Saturday, November 8, 2014

New art to be displayed

I was hoping to post some Twilight Zone paintings but life has taken me down an alternate route for now. I am currently looking to have a few of my military vehicle paintings on display at the Museum of Miltary History in Kissimmee, Florida. This has been something I've wanted to do for a while now, and finally it's coming to light. Some of the vehicles I've painted on location at the museum, Jeep Willys, Civil Wat canons, and a few from other central Florida locations like the Titusville air museum.
Here's a sneak peak of some of the art that will be displayed and for sale.
 "SNJ-6 Texan trainer" from the Kissimmee Warbirds museum in Kissimmee, Fl


"1/4 ton" Willy from the Museum of Military History in Kissimmee, Fl

"In for Repairs" B-17 from the Mighty 8th Air Force museum in Georgia

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Welcome October

No painting today, instead I'm taking this day to relax a bit. A month of doing 30 paintings really is exhausting. I am a fan of October, not only because it is my birth month but I love this time of year for another reason. Horror films!!! I love em and to celebrate I've just binge watched season 4 of the Walking Dead. I know I'm slow, and Netflix is to blame for adding it so late. But now that season 5 is here, and I don't have AMC I'll have to find other ways to get my fix. I've also decided to start a new series of paintings based off classic Twilight a Zone episodes. So this month you can expect to see paintings representing some of my favorites like "To Serve Man". My post might shift from daily to once or twice a week, but I will be adding new things soon. If you're not following my blog please do, and let me know some of your favorite TZ episodes or horror films. Here's a couple of sketches for some paintings I'm planning.
TZ concepts

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Painting 30

I made it through the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge!!!  Wow what a ride ( no pun intended). Looking back,  I learned that when it comes to painting,  it's much easier to paint what I love  as opposed to painting something I'm hired or instructed to paint. There were a few days in there that I wanted to skip and take a break, but my fellow artists were very encouraging and routed for me to keep going. Another motivating factor was that this was not for money but for my own enjoyment. I admit I was hoping someone would buy at least one painting, but now I have a nice collection of  vehicular art that I didn't have 30 days ago. I don't really think I want to part with any of these, they all mean a little something to me.  My plan will be to take a few to some local galleries to see if I can get a few displayed if not sold. But for now I'm enjoying them on my own walls.
  I think I will continue doing vehicular art paintings. Maybe not daily but I do hope the tiny audience I have here grows into a nice group of supporters.  I'd like to thank Leslie Saeta for doing this challenge, and I'd especially like to thank the ones who left comments. Your words helped keep me motivated and focused. So I'm ending this challenge with a piece I call "The End", a caboose from the train museum in Winter Garden. A good friend and I have targeted this red caboose for one of our plein air paint outs. Very nostalgic, I love old trains and had a set with a red caboose similar to this one. I hope you guys have enjoyed these 30 paintings, please let me know which ones you love, hate, or would like to see me try again. I welcome your words good or bad.
Mad luv and keep spilling the paint!
Ray
"The End" gouache 

Monday, September 29, 2014

Painting 29

I follow a group on Facebook called "Cars, Trucks and Dogs" and they post some of the most outrageously beautiful machines I've seen. This one really stood out to me.  Maybe it was the grass under this dark hot rod with the bright red nose. Or maybe the vibrant reflection of the blue green windshield. So much good cheese on this burger.
Painting 29 gouache 

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Painting 28

I painted this model of an WWI  RAF fighter plane after a long day of work. I resisted all urges to just pass out and powered through this painting. Unfortunately I think it shows. After only learning to paint in this past year, and using gouache for the first time this month, I think I did a fair job.
Indoor light was hard to simulate so I tried to give it a more natural appearance.
Painting 28

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Painting 27

I decided to try a different vehicle for this one. The modern sleek locomotive is quite different than vintage locomotive engines.  This big guy was moving too fast for me to paint on the spot so I photographed this one.
Painting 27 gouache 

Friday, September 26, 2014

Painting 26

Muscle cars, how can one not love the designs of Americas great muscle cars?heres another that deserves a larger canvas.
Painting 26 gouache 

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Painting 25

This 4 door 57 Chevy was a struggle to get through. The length of the car just seemed wonky. I think ultimately the scale of everything became a huge challenge. I also had a hard time with my colors on this one. The orange building just keeps wanting some of the spotlight. Well there's always tomorrow.
Painting 25 gouache 

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Painting 24

This was a perfect opportunity, a beauty of a convertible, parked in partial shade. I really wanted to push the lighting here. While the gouache painting looks pretty sweet I know I really want to get this in acrylics. Here's another I will definitely revisit. But for the challenge this is perfect.
"T-Bird" gouache 

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Painting 23

Too fast, too furious...that's what I felt about this painting. I painted this one as the evening closed in on me. This Mustang looked great in the daylight then within 15 minutes I could barely see my paints to get through this. Then the bright evening lights of Old town came on and changed the appearance of everything. I started to trash this piece because I felt it was so rushed I'd have to spend a huge amount of time trying to correct all the mistakes I felt I was making. But after looking at it again this one grew on me and I really like the looseness of it. Despise the time crunch of doing this in under 45 minutes I think there was some success in this, at least enough to make it a keeper.
I will be attempting this one again in the future.
"Too Fast" acrylic 5x7"

Monday, September 22, 2014

Painting 22

Lighting can be such a struggle when doing plein air painting. The sun reflected so strongly off the hood of this blue corvette. But as I was working on this clouds and time  affected my use of color to translate what I was seeing. I was actually "chasing the light" as I've heard so many professionals say.  I'll catch you yet!!!
Painting 22 acrylic 6x8"

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Painting 21

Today I painted a celebrity vehicle. At least a very good detailed replica. The most famous Slug bug..."Herbie" made an appearance at OldTown today. I think Herbie was the first screen car  I saw as a kid, either Herbie or the 66 bat mobile. This was a treat to paint, the owners even had the car automated with opening doors, hood, and flashing lights and wipers. Amazing how seeing this car come alive took me back to when I was young and saw Herbie alive on screen. Some childhood magic still exists in the world. Ironically Herbie is owned by Stephen Love, visit http://www.stephensherbie.com to learn more.
"Herbie" acrylic 5x7"

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Painting 20

Geek warning...Heroic vehicles are incredibly cool to me. I'm a big Transformers fan and of course I dig the Autobots. I remember watching the classic series as a kid and "Ratchet" (an Ambulance) was one of the greatest. He not only saved, rebuilt, and kept the Autobots functional, he was an inventor and innovator. While an ambulance might not seem to thrilling on the surface it's what's inside that counts. These tough machines are indeed mobile hospitals. I've only seen the inside of 2 in my lifetime ( thankfully) but it's comforting to know that these machines can mean the difference between life and death for us all. All hail the heroic ones. To the men and women that command these Autobots, thank you for your service and for saving lives...including mine.
"Rescue 11" gouache

Friday, September 19, 2014

Painting 19

Up the street from my fortress of solitude there's much construction going on. I'm not sure what is being built but this super large crane was out in the vacant lot. I like the warm reds against the cool green backdrop. However working small makes it difficult to fit the entire structure on the surface.
I may have to revisit this some day.
"Big Red" gouache 

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Postcard art Sale

The 30/30 challenge is going to be wrapping up soon. I have enjoyed doing these small gouache works and hope to get some of these in a local gallery. Before I do that, I'd like to offer you viewing this blog, a chance to get in on these early. For a limited time I'm offering a painting of your choice from the challenge framed for $100.00 . At the end of the month the best of these May double in price so get yours now while you can. These little works look much better in person and framed. 4x6 inches gouache on watercolor paper. Make great accent pieces for collectors and art admirers.
   Please direct all inquiries to rayseeart@gmail.com
Thanks much for looking and following me through this 30 day challenge.
         Sincerely,
                           Ray Richardson

Painting 18

Tried something different for my vehicles them. I found this Army chopper resting in a park in St. Cloud, it was an extremely difficult model. I think I'll be revisiting this one in the future. Painting 18 for the 30/30 challenge.
Cobra attack helicopter gouache

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Painting 17

Visited the museum of military history in Kissimmee, Florida. They have a few jeeps  on display there. This Willy makes a great addition to my 30/30 vehicle theme. I'm pretty fond of this one.
"Willy"  gouache 

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Painting 16

OldTown is my favorite spot for catching vintage vehicles to paint. Here's number 16 of the 30/30 challenge.

Monday, September 15, 2014

Painting 15

Well I've reached the halfway point of the 30 paintings in 30 day challenge. I'm glad I not only accepted and entered my art to the online blog, I'm also glad I chose vehicles as my theme. I've had a blast finding and painting all kinds of vehicles for this challenge. From construction to vintage I'm hoping my art will catch the viewers attention as much as theses beautiful vehicles have caught my attention. Everyday things we take for granted have their own stories to tell and if I can catch just a piece of it, I'll feel like I've accomplished something. These postcard paintings are some of my favorites and although they are available for purchase, I doubt I'll want to part with any of them.
Here's entry number 15 "Old Timer"

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Painting 14

Brown, delivering at my day job. Simple but challenging as well. 
Painting 14 gouache

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Painting 13

Returned to my favorite spot for cars, OldTown Kissimmee.  I've seen this little sporty racer several times. I'm sure I'll be painting this beauty again in acrylics. 
Painting 13 gouache

Friday, September 12, 2014

Painting 12

Came across a very nice, classic Impala the other day. I really liked the way it was parked in front of this building. It just compose itself nicely. I wouldn't mind painting this one again though.
"Illusions" gouache

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Painting 11

Emergency vehicles are always an exciting subject. Mayhaps my subconscious was at work for this today.
Painting 11 gouache

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Painting 10

Daytime at the construction site. I fond these 2 beauties waiting for duty.
"Workers" gouache 

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Painting 9

Parks maintenance vehicles always remind me of 80's Sci-fi craft like something from Buck Rogers. This little rover was taking a break under some shaded trees. I like the loose background on this one. It adds to the alien feel making this more fantasy.
"Where's Buck" gouache 

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Red Wagon painting 8

I rode around and walked around old  downtown Kissimmee in search of the right vehicle for the next in the 30/30 painting challenge. Since the heat is insane and I probably won't be able to paint on location due to other obligations, I took a few pics of various subjects. I found this old carriage at the train station.  Why not go retro for painting 8.
"Red Wagon" gouache painting8

Painting 7

Upon leaving my evening job at downtown Disney, I found some slumbering construction vehicles. So here's painting number 7 of the 30 paintings in 30 days. My theme is vehicles, and I can't think of anything more cool and interesting than construction vehicles.  Not only are they functional, but they look almost alien. This is my favorite so far. The night sky against this warm orange and yellow cherry picker was just too good to pass up.
"Sleepy Time" gouache 4x6"  $75.00

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Painting 6

Of after painting the RAF biplane, I had to challenge myself by painting a German air men's craft.
Most of us recognize this as the Red Barron's plane.
Red B. 5x7" acrylic

Friday, September 5, 2014

Painting 5

Going back to World War 1 vehicles for this one. Since I chose my theme as "vehicles" aircraft counts too. I did this Acrylic painting of a British fighter from the Titusville air museum.
British Biplane Acrylic 5x7"

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Painting 4

Tonight I decided to paint one of the food trucks that frequent downtown Disney. I think I'll try this one again but in acrylics...someday.
Food truck 4.5x6" gouache

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

"Heavy Chevy" painting 3

September 3rd will be extremely busy for me so I've decided to do my 3rd painting for the challenge early.  I attempted to paint this with acrylics last week and failed. Luckily I took a pic of this lovely Chevy and was able to do it better justice. This time with Gouache, 4.5x6"

"Heavy Chevy" 4.5x6 gouache on watercolor paper


Painting 2 of 30

This mornings entry for the thirty paintings in thirty days challenge is a construction crane vehicle. This fellow was waiting for work in the Downtown Disney parking lot. Gouache on watercolor paper 4.5x6" inches
"Waiting for Work" gouache 

Monday, September 1, 2014

Painting 1 for the 30 paintings In 30 days challenge



My first entry for the thirty paintings in thirty days challenge. I decided my theme will be vehicles. This vintage truck grabbed my attention while driving through Orangeburg S.C.


4.5x6" gouache on watercolor paper

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Vettes and Rays

This weekend was a rough painting week but I did manage to get  2 out of 3 halfway nice ones. I may feel differently about them later. The rain just finished when I found these 3 boys hanging out together. The Stingrays were done the next day As you can see I still struggle with the colors and lighting but I had fun with these.
The Vettes after the rain.

The Rays

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Latest plein airs

It maybe the kid in me but I love trucks cars and construction vehicles. Not only am I working on a military series but I'm having tons of fun painting different vehicle like this beauty.
I intended to paint some signage at Downtown Disney but the heat outside was unbearable, so luckily I found this guy parked in the employee lot. I stayed in my air conditioned car and did this little painting.

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Loews Truck

5x7" Loews truck
So I set out to paint some construction vehicles but for various reasons was unable to paint the ones I came across, successfully. On my drive home I pulled into a Loews parking lot and saw this truck posing for me so how could I resist her. I was really drawn to her dirty wheels that somehow appeared golden in relation to the colors surrounding her.

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Plein air cars

The past few months, I've been trying to teach myself how to paint using acrylics. While most of my paintings need polishing, I'd like to add a few of my favorites here.
SS 4"x4" on burlap.

Army Brat 5"x7" canvas board.

57 5"x7" canvas board.

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