THE ARTIST

Richard Spraggins

by kelly coker

When you first meet Richard Spraggins, you see a serious man with the eyes of an old soul. When you look closer, you see a gentle man who is quietly struggling to reach his own standard of excellence – the perfection of his craft. Mr. Spraggins was born in Chicago, lived in Minneapolis and Dallas and landed in Orange, Texas about a year ago.

He decided a small, quiet community would be a welcome change of pace from the noisy, impersonal life of a big city. He quickly found a job and a home. Then came the task of rebuilding his life at a pace he could control. He knew the only way to find true peace was to lose himself in his art. Richard’s passion was ignited at an early age. “I vividly remember my mother shopping around town for an easel when I six years old. My first painting was a cat done in watercolor,” he shares. Ironically he chose a piece of chalk over the paintbrush. “I love to work with chalk, using black and white. I believe that black and white illustrations create more emotion, allowing the viewer to define the meaning of the piece – rather than the piece defining itself,” shares the brooding talent. His life experiences have not all been positive but they allow him to have a fresh perspective on every piece and appreciate every aspect of the artistic process. Richard often draws portraits of children. The detail in every piece is mesmerizing and draws you into the action of the piece. The end product is never easy for this tormented genius. “I am very tough on myself during a drawing. I might start over three or four times and it is never complete until I feel it deep in my soul,” he states. He prefers to draw in the wee hours of the morning, admitting he is easily distracted and works best in total solitude.

One of his proudest memories occurred when he sold his first piece. The drawing was of an African American man passionately holding his son. “My inspiration for the piece, titled “A Father’s Love,” came from the immense absence of a male figure in many African American children’s lives,” he explains. He credits his mother for being a true role model, believing in his abilities thru the good and bad times and helping him discover his talent. He hopes his constant desire to be better person, son and artist will inspire others to follow their dreams without hesitation. As a father, he hopes to follow his mother’s example, helping his children realize their dreams and find inner happiness. Richard Spraggins, like most of us, is still a work in progress. But when we look even closer, we see a future full of opportunity and reward…and realize that life is our canvas and we are the masterpiece.

Email: eistoryart@yahoo.com

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