RAYMOND THORNTON

“I discovered Natural Pigment a few years ago. I have to say it has been a joy to discover their paints and to delve into the vast knowledge of painting best practices in their forums and workshops. From the use of their products has changed my work immeasurably.”

ABOUT THE ARTIST

An accomplished painter, Raymond Thornton hails from Northwest Indiana. He began his fine art training at the age of fifteen at the Drisi Studio Academy of Fine Art and then continued his studies at The American Academy of Art of Chicago. Raymond’s work fits into the traditions of overly elaborate ornamentation with a meticulous academic process that has clear and easily interpreted details producing drama and tension. “Through the arrangement of shape, detail, form and line I attempt to capture life in a painting. I want the figures in my paintings to feel as though they can breathe and live in the space or world that is within the frame. I want the viewer to discover and feel the emotional aspects of the painting.

ARTIST STATEMENT

Art has always been a part of me. My first teachers as a child were Preston Blair and Norman Rockwell. I had their books and watched their shows and the love of art grew. I realized then that I wanted to be like them and make my life about art. Life of course has plans of it’s own. It pushes, twists and inspires. I look back now and see the work that I had done in the past, although accomplished, did not have a direction. I also look back and ask did my life as a whole have a direction. I’ve come to realize that life and art are intermingled. Both going from one idea to the next and sometimes getting too bogged down in the details. Sometimes you are hit with a sledge hammer to set you straight. I’ve often asked if the Lord needed to hit so hard. However, now art, as does life, have that direction and sense of purpose and I am excited and awestruck to see what happens with both.

RAYMOND THORNTON ON NATURAL PIGMENTS

I discovered Natural Pigment a few years ago. I have to say it has been a joy to discover their paints and to delve into the vast knowledge of painting best practices in their forums and workshops. From the use of their products has changed my work immeasurably. Rublev Colours Artist Oils have become my main stay paints along with Oleogel and Velasquez Medium. With them I can control the feel and texture of the paint under the brush. One thing you can be reassured of is that they have taken the time and research to make their products of the highest quality. No additives or fillers are added into their paints. Which means no shortcuts and one can feel confident that these paints are made to last. The Painting Best Practices Workshops are a must for any artist wanting to achieve the highest quality in their work. I’ve come to use ACM panels as my support. I will either adhere canvas directly to it or using Beva 150 (Which you can buy at their site) or I will use one of  their grounds that they offer. I like  the Lead Alkyd Ground and The Easy Gesso, both of which dry in hours and are easy to apply. If you ever have any questions about painting or their products they are an easy phone call or email away. Not many companies can say that. They truly are a marvel.