Portrait titled Dad by Stanley Rayfield, oil on canvas, 2nd place in competition at National Gallery in Washington
Clarke Art Consulting was delighted to interview emerging artist Stanley Rayfield. Rayfield has launched a great start to his art career with his painting titled, “Dad”, which won second place in competition at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington. Rayfield is a recent graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University School of Arts, and currently works on several commissioned art projects. He aspires to become a world-renowned portraitist, making history with his art.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background, and what led you to become an artist?
Well, I am a New Orleans native, but I grew up in Richmond, Virginia. My path to becoming an artist began with me just doodling in class and making up badly drawn cartoon caricatures. I did not take art seriously until high school. There, I was enrolled in a specialized art program at Henrico High School (in Richmond, Virginia) called Center for the Arts (CFA). CFA gave me a jump start in the arts compared to other young artists my age. This program was designed to prepare students for art school [college art programs]. CFA changed my life and inspired me to take art as a career path. So I continued my art education at VCU (Virginia Commonwealth University) in the Communication Arts department.
Your painting titled “Dad’ recently placed second in competition at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. Can you tell us about the piece and why you chose it for the competition?
When I was told about the competition, I felt I didn’t have anything strong enough to compete, so I made a new painting. I have confidence in my abilities, however I felt that at my age [being 20 years old] …. I would not be able to compete with more experienced painters who have been painting much, much longer then me, and who knew more about the art of painting. So I knew I had to think of a strong concept [for a new painting]. I felt my dad was an interesting person who would stand out on canvas; that combined with personal feelings I have for him, I knew this painting would be my best shot in the competition.
What was your father’s reaction to the painting?
My father was very emotional when he saw the painting. As a matter of fact, he did not like it right away. He thought it was too revealing, and people would be turned off by it. I think at the same time he felt vulnerable, because it was the first time he ever got to see how I viewed him and our relationship without using words. Not many people get to experience that type of feeling ever, and he experienced it at age 64. Art can be a powerful vehicle for the deepest emotions.
How has winning the competition affected you as an artist?
It has made me want to work even harder. I feel very blessed and used for the glory of God. I know that I will be a big inspiration for a lot of young artists. Winning makes me want to keep doing strong work, and not get distracted. I feel like it has made my faith even stronger and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
What are your future plans?
I plan to be a world-renowned portraitist — a great fine artist. I hope to be in the history books someday for my art, particularly my fine art, because there are so many positive, thought-provoking things I want to say with my drawings and paintings.
Published by Clarke Art Consulting © 2009
Strong. I don’t know if that word best describes how I feel when I see this portrait. But it’s relative to a lot of african american youth, who see their parent(s) do all they can do to keep their family a float. Sacrifices are a daily ritual, represented by the scares of life. Strong black dad’s, fearless and respected by their children. I love this piece.
Congrats Stanley!
Very wonderful interview.
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This is one of the few portraits in the competition that was done with heart as well as mind. The composition is good. There is a narrative element that isn’t overly esoteric or maudlin. In addition, it’s one of the few painterly portraits. Nice to see a painter give us value shapes rather than textural and photographic effects. Good job, Stanley. You have a lot of promise. I sincerely hope you keep up the good work because the art world and the world need you. Watch this artist, cuz when the modernists and the neo-academics go out (where they belong) and the average man gets tired of digital, something better is going to take their place.
It is clear that Mr. Rayfield has impressed many with his portrait. We agree his has a bright future ahead of him, and we look forward to seeing his career flourish.
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