Studio of Rick Chris, Positive Gay Images

What's New In The Gallery

Blond Moon - acrylic on canvas board
A deep blue moonlit sky and a blond cowboy makes for a dramatic painting.

Click on image to go to Purchase Gallery Page.

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Just a note to let everyone know, my paintings are NOT computer generated images. I do my paintings the traditional way, by hand and start with a pencil sketch and work my way to the finished painting. So what you are getting is a product of my skill and not a software program.

Notes

A Passing: Richard Harold of Asbury Park, New Jersey. Richard Harold (he preferred to call him Rick) was of my internet buddies that I knew the longest, probably since I first accessed the internet. I think Rick originally sent me an email to compliment me on one of my paintings he saw on the net. Rick was a veteran of World War II and lived in New York City after the war. He sent me many interesting tales of both WWII and NYC of the 1950s. He told me of being wounded in France and being sent to a hospital to recover, missing a battle in which many of his comrades were killed. Rick also told me of the show people he had come to know of the 1950s Broadway era. He also told me how proud he was to march in the first gay pride parade in New York City. Rick was also very proud of his family, his parents, his brothers and sister and their children and would frequently send me photos of them. I kept prodding Rick to write down and record his memories because they were priceless - but he wasn't interested.

Right up to the very end, Rick was concerned with gay rights issues and issues of the common man (which are now called Progressive isses)and he would send out emails regarding a current issue that concerned him. He'd also send out emails of a lighter nature, photos of a man he thought was particularly sexy or humourous emails, or simply those emails to wish others well.

Dick (Rick) Harold at Camp Hood in 1946. Rick was the cute little guy back then, wasn't he?

I would make sure Rick would get a package of Rick Chris goodies for holidays, especially Christmas. Rick seemed to really enjoy those surprises. Rick lived on the 10th floor high rise for seniors in Asbury Park. He used to enjoy watching the pride parade in Asbury Park from his windows - that is, until the route was moved and his view was blocked. So sneaky little me, made some contacts in 2009 and arranged for someone, another gay WWII vet, to take Rick to the parade. However, Rick turned down my offer, he wasn't getting around very well any more and preferred to not to make the trip down to the parade.

I will most surely miss Rick and getting his daily emails. Whether he knew it or not, Rick taught me that while we grow older on the outside, we never stop being young on the inside. I only wish Rick had not been so stubborn and would have agreed to my suggestions that he record some of this wonderful memories in writing so that others could share them.

Richard Harold passed away on July 17th and in accordance with his wishes, he was cremated and his ashes were sent to Gates, New York to be buried with his mother and dad. A graveside service will be held during the first week of August.

To view Richard's obituary and a beautiful slide show, click here.

A Passing: I recently found out that Dennis Aiello of New Rochelle, New York had passed on suddenly and unexpectedly in June. Dennis was one of those people who would send out funny and/or spirit lifing emails that would brighten your day. Dennis also liked Halloween, I remember photos he would send of costumes he and his friends wore to costume parties. He will very much be missed.

An Arrival: Congratulations to Chris and Michael in Illinois on the arrival of their new son, Nathaniel. Best of luck to you guys and I'm sure Nathaniel has the best two daddies in the whole wide world.

Beef Matson/CATCH A FALLING STAR Chapter Four sneak preview: I've posted some new artwork from the upcoming remainder of Chapter Four below under the Bloggette header. To jump down, click here.

During these rough times…
I know things are kind of rough out there for a lot of folks and the only magic I have to share with you is through my art and my little web site. If you are having bumpy day, I'd like to share my Affirmations page with you. It's one of the oldest pages on rickchris.com. Maybe you can use that page to build a little magic, gather a little grace and get the strength to help you through your trials. "Where is the night luster? Past my trials…" Click here.

Spare Change For The Rick Chris Cookie Jar:
During these tough economic times, your donation would certainly help keep my little web site going. If you enjoy the various features on rickchris.com, please help support this web site through a donation. Any amount is helpful. Many thanks! - Rick Chris

A New Feature: Rick's Disco Devasting Ditty!
A somewhat regular posting of a classic dance track.

Putting the spotlight on those who add value to the gay community through their creativity, talent and achievement. The Shout Out column is open to any gay creative type, performer, writer, artist, etc. I know how challenging it can be for gay creative types, so this is my small way of trying to lend a helping hand by offering a little publicity. Just send an email (rickchris@rickchris.com) about yourself or someone you would like to be spotlighted. The cost? You only have to promise that you're going to try to be rich, famous and successful. I also accept news releases for shows, benefits and events.

Note: if you send in information about an event or individual I will be glad to list it for you free of charge - however, in your email, please state that you are requesting a listing under the Shout Out banner and I would also like to know who is making the request (the name of a contact person) so I know the information about the person or event is "authorized".

Brad Rader’s original artwork from pages of his book, drawn in black and white pen and ink, comprise the show. Stylistically, the Alaska born artist emulates the comic book artwork of the 1950’s with influence of Russ Heath and E.C. Comics artists Jack Davis and Wally Wood.

An Emmy Award winning animation artist and director, Brad Rader has served as storyboard artist on many animated series including The Real Ghostbusters, Alf, Batman, Gargoyles, Stripperella and most recently, King of the Hill. He has directed several series, including HBO’s Spawn, for which he won an Emmy award (1999). He has illustrated the comic books Batman Adventures, and Catwoman (DC Comics); The Mark (Dark Horse Comics); and Tex: The Fine Art of Character Assassination (Atomic Basement). A graduate of Art Center College of Design (illustration), Mr. Rader returned to his alma mater and to Otis/Parsons to teach storyboarding. His art has been exhibited in galleries in the United States as well as internationally.

The only public receptions and book signings will be on San Pedro's 1st Thursdays Art Walk Nights, August 5 and September 2, 2010 from 7-11 PM ADULTS ONLY (18 and over) "Filthy Fifties Frisco" can also be seen by appointment. Please call, 310.833.3633 or flazhalley@aol.com

Flazh!Alley Art Studio is located at 1113 S. Pacific Ave., Suite B, San Pedro, CA. Park in the large city parking lot behind the Ramona Bakery at Pacific & 11th Street. Enter Flazh!Alley from the alley, of course.

An article about the recent suicide of a young man that was originally signed up to be interviewed for the film. Click here.

There are also many extra sections, such as a page of Gay Marriage Songs (with free downloads), a page of songs about Matthew Shepard, a section on Gay Musicals, lots of info about drag artists, a page listing songs about AIDS, etc, etc."

Take Back Pride
In response to the current political environment and in the interest of unifying the work of LGBT Organizations around the country, Take Back Pride is a new campaign aimed towards educating our community and the citizens of the United States on the many inequalities we currently face.

June 16 , 2010

To contact Rick Chris, send your email to: "rickchris 'at' (use the at symbol above the 2 on your keyboard) rickchris.com"

posted 7/22/2010
Beef Matson/CATCH A FALLING STAR Sneak Peek
Some illustrations from the upcoming, still to be published Chapter Four.

CashdollarMatson
Gary the secret agent offers Matson a proposition which the detective turns down.

nyparmomighty
The Rev. Spike Mighty makes a romantic gesture towards Senator Nyparmo and she responds by saying, "Are you trying to make me puke?"

The new, state-of-the-art passenger train, The Starfire

Matson at Your Place Two
Beef Matson returns to the Your Place Too bar after meeting with Senator Nyparmo.

posted 6/25/2010
Thought For The Day
“Why can't they have gay people in the army? Personally, I think they are just afraid of a thousand guys with M16s going, "Who'd you call a faggot?" - Jon Stewart

posted 6/20/2010
King & King
This is cute, a dramatization of the children's book.

posted 6/15/2010
Stonewall - Proud
Something for Pride month.So -- what have you done today to make you feel proud?

posted 5/29/2010
French McDonald's Commercial
A positive yet subtle commercial where the father hasn't caught on yet about his son.

posted 5/10/2010
Latter Days - The Ending
The ending of one of my favorite movies, Latter Days.

posted 4/23/10
Queer As Folk in the street segment From Season Three
One of my favorite scenes from the TV series, Queer As Folk.

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