All my life, as far back as I can remember, I loved drawing. Starting with cartoons as a kid and through high school, much the same. And later in life I met Phillip Powell, a local artist from Calloway County. He inspired me because of his love of wildlife painting and gave me my first lessons in acrylic painting.
Later I met Alice Fischer, an artist that was a member of PAPAs, while in a local art supply store. She was very honest and asked if she could critique my painting. I said sure and she was able to show me places that needed shadowing and contrast. She encouraged my wife and I to come to one of the PAPA meetings to meet other artists.
It was at PAPAs in 2005 that we attended our first meeting, and I was blown away by an artist there by the name of Mel Garbark. His wildlife paintings were exactly what I longed to paint. I met two other artists by the names of Diane Bailey (Ireland) and Scott Morris. They asked if we would like to paint with them once a week. I agreed and was hoping that maybe Mel would join us. He did! Mel began to help me to see that my palette needed to be adjusted; my techniques needed to be refined. He became my biggest inspiration and mentor for my technique I use today. It was Scott and Diane that brought us all together.
I now focus mostly on wildlife paintings, landscapes, Native American Indians, and birds. My medium of choice is oils as of late but acrylics will always be my go-to. I have won numerous ribbons, including Best of Show locally. My art is for sale and my studio is at my home. You can call and come by to view any of my art.
Email: Creationartbymarkray@gmail.com
Phone: 270-841-2535
Some Paintings are shown without frames
Click on an image to enlarge
