ABOUT THE ARTIST - RAY LOOS
Ray (actually George Rayburne) was born and raised in Harrison, Ohio, where his love of art and drawing was apparent early-on, but lived most of his adult life in Cincinnati, Ohio. He briefly attended the Ohio Mechanics Institute at the University of Cincinnat, then graduated from Central Academy of Commercial Art in Cincinnati, majoring in Graphic Design. He spent the next 3 or 4 years doing artwork for agencies and industrial firms. By then, the draft was breathing down his neck, so he enlisted in the Army Air Force. He first served as an instructor in the States, but wound up as a Captain and bombardier aboard a B-29 in the Pacific making three runs between Quam and Japan. Out of the service, he decided he'd had enough of taking orders from other people, and struck out on his own, operating his own commercial art studio for 25 years. Also during this time he worked for nine years as an instructor at his alma mater Central Academy.
In the early 60's Ray's interest turned to fine art, and he began a yearly trip to Maine to study with the Dean of Watercolor painters, Edgar A. Whitney. Ed quickly saw Ray's talent and encouraged him to carry on in his footsteps, as Ed was already in his late 80's. Ray took his advice and began a love affair with teaching that continued throughout his life. He quickly became a successful painter and teacher, endeared by all not only for his exceptional talent and teaching ease, but also for his wonderful humor and quick wit. He was invited to conduct demonstrations and workshops by many art organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada, where his painting speed and expertise earned him the title of "The Fastest Brush in the East."
In 1975 he and his artist-wife Dianne began conducting their own workshops in Maine, which they held each summer and fall until 1985. Also during that time they were featured together in American Artist Magazine (March 1982), and Ray's book Watercolor Options was published by Northlight Publications in 1985. The book is now out of print, but was included in the "Top Ten" list of Northlight's most popular art books.
Ray's paintings were purchased for many top corporate collections (IBM, Wausau Insurance, Capital University, Parker Pen, Banc Ohio, Diamond Shamrock, and General Electric to name a few) as well as thousands of private collections throughout the world. He had many one-man exhibitions during his career, and his work received numerous awards in juried competitions throughout the U.S. Honorary Life Memberships were bestowed upon him by The Cincinnati Art Club, of which he was a past President, and The Central Ohio Watercolor Society. He also held Signature memberships in The Ohio Watercolor Society (Charter Member) and The Midwest Watercolor Society, and Associate Membership in the American Watercolor Society.
Prior to his death in 1996, Ray Loos, whose art career spanned 50 years, was acclaimed by many as one of the nation's top watercolorists and teachers. After his passing, his wife had a retrospective exhibition of his life's work. The following review, titled "Loos and Colorful" was written by Fran Watson, artist-writer for Cincinnati City Beat:
"Watercolor is an unforgiving medium, one that highlights imperfections as well as excellence. The Cincinnati Art Club's current exhibit, "Ray Loos Retrospective," just might be the best illustration of its finest qualities. Labeled "The Fastest Brush in the East" by one of his Maine workshop participants, Loos combined speed with sure-handed confidence while using that broad brush to lay sparkling color into flawlessly rendered perspective. Landscapes, particularly those of the Maine coast, are treated to crisp, fresh sunlight, better than reality, while snowy rural hillsides turn winter grey into an endless variety of subtle shades. "
Ray's legacy continues throughout the world by the thousands of artists who were fortunate enough to have studied with him during his long and prolific career.
For additional information about Ray or Dianne's work,
contact Dianne Loos at 513-232-2122
or e-mail: dianneloosfineart@cinci.rr.com
