The Ohio Artist Registry (OAR) is an exciting opportunity for artists to share their work, connect with the creative community, and establish an online presence—all on a free, virtual platform! The OAR encourages artists working in all art forms, throughout Ohio and beyond, to create a profile, which allows them to better promote themselves and their work. Being listed in the OAR provides artists with new opportunities to share their work with clients, galleries, patrons, and audiences. A listing in the OAR does not confer an endorsement, approval, or verification by the Ohio Arts Council.
For more information, contact Kathy Signorino, artist programs director, at kathy.signorino@oac.ohio.gov or 614-728-6140.
2024 Ohio Artist Registry Juried Exhibition
Bio
Raymond S. Brown III is a Cleveland-based artist whose work blends realism with illustrative techniques, drawing inspiration from his lifelong love of comic books and cartoons. His vibrant, colorful palettes bring to life dynamic compositions that often feature people he knows and loves or compelling images that capture his imagination.
Raymond’s journey as an artist began early, with childhood drawings of Mickey Mouse and Snoopy. His talent for illustration not only fueled his creativity but also supported his academic success, eventually leading to a scholarship at University School in Hunting Valley, Ohio. There, his art teacher recognized his potential and encouraged him to explore traditional and digital art forms, a path further nurtured by his mother’s support.
As a professional, Raymond carved out a successful career as a web and graphic designer, most notably as the Sr. Manager of Digital Productions for the Cleveland Cavaliers during their championship year. Despite the demands of digital design, Raymond remained committed to traditional art, continuing to paint with acrylics on canvas. His work has been showcased in numerous local art shows in Cleveland and Columbus, including exhibitions at Deep Roots Gallery.
Currently, Raymond is focused on expanding his artistic brand. He is developing his website and store while simultaneously working on multiple pieces in his studio. His art is not just a profession but a reflection of his life philosophy, guided by the wisdom his mother imparted: “Life is made of choices, and what you choose today shapes your tomorrow.” He also values time as his most precious asset, understanding that while money can be replenished, time cannot.
Raymond’s aspirations extend beyond personal growth. He aims to expand his work’s reach globally, build a community of followers who appreciate his art, and ultimately use his creative talents to make a positive impact on the world.
Artist Statement
My work is a celebration of life and beauty, often focusing on the people who inspire me. Through my paintings, I aim to create a sense of closeness between the viewer and the muses that grace my canvas. Sometimes, I weave subtle social messages into my work, using color and background imagery to support the central theme.
The creative process for me is both deliberate and spontaneous. I often lose myself in the ideas and concepts behind a piece, sketching studies before diving into the canvas. At other times, I surrender to the moment, letting the brush guide me without a plan. Whether drawing from photographs, blending multiple images, or painting from memory, I allow the work to unfold naturally, driven by the emotions and energy of the moment.
Inspiration finds me in the everyday—whether it’s a captivating face, the innocent smile of a child, a powerful glance exchanged in a traffic jam, or the simple elegance of the human form. These moments of daily life fuel my creativity, and while I anticipate exploring new themes in the future, I am currently content to let life’s experiences shape my art.
I hope that those who engage with my work are compelled to feel something—anything but indifference. Whether the response is joy, reflection, or even discomfort, I want my audience to connect with my pieces, to see something in their own lives reflected in my work.
At its core, my art is a message of joy and love. I paint what moves me, in the hopes that it will also move others. As my journey unfolds, I look forward to evolving as an artist, inspired by the twists and turns of life, and connecting with people from all walks of life. I also hope to inspire other artists, just as I have been inspired by those who came before me.
