New “Dog “Series begins!

The first two paintings in a new summer series has begun.
“The Dogs of Route 66″ series will include wonderful illustrations of breeds riding in cars on the Mother Road Route 66. The first is titled “Stella Goes to Town”. This is our pet Stella. She is a nine year old mix of Labrador and Beagle. There is nothing Stella enjoys more than riding in the car with her head out the window taking in all the smells the country has to offer. In this painting she is shown in a 1950 Red Ford truck similar to my grandfathers from long ago.
The second painting is “Winston Takes a Ride”. An English Bulldog sitting in a 1959 Black Cadillac sits proudly waiting for his master pretending to own the road of Route 66.
These are just two of a continual summer series I’m creating with many more planned. I am getting many suggestions for different breeds and situations. There will be a Route 66 influence in all scenes. The art will eventually be available in print form offered in my Etsy Store. Look for them soon!

Art selected for new Novel Bookcover!

PRESS RELEASE:
It was announced today that HarperCollins Publishing of London, England has selected a painting created by Washington artist Ray Harvey for usage on the cover of its new novel “Dancing Backwards” by author Salley Vickers. Helen McFarland, Picture Editor at Harper- Collins, notified Mr. Harvey that his art had been chosen for the initial hardback printing of the new novel this June. The final choice was between Harvey and one other artist but the author eventually made the decision in favor of Harvey’s work. “I just love it,” remarked author Salley Vickers. “It reminds me of Don Draper in Mad Men.”
The painting was originally a spec painting Ray Harvey had completed for display in his wife’s restaurant Choco L’Art. The painting was eventually sold but the usage rights were retained. “It came as a surprise that someone completely not connected with the Midwest USA contacted me for this project” said Harvey. “It shows that when images go onto the internet they are exposed to the world.” The company purchased one time usage rights of this art for this book only.
The book is titled “Dancing Backwards”. This is Ms. Vickers fifth novel. Two of her previous novels are “The Other Side of You” and “Mr. Golightly’s Holiday.” When she is not writing she divides her time between London and Venice. She is primarily a psychologist who still lectures on the connection between literature, psychology and religion.
This story involves the main character Violet Hetherington and her transatlantic voyage to America to visit a close friend Edwin. She has not seen this friend for over thirty years and confronts her feelings of the past including regret and the power of memory. She meets a passenger named Dino whose intentions are murky but through their Ballroom dance lessons releases her in a newness of life.

Seasonal Christian Art Show at the Art Center

On Palm Sunday over thirty new pieces of art were displayed at The Art Center in downtown Washington, MO. Dave and Jane Arnold are presenting “One Way” an all christian exhibit just in time for Resurrection day 2009. The exhibit will be on display for one month beginning Palm Sunday. A large crowd was on hand to view the new collection and to hear a brief commentary from each artist. My specific piece was titled “King of the Jews” and will be posted on this site very soon.

Sullivan, MO Victorian Manor completed!

Today marked the finish of the latest Victorian Manor mural project in Sullivan, MO. The series consisted of five paintings…one vintage Route 66 Gas station, an Alpine snow scene, three Big Top circus scenes. Photos will follow soon.

“One Touch” Painting wins Grand Purchase Prize

The original painting “One Touch” was awarded the Purchase Prize at the eighth annual Christ in Art Festival at the Kirkwood United Methodist Church. This painting was one of seventy-two original pieces of art including all mediums. The Church has the option of purchasing one of the entered pieces to add to thier own private collection. The purchase prize awarded this year was in the amount of $2,000. The art “One Touch” will continue to be on display during this exhibit for the next month and then will be hung permanantly in the sanctuary area of Kirkwood United Methodist Church. Below is the artist’ devotion description of the art:

Where is Hope?
I recently visited Sarasota, Florida and found myself at the Ringling Art Museum. Yes, this is the same John Ringling that is famous for his circus, but in Sarasota his art collection is known for being the largest display of Baroque style paintings in the world. There weren’t many visitors there that day and fortunately for me I had many of the galleries to myself. I must at this time confess a terrible, despicable, and shameful act. While in the Tapestry Gallery standing in front of what must have been a twenty foot square weaving by one of my favorite artists Peter Paul Rubens, I had a thought, a dreadful thought. Seeing beautiful, famous and world renowned works of art is truly an experience but at this time, in this place it didn’t seem like enough. What would it be like to hold the palette of Van Gogh I wondered, or the brush of DaVinci? Or more realistically, what would it be like to touch the original work of a Rubens? This was my chance. To touch a work of this master was going to be as close as I could ever get to being with him. I looked around…no one. Do I dare? I did. Ever so slowly and carefully I reached out my finger and brushed the edge of the art. It was at about this time the alarm sounded. I backed away with arms behind my back as if to ask what all the noise was about. And as fast as the alarm started it stopped. A guard came around the corner, saw my innocent enough pose and walked away with nothing more than a shoulder shrug. I had gotten away with the crime. To this day I can still remember the feel of the Rubens masterpiece.
This reminded me of the Galilean woman who had suffered for twelve years with a bleeding disease. She had tried it all, seen the doctors and tried all the advice. Nothing worked. All hope certainly was lost! Then she heard about this Jesus. She had heard all about the miracles and signs. Water to wine, great fishing, but how is he with my problem? Maybe if I could get through the crowd. And maybe if I can put my arms around him. Or maybe, just maybe if I could only reach out ever so slowly and carefully and lightly touch him. Maybe. I know he could heal me. I know he can make me well. He is my only hope. But do I dare?
You know the ending. She did get through the crowd of holy men. She found a way to reach through the despair, empty promises and pain. And she touched him. The power went out of Jesus with such strength it even got his attention. She was healed. Jesus wanted to know, “Who touched me?” When she fell before him and declared how she had been instantly cured he said, “Daughter, your faith has made you well.”
Where is hope? For many its money, power or position. For others it’s as simple as one touch of the master.

Sullivan, MO “Victorian Manor” Project Begins

The latest senior housing complex, Victorian Manor in Sullivan, begins today. Victorian Manor has commissioned me to create original works of art in their latest project. This residence will contain at least four original murals. among these will include a vintage gas station scene, an Austrian Alps snow scene, a Circus Wagon scene and a amusement carousel ride scene. The project is expected to take up to four weeks. The largest painting will be approximately thirty feet long and ten feet high. watch for updates!

Christ in Art Festival nearing at KUMC

My art contribution to the Christ in Art Festival at the Kirkwood United Methodist Church has been delivered. This painting titled “One Touch” will be among seventy other original pieces of art on display starting January 25th. The opening is scheduled for the afternoon of Sunday, January 25th at 4 pm. In addition there will be a representative from the church speaking about their festival, an organ recital, announcement of winners and awards followed by an artist reception. All are welcome! My painting exhibits for the first time a departure for me from the traditional “Ray Harvey” style. Take a look and see for yourself. Let me know what you think.

2008 Christmas Painting is Completed!

The 2008 Christmas painting titled “Christmas at the Station” has been completed and is on display at Choco L’Art Restaurant in Washington, MO. The original which is 30″ x 40″ in size depicts a snowy night at the Washington train station. The snow falls on the cold night as passengers depart the train and meet their loved ones. A sailor finally arrives home to his girl while the porter unloads the luggage. A horse drawn sleigh passes by while a mother takes a young child for a sled ride. Prints are available for purchase at the restaurant for the price of $40 unframed and $90 framed. The original is also available for the price of $2,500.

“String of Pearls” painting is donated!

The original painting titled “String of Pearls” was donated to the Ladies Auxillary group of St.Johns Hospital in Washington, Mo. The artwork was auctioned away during the first annual banquet on Saturday, November first. The painting went to Mr. Greene for the sum of $1,750 during the public auction. in addition a second painting was commissioned by Dr. and Mrs. Reicher for an additional donation of $1,500. The artwork was a fun design depicting Glenn Miller, his trombone and a couple dancing.

Lynwood Healthcare center is dedicated!

Lynwood Healthcare Center in Mobile, Alabama is scheduled for it’s Grand Opening november 18th, 2008. It is the conclusion of a multi-million dollar renovation that includes four 250 foot long theme murals.