William Wray

William Wray's urban paintings have a quiet introspective appeal. (note: I originally referred to them as plein air, but Mr. Wray was kind enough to comment and the examples below are all studio paintings). His quick brushwork comes across as intuitive but spot on, a kind of impressionistic approach bordering at times on expressionism. Careful hue and value changes are deftly employed to depict both dramatic and subtle lighting. The technique is in service to the character of his scenes. These are places one only notices when alone, when the mind and eye can drift and one is reminded how odd it is to feel such emptiness in a city. It is in this almost narrative depiction of place that one can sense his illustration influences (J. C. Leyendecker, Dean Cornwell, Frank Brangwyn and N. C Wyeth are cited). In fact, the artist is also a very successful cartoonist who goes by Bill. That side of his professional career (which includes work on Ren and Stimpy, and Mad magazine) comes through a bit more in his figurative work which can be seen, along with much more of the urban landscapes, on his website: williamwray.com
and on his long running and active blog: williamwray.blogspot.com



"Rex" 32" x 24"

"Lincoln Heights Night"  12" x 16"

"New Car"  24" x 16"

"Target"  16" x 24"

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