Ronald Rae is not only a renowned granite sculptor, he is also a prolific and versatile graphic artist. His ability to draw was recognised whilst still at school when a series of his cartoon strips was published in the weekly newspaper, the Ayr Advertiser.
For the past fifty years Rae has developed his drawing skills to a high degree finding different ways of expressing himself with pen, crayon, ink, charcoal, paint and mixed media, always willing to experiment and never wanting to bore himself or his audience by sticking to one style. His drawings are in public and private collections throughout the world.
Rae’s subject matter varies from detailed miniature portraits to large expressive drawings of the human condition and the world of nature. These contrast with his abstract vibrant mixed media pieces, collage on wood, sun drawings on leaves and paintings on branches, to name but a few. He has just completed a series of drawings – political cartoons on newspapers, responding to the issues of the day.
At present he is illustrating a large Family Bible. Eight years ago he started collecting Bibles and other large format books adding his own words and images to the text and illustrations within each volume.
On a daily basis Rae also writes. His poems are full of metaphors and relate to his graphic work, addressing the same big issues of faith, the human condition, the environment and politics.