Ray Blanton
Rosie Kuhn Bouse
Ray is often seen painting in the Indian Paintbrush Room 103 in the CATC building on Mondays and Fridays. Anyone who frequents this room will probably discover Ray over in “his corner” with paintbrush in hand and his own palette of colors ready to use or mix creatively. There has been a wonderful display of his works in our hallway window throughout September and into October. Hurry or you might miss it! The window will change sometime in October to feature holiday artwork. This, too, will be great fun.
Ray was born in Fort Worth, Texas. He moved to the Mid-Cities area at age 11. At a young age, he took a few art lessons at the Fort Worth Children’s Museum and also enjoyed his high school art classes. Ray also discovered not only his artistic abilities but love when he met his high school sweetheart Kay whom he married 52 years ago. Since coming to Robson Ranch, Ray’s artistic skills have really blossomed now that retirement provides him with leisure time. The CATC complex was one of the prime offerings that drew Ray to Robson.
The mediums he enjoys working in are oils, acrylics, and pencil. He produces many whimsical scenes and also almost-lifelike nature scenarios. His palette is anywhere from muted to vibrant, all very intriguing and eye-catching! He does not paint from photos but from memories captured in his photogenic mind.
As we have seen before in the artists’ interviews, often there is an inherited trait that produces new generations of artists. Ray’s grandmother Anna Blanton amazingly discovered her talent upon moving into a nursing facility. The Blantons have two sons who were raised in the Fort Worth area and five grandchildren (four grandsons and one granddaughter) who are also blessed with creative genes.
Ray’s artwork was exhibited in the Fall Paint & Palette Exhibition themed “Inspired by Imagination” at the clubhouse from Sept. 28 through Oct. 4. These festive exhibits occur quarterly. Artists are present to meet and greet visitors on the last evening of the exhibit. Ray’s imaginative entries truly fit the theme.
Ray says, with a smile, that he finds a home with other talented artists who congregate during Paint & Palette hours, which are Mondays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is here that ideas and techniques are shared member to member. Stop by, even if you only are curious. The membership fee is only $10 and includes many perks, lessons, critique, and our Second Monday Show and Share and Flash Friday surprise activities.