Donald Ryker

Many people ask me how I create my artwork. The best way to understand is to watch some of my videos. I have developed my unique way of painting over time, figuring out what worked and didn’t work for me. I actually started by painting sitting on the ground. When that became too uncomfortable I thought I wouldn’t be able to paint any more until I discovered I could remain in my wheelchair and use a drafting table as my easel. 

I now have an older wheelchair just for painting that looks kind of like my apron – spotted with lots of color. Some things never change – like my hard hat with a stick where I attach a brush. It might change color – I have had white, yellow, and red – but it is the same solution. Other things, like having my painting assistant do my charcoal transfer to my canvas have evolved into me doing my own sketch with a charcoal pencil attached to me hard hat. 

See the video below to get an idea what it takes to begin a painting – from image selection through charcoal sketch. If you wish to see more of how I became an artist, or me at work, scroll down for more videos.