ARTIST STATEMENT

I have always been an artist. It is how I see the world. It is how I express emotion and thought. I paint what I see. I paint what I feel. I paint a connection to the natural world around me.

I began my career as a portrait artist for professional sports teams such as the San Diego PADRES, LA RAMS and LA DODGERS. I truly painted what I saw – every line, every curve, every detail. Digging deeper, I strove to capture the real athlete in action making certain the painting had a personality.  Later, I worked as mold-maker and sculpture for FILM/TV and was fortunate enough to hone my skills while allowing a form of expression.

Working in mixed mediums, my work represents a certain element of attention to detail but with a twist combining photo-realism with the abstract. There is no question I am connected and drawn to images in nature: horses, birds, fish, all wildlife. With each panel or canvas begins an intricate and layered process resulting in a rich and elaborate mottled and, seemingly, textured background. What is to become the subject matter unfolds over time and is inspired by the use of vibrant colors and their reflection of light.  

My work questions and put into perspective what is real and what is not.  After all, life is never black and white – neither is art.  

David J Rau
I have never witnessed anyone who has more talent in his hands than David.  J.R., Orange County, CA