Hello, my name is Ratonia Ray and I love to create & capture beauty through taking photos or painting what I see.

I have been surrounded by art all my life and I make it a point to seek it out.   Growing up I remember the smell of oil paint and turpentine from my father’s canvases and my mother always encouraging my artistic drive (thanks Mom,  I miss you).  Many hours were spent drawing everything from comic book art to Christmas card scenes or anyone that would sit still enough for me to capture their likeness.  As a teen I discovered my talent was worth pursuing when my freshman art teacher let me transfer to her class mid semester after seeing my sketch book.  That year I won 1st prize in the county fair with my first watercolor and I have been painting & drawing since.

As an artist taking photos I can always recognize that “great shot”.   As a result I make it a point to have a camera with me at all times.  This allows me to gather inspiration from all over, whether I choose to make a painting from my photos or offer my photography services to others. My attention to detail  & the ability to recognize that serendipitous moment is what makes my art and photography stand out.  

                                                              

Please take a look at the gallery page.