Bio
Stanley Rayfield realized his love for art early in life, pursuing his passion before graduating high school. In 2009, Stanley graduated from a nationally ranked fine arts program, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of the Arts in Richmond, VA with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Communication Arts. He furthered his study by undergoing intensive training in classical realism through Grand Central Atelier in Long Island, NY. Stanley cites his Christian faith and the likes of Henry O.Tanner and John Singer Sargent as some of his sources of inspiration.
Stanley’s portraits possess a photo-realistic likeness and skillfully capture the soul and spirit of the subject. With this gift, portraiture became central in Stanley’s fine art career, most notably when he entered the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery Portrait Competition at age 19. The painting of his father entitled, “Dad”, earned 2nd place in the competition. Currently, Stanley enjoys mainly producing Fine Art paintings and drawings for collectors and museums. He has honed his portraiture skills throughout the years and has been fortunate to have his award-winning fine art portraits acquired by The United States Pentagon, museums, one being Virginia Museum of Fine Art, universities, collectors, as well as featured in prominent art publications. Collectors of Stanley’s artwork include Academy Award-winning director, Spike Lee. In 2022 Stanley painted the official portrait of the 73rd Governor of Virginia, Ralph Northam. Stanley is the first African American to paint a gubernatorial portrait in the state of Virginia.
Stanley has displayed his artwork at several solo shows with Glave Kocen Gallery in Richmond VA, regional and national competitions, and group exhibitions. He has painted U.S. Armed Forces Service Members, local county dignitaries, University dignitaries, theologians, CEOs, pets, and a host of other subjects. These subjects and more, Stanley continues to paint with the same passion he discovered at the onset of his career and the same heart he possessed to create his cherished, “Dad” in 2008.
CV
Stanley Rayfield
B. 1987 - New Orleans, LA
Education
2005 - 2009 Bachelor of Fine Arts, Virginia Commonwealth University
2010 – Summer Intensive, Grand Central Atelier
2013 – Summer Intensive, Grand Central Atelier
Solo Exhibitions
Glave Kocen Gallery Richmond, VA 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017
Richmond Times Dispatch Richmond, VA 2016
Group Exhibitions
Current Art Fair Group Show Richmond, Va 2018 - 2019
Glave Kocen Gallery Annual Group Show Richmond, VA 2011- 2020
Capital One Richmond, VA 2013
Old West Museum Wyoming, 2009
Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery Washington, D.C. 2009
Publications
Fine Art Connoisseur October 2020
Realism Today March 2020
Virginia This Morning 2010, 2016 Interview link
Richmond Magazine November 2011, February 2016
Richmond Times Dispatch February 2016
American Art Collector December 2011
American Art Collector December 2011
The Artist Magazine April 2010
Washington Post November 2009
Richmond Times Dispatch November 2009
Permanent Collection Works
Virginia State Capitol– 1 work (Official portrait of the 73rd Governor of Virginia)
U.S. Pentagon – 2 works
Virginia Museum of Fine Art – 3 works
Morris Museum of Art – 6 works
Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center- 2 works
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts- 1 work
Additional Works
2014 Commission for 25th Anniversary of the Academy Award-nominated film “Do the Right Thing” produced and directed by Spike Lee
Awards
2018 Portrait Society of America Members Competition- Finalist
2017 Virginia Commonwealth University Alumni 10 Under 10 – Honoree/Award Recipient
2009 Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition- 2nd Place
