Rich Ray is a full time artist who resides in Brookline, Vermont. His main focus is abstract painting, photography, and the integration of the two. When it comes to art Rich says “I am always looking for a challenge”.
This technique has taken Rich several years to master. His process involves several stages. First, he paints the abstract artwork. Second, he photographs the art and other textures from nature. Then he chooses a portrait or nude photograph. And lastly, he downloads all of the different layers into the computer photo editor program. This is where Rich digitally creates the final piece.
Mr. Ray explains that the new digital technology has helped him bring all of these elements together. He spends many hours moving and arranging the layers, like puzzle pieces. “I know it is finished when I have achieved the right balance. Meaning, the brightest colors, visual textures, and contrast for the final printed original artwork”.
Mr. Ray states “There is always a story to be told and an emotion to be felt. I want the viewer of my work to feel a connection to each piece I create. I know that the work is successful when this happens. I have done my job as an artist”.
Rich leaves us with this thought “Art is a marker to let future worlds know we were here. What we were like, our hopes, dreams and beliefs. Art opens our minds, feeds our soul, brings us joy, and questions what is normal?”