Russel Jinishian Gallery. I’ve also found that working firsthand with collectors to be highly rewarding, whether it be commissioned art or sales of reproductions. If interested, you are welcome to contact me personally at the below contact information.
Contact Info:
- Website: donrayart.com
- Phone: 772-388-2477
- Email: donrayart@gmail.com
- Facebook: Don Ray Artwork Facebook
Image Credit:
donrayart@gmail.com
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