RAYMOND BARRETT

Raymond Barrett was born in Washington, raised in California and moved to Hawaii in 1995. He has always lived near the ocean and loves the coastline.

"The ocean is a source of peace and healing that can be found in few places. I have always been facinated by the interaction of wind, water and light. I use old painting technology to catch light and return it from a personally crafted canvas. It appears that light is coming from the painting because it actually is. My goal is to make each painting more than photographic. I want to bend the mind to make each painting a private window back to that place. If it becomes a window with no glass then I have succeeded."

Raymond began his training with the generous teachings of some very fine professional artists. He was taught to paint and then went back and learned why he was doing what he already was taught to do. He encouraged anyone with the desire to paint, believing that anyone who is willing to spend the time and effort can and will learn to produce paintings which will be a joy. He has taught many to paint andwas proud that some had gone on to teach and paint professionally.

"We are taught to believe that painting comes from some inborn talent. Painting is like anything else. To become good it takes good teachers and practice. You only need to be able to follow instructions and to see. Painting teaches you patience and it teaches you to see."

Ray lived and worked on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. He learned to adapt what he knew about the ocean to all water and light. He became known for his treatment of falling water. His love for the ocean was only expanded by the island's spectacular colors.