VCU artist paints own success

There is a large picture of a bare-chested black man wearing a robe with oxygen cables coming from his nose. He strikes a strong pose, despite being in a hospital with a patch over his left eye. A numberless clock hangs beside him.

The picture looks like a snapshot until viewers walk closer. Brush lines become visible and it is clear the picture is not a snapshot at all. It is a detailed painting by communication arts major Stanley Rayfield. The painting of Rayfield’s father, Ralph Rayfield, is a semi-finalist in this year’s Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition in Washington D.C. and is also featured in the Anderson Gallery.

James Miller, the communication arts department chair, said the competition is highly praised. If Rayfield’s painting moves on in the competition, it will be displayed in the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C.

“The recent portrait of his father is an exceptionally strong painting,” Miller said.

The internationally acclaimed competition
will be held from Oct. 23, 2009 to Aug. 22, 2010. The grand prize for the best work of art is $25,000, with several smaller monetary prizes for runners-up. Rayfield will be competing against other students, as well as established artists. Communication arts professor Alex Bostic said the department encourages students to enter shows instead of student competitions.

Rayfield said his paintings have a deeper objective than just to create a scene. For him, the road to creating competitive art is full of mistakes. He said producing a detailed painting takes plenty of time and patience.

“Sometimes, I won’t be thinking about anything and I’ll just have an idea I want to express, or just an opinion,” Rayfield said.

Painting in this unrestricted manner has won Rayfield a scholarship from the 2009 Student Scholarship Competition at the American Museum of Illustration in New York. Rayfield’s paintings have been featured around Richmond in local galleries and in magazines.

Miller said Rayfield’s advancement toward a college diploma is only one of many more accomplishments to follow.

“Going to school and getting an undergraduate degree is only the beginning of a lifelong process of learning and developing a self-directed, motivated, articulate and skilled individual who will contribute to the community and the profession throughout their career,” Miller said.

The Spectrum Section selects a talented student from the School of the Arts (music, dance, theater and visual) and showcases his or her achievements both in and around the VCU community. Do you want your name and work in The CT? E-mail spectrum@commonwealthtimes.com for consideration.