Introduction - Finley'sInsight

Subtle is the grace of a blossoming flower, offering its brilliance to those who will partake. Subtle is the passing of time marking, the stages of maturity in our parents, in us, in our children. Subtle is the beauty, the majesty, of these things and so many more, when we pause to take notice... and appreciate. This knowledge governs R. L. Finley's approach to art, and to life. He understands that beauty and wonder are all around us, and within us. It's the beauty in every sunrise, in every smile and in every heart. It's the subtle beauty we can find in each of R. L. Finley's renditions of life when we pause to absorb it.

Beautiful Fine Art

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The R. L. Finley Story

While impossible to establish when the determination was made, Finley knows it was early and very decisive - He was going to be a successful Artist. No matter what it took, his destiny would be realized at the end of a paintbrush. He was fortunate to have a family with a deep appreciation for art. From his father, (an art merchandiser and promoter), to his uncle (an Architect and Artist), to an older sister (a talented Artist he idolized), Finley had no shortage of goals for which to aspire. Most influential however, was the inspirational support and guidance from his aunt. Accomplished in her own right as a Portrait and Figure Painting Artist, she coached him to continue drawing - often declaring "He's going to be a great Artist one day". Her offerings of art supplies, encouragement and wealth of knowledge contributed greatly to young Finley's motivation and development.

The more he learned, the more engaging art became. By Elementary School, Finley was reading voluminous books on origins of art, such as Asian and African - and the rich history that nurtured them. Equally intriguing was the study of the lives and techniques of the masters - the uniqueness of their styles and their commitment despite all adversity.

By Junior High, Finley had graduated beyond sketches to pastel portraits of family and friends. And considering the fact that wages of thirty cents per hour were typical, the one dollar and fifty cents income generated by original hand painted ties represented a windfall for the fourteen-year-old. By the age of sixteen, he was proficient in a new medium, oil. While he apportioned his time between high school studies, sports and work, the majority of his free time was invested nurturing his techniques. Often times his father would transport him to the local art museum to sketch renditions of great works for the day. He fared well in watercolor and pastel shows, even selling some works to fund art supplies. However, Finley began to realize that Commercial Art would offer a more consistent income. And once his boss spread the word about the high quality signs created for the meat market, he began to receive a steady stream of Commercial Artwork requests for neighborhood storefronts and trucks.

Unable to fund a college education, he enrolled in a series of art classes. Supporting himself through a full-time job in a grocery store, he sought lettering and graphics jobs for after-hours completion. After three years growth in clientele facilitated the establishment of a commercial sign and art shop. Within fifteen years company staffing grew to seven people. Specializing in Commercial Art, lettering, and Fine Art, the company secured corporate accounts and individual customers alike. By thirty-five however, a desire to concentrate solely on Fine Art dictated a relocation and the birth of a new art shop and gallery.

With rekindled spirit Finley refocused his efforts on his first love, Fine Art. He fixed up the shop, hired an assistant and set about building a reputation in a new locality. When he established art classes for area college students and other interested parties he had no idea of the impending impact. During an ordinary art class, at its ordinary time, on what would become an extraordinary day, he met his true love. New to the area, she was eager to cultivate her artistic talent. In time it became apparent however that she shared not only his love for art, but for life as well. Attracted to her kindness, sincerity and loving nature, he asked for her hand in marriage. And during a lunch break from the shop they married, promptly returning to open for afternoon business.

Three children would soon join two stepchildren in a household, (and art shop - sometimes crawling around customers' legs), rich in appreciation for creativity - for art. And many ups, many downs, many paintings and many smiling customers later, they continue to work in harmony, guided by a love of art - inspired by a love of life. Ask Finley his thoughts on a painting and he's likely to direct you to the 'expert', his wife. Ask her and she'll likely refer you to the 'artist', Finley.

And to this day Finley continues to work, to perfect his craft, and to share with anyone with an appreciation of the discipline. He is still in awe of the masters like; Michelangelo ("He was unbelievable, probably the greatest artist of all time but said, before dying at age 90 that he was just beginning to see things") and Picasso ("He was one of his favorites because he came up with something totally different, something no one else was doing"). And after all of the sketches, pastels, watercolors and oil paintings completed, Finley's excitement remains strong with each new work, or challenge as he views it.

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Asked what advise he would give to young artists starting out … "Do lots and lots of drawing, it's the basis for everything, go to museums and study, graduate into color later, if you are really interested put your heart into it, your soul into it, feel good about what you are doing and don't give up"

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Asked what he hopes will result from people viewing his works … "I hope they see something through my work that they haven't seen before, something to stir up emotions …"

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Enough said …

Honored...

Twenty Originals in University of Delaware Collection

Two Hundred and Thirty Originals in Dupont Personal Collection

Thirty-five Originals Portraits for Alico Executives

Four Originals in University of Texas Collection

Commercial Arts for Chrysler Arts

Commercial Arts for Avon

Selected Artist of the Year by Ecumenical Society

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And now we invite you to enjoy Finley'sInsight...