About the Artist

Hello—my name is Richard. Eric. Disney. AKA R.E.D. Given that I grew up with carrot-red [orange] hair, I can’t help but be suspicious that my parents had an agenda with their naming process. I’m fine with that.

I have always liked to paint and draw, emulating the style of my mother, an accomplished artist. “Always” as in as soon as I could hold a crayon. This might explain why I ended up taking a job at Hallmark Cards, Inc. as an illustrator. Thirty five years in, this “perfect” job, career, LIFE came to an abrupt end as said corporation continued downsizing, and I was “offered” the option to retire. To say that my life was turned upside-down would be an understatement.

I did not settle easily into a “retired” lifestyle…hence the decision to draw/paint an angel every day for thirty days—which I did, and then some. The intent was for healing of the loss of job, not only with the artwork, but also the personal reflections in accompanying words. The idea of angels has always been appealing to me in their inherent mystery and spirituality. For me, this was truly a way to deal with the pain and begin the process of healing.

Fast forward three years, and I’m still at it…still painting, drawing and healing. My process is relatively simple—whatever is taking up brain space on any given day is fodder for a new angel—from the extremely personal to the more general and universally specific. Most of the times these musings are serious and semi-autobiographical, but sometimes more lighthearted material takes over.

I always start with casual graphite sketches on tracing paper, and once I am satisfied with the direction, I will transfer the sketch to paper, board, whatever seems to suit the subject…or not.  I then begin bringing the drawing to life with my beloved pens of choice—PrismaColor Premier, Copic Multi-liner and/or Pigma Multi-liner. Then comes the water. And the color...a truly elusive and at times frustrating medium that truly has a mind of it’s own. If I’m feeling particularly brave, I will start with the painting, let it take me where it will and follow with the detail of pen lines and marks. I use Windsor Newton paints—pretty basic, but it’s what I know. Sometimes I will use Photoshop to combine parts and pieces, but that usually takes it to a different place for me—not as real and personal.

I truly see these angels as being more autobiographical than not, helping me to tell my story with the hope that it will resonate with others as well. Inspiration is my own heart and soul as well as practicing mindfulness and paying attention. Please feel free to drop by my FB page or Instagram. Thanks so much for the drive-by.

Peace, R.E.D.