Noah's Gay Wedding Cruise: MarriageEvolved Edition

Several years ago, I painted Noah's Gay Wedding Cruise to express my optimism about the marriage equality movement. I believed we were on the cusp of great progress, and I chose to symbolize our inevitable victory with my own version of the Noah's Ark story. I painted a grand ark/cruise ship filled with happy gay and lesbian animal couples and a few human guests too (like Ellen DeGeneres/Portia de Rossi, and Elton John/David Furnish). There are even some drowning sinners (such as Ann Coulter, Larry Craig, Sally Kern, and Fred Phelps)!

Fast-forward to now. Indeed we have come a long way! Twelve states have legalized gay marriage, and important decisions about DOMA and Proposition 8 are being considered by the Supreme Court. Unfortunately I still live in a state where I am not allowed to get married, but Dennis and I have decided to do it anyway. We are excited to be a part of a special initiative by the group MarriageEvolved called C-Bus of Love. Along with 24 other LGBT couples (who also can't get married in their home states), we will be traveling by bus to Washington D.C. this June to get married on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court.

In honor of this, I'm releasing a special new print -- Noah's Gay Wedding Cruise: MarriageEvolved Edition.

It's an update of my original painting with the addition of Joshua and Steve Snyder-Hill, the two founders of MarriageEvolved. Steve is the soldier who was booed during the Republican primaries last year after asking a question about Don't Ask, Don't Tell. The incident caused great controversy for the candidates who did nothing to discourage the crowd from booing someone serving their country. I can't imagine the bravery it must have taken to out himself on international television while on active duty. Together, he and Joshua have championed the cause of marriage equality, even fighting DOMA on the national level to establish equality for LGBT military spouses, and they won't rest until everyone in this country who wants to get married will have the right to do so. I'm proud that they are our friends and thrilled to add them to the crew of Noah's Gay Wedding Cruise -- especially since they are the co-captains of our own upcoming wedding excursion!

Here's a close-up of the portrait I painted of Joshua & Steve.

And here's a full-image of the special-edition print.

100% of the profits from the sale of Noah's Gay Wedding Cruise: MarriageEvolved Edition will be donated to MarriageEvolved to help pay for the C-Bus of Love trip and future advocacy work of the organization. It's an important, worthwhile cause and I encourage everyone to show their support by purchasing a limited-edition print today. They are available in three different sizes in my online store HERE.

13" x 11" - $35
20" x 16" - $75
26" x 20" - $150

Visit the C-Bus of Love website to learn more about our upcoming road trip for equality. And check out our wedding bio while you're there!

ROYNATION Radio

I'm going to be a guest on tonight's episode of Roynation Radio.

We'll be talking about growing up gay, coming out, art, pin-up boys, marriage equality, and more. You can tune in at 9:00 (Eastern) online HERE, and even call in to chat with us at (619) 768-7224.

Talk with you tonight!

Shy

Sometimes when a city boy goes to the country, hilarity ensues. This illustration, the cover art for John Inman's novel Shy, gives the expression "down on the farm" a whole new meaning. Since this piece had all the elements of my Cheesecake Boys series - namely, a handsome pinup boy with his pants falling down - I thought it would make a great limited-edition print to add to my collection. So don't be shy...visit my online store here to purchase this down-home delight today!

Want to see how a novel cover is born? Here's a sneak peek at the process.

If you'd like to read more about my work as a cover artist and see additional behind-the-scenes pics, check out my Cover Artist Spotlight on the site Joyfully Jay.

You'll likely be seeing more of my cover illustrations pop up soon as print offerings. I have been a busy boy this year creating covers for a slew of novels by Dreamspinner Press. I freelanced for them for several years, but ever since becoming their Associate Art Director last July, I've had the privilege of working with even more authors to help bring their novels to life.

I'll post a few more below. If you feel so inclined, leave me a comment and let me know which one I should release as my next limited-edition print.

The Underwear Expert

Finally someone thinks of me as an expert! Check out my interview at UnderwearExpert.com. It's very revealing! ;)

Capolavoro: Masterpiece of Man

My work will be included in the upcoming book "Capolavoro: Masterpiece of Man" showcasing the best of male erotic art.

Learn more and check out this incredible collection of artists: http://capolavoroart.com/

And check out an interview with yours truly on their site HERE.

Noisy Rain

I am beyond thrilled to be a featured artist in one of my favorite art magazines, Noisy Rain! You can see the entire issue online here: http://www.noisyrain.com/issue13.html

Born This Way

My story and childhood photo are included in a wonderful book, Born This Way, Real Stories of Growing Up Gay, by Paul Vitagliano. The book shares and celebrates all kinds of growing up LGBTQ stories through personal memories and childhood photographs. Visit Amazon to get a copy!

Winter Breeze

"Winter Breeze," by Paul Richmond

The best way to get the upper hand in a snowball fight is to catch your opponent off guard! The Cheesecake Boy in my new holiday piece "Winter Breeze" makes it far too easy when his pants unexpectedly fall to the ground, revealing his festive Christmas underwear! Stuff these cuties in your stocking by ordering a limited-edition print HERE. And check out some other holiday-themed Cheesecake Boy pieces HERE.

This illustration will also appear on the cover of the upcoming holiday anthology "Evergreen" by Dreamspinner Press.

Groweth Pains

Groweth Pains, by Paul Richmond

Like many gay men who grew up in the 80's, I had a big crush on Kirk Cameron (a.k.a. Mike Seaver on the sitcom "Growing Pains"). So now that he has grown into a self-righteous bigot, proclaiming that homosexuality is "detrimental and ultimately destructive," I feel betrayed. And if the Jesus he so frequently speaks on behalf of is perched on a cloud listening to the wayfaring former-sitcom star's remarks, I can only imagine that he might want to put him over his knee and teach him a lesson. Perhaps it's just a phase for Kirk - nothing that a few growing pains to the backside can't help him overcome.

Limited-edition prints of Groweth Pains are available here in my online store.

P-Town Recap

With my partner, Dennis Niekro (the model for The Snake Charmer) at the Lyman-Eyer Gallery

I had an incredible time during my first visit to Provincetown earlier this month for the opening of my two-person show with Thomas Acevedo at the Lyman-Eyer Gallery. What a wonderful experience! It was an honor to share the space with Tom's beautiful paintings.

With Thomas Acevedo and his paintings at the Lyman-Eyer Gallery

I was really proud to see my "Ringmasters & Fabulous Oddities" series come together, and it was fun to meet and chat with the 200+ visitors to the gallery and hear what paintings were their favorites. As it was Bear Week in Provincetown, The Bear Tamer was particularly popular!

"Ringmasters & Fabulous Oddities" series

I was excited that Brian Williams, the model for The Strong and Silent Type, was able to join us for the trip and be there at the opening.

Brian Williams with The Strong and Silent Type

Also featured in the show on an adjacent wall were some of my other paintings in the Lyman-Eyer collection, including The Dollypop Guild. There were many Dolly Parton fans who enjoyed hearing that Dolly herself has a print of this painting hanging above her make-up stand.

More of my paintings from the show

Jim Lyman, the gallery director, did an incredible job curating the show and he and his partner Mark were fabulous ambassadors for P-Town, filling us in on the must-see places and events. They couldn't have made us feel more welcome. It was also wonderful to see my colleagues from Dreamspinner Press, where I recently started my role as Associate Art Director, who made a special trip to Provincetown for the opening.

We took Jim and Mark's advice and spent the next few days enjoying Provincetown to the fullest, from crossing the never-ending breakwater to partying with the bears at the afternoon Tea Dance. On our last night, we enjoyed a gorgeous sunset cruise. All in all, it was a fantastic, magical, exciting trip. Let's do this again sometime!

Sunset cruise

Ringmasters & Fabulous Oddities

This Friday, July 6, my exhibit with Thomas Acevedo opens at the Lyman-Eyer Gallery in Provincetown. The reception begins at 7 PM, and the gallery is located at 432 Commercial St. Visit their website for more details. Here's a bit more about my new series that will be featured in the show:

With a nod to vintage circus, sideshow, and burlesque posters, my series Ringmasters & Fabulous Oddities portrays scantily-clad male figures as star attractions. Their roles are varied – from The Snake Charmer with his cool, seductive gaze to The Bear Tamer, shown losing control of his act (and his pants!). This series also features two contemporary male burlesque dancers, Tom DeLish and Bobbie Burlesque, both of whom entice their audience to new understandings of male sexuality. By placing men center-stage as both storytellers and objects of desire, I seek to challenge traditional ideologies around gender roles. And the sumptuous imagery of the big top provides a perfect setting for viewers to be dazzled and delighted in the process. Step right up...

Time For Me To Fly

The Snake Charmer

Bird of Paradise

The Strong and Silent Type

The Bear Tamer

The Bondage Breaker

The Strongman

If you are interested in purchase information for the original paintings, visit my page on the Lyman-Eyer Gallery website here. Limited-edition prints are also available through the gallery as well as my online store.

I'm really looking forward to bringing this circus to P-Town, and seeing the paintings of my talented fellow exhibitor, Thomas Acevedo. Hope you can join us too! 

The Strongman

The Strongman, oil on canvas by Paul Richmond

Being a weightlifter has its ups and downs. My new painting The Strongman features a little of both - up go the weights, down goes the dignity! This is the final piece for my Ringmasters & Fabulous Oddities series which will be on display at the Lyman-Eyer Gallery opening July 6. The Strongman is available to purchase through the Lyman-Eyer Gallery. Visit my page on their site for details. Small, medium, and large limited-edition prints are currently available in my online store.

The Strongman (detail), oil on canvas by Paul Richmond

The Bondage Breaker

The Bondage Breaker, oil on canvas by Paul Richmond

My new painting The Bondage Breaker features my friend Bobbie Burlesque in a pose inspired by the great Houdini. This is the newest piece in my Ringmasters & Fabulous Oddities series, which will be on display at the Lyman-Eyer Gallery in Provincetown next month. The Bondage Breaker is available to purchase through the Lyman-Eyer Gallery. Visit my page on their site for details. It will be held until the exhibition, opening July 6. Small, medium, and large limited-edition prints are currently available in my online store.

The Bondage Breaker (Detail), oil on canvas by Paul Richmond

The Bear Tamer

"The Bear Tamer," oil on canvas by Paul Richmond, 30" x 24"

This one's for the bears! My new Cheesecake Boy painting "The Bear Tamer" is the newest painting in my Ringmasters & Fabulous Oddities series. Anything goes under the big top, including this handsome fellow's pants! "The Bear Tamer" is available to purchase through the Lyman-Eyer Gallery. Visit my page on their site for details. It will be held until the exhibition this summer, opening July 6. Small, medium, and large limited-edition prints are currently available in my online store.

"The Bear Tamer" (detail), oil on canvas by Paul Richmond, 30" x 24"

"The Bear Tamer" (detail), oil on canvas by Paul Richmond, 30" x 24"

"The Bear Tamer" (detail), oil on canvas by Paul Richmond, 30" x 24"

From a Different Flock

I will be curating an exhibit at the Ohio Art League Gallery called "From a Different Flock," featuring three artists - Brooke Albrecht, Eric Albrecht, and Brian Williams - whose work is a celebration of our fine-feathered friends. 

Are you nomadic as an ostrich or enthusiastic as a woodpecker? Will you eat crow today or be as graceful as a swan? 

Brooke Albrecht

Brooke Albrecht’s quirky and colorful illustrations share her childlike wonder at the absurdity of the world around us and provoke lighthearted introspection.

Eric Albrecht

Eric Albrecht’s wooden sculptures surprise us with their whimsy. His mastery of woodworking merged with the mechanics of childhood toys from yesteryear never fail to bring a smile to young and old alike.

Brian Williams

Brian Williams’ paintings and drawings are filled with delightfully dark tension. In his amusing "Fowl Fraternity" series, the direct gaze of the personified fowl leaves the viewer questioning his or her own humanity in the face of such dignified poise.

The flock is gathering to celebrate on Thursday, May 31, 2012 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM at the Ohio Art League Gallery in the Gateway Building at 1552 N. High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201. Visit the Facebook invitation for more details.

The Strong and Silent Type

"The Strong and Silent Type," oil on canvas by Paul Richmond, 24" x 30"

The latest addition to my circus series is a painting titled "The Strong and Silent Type." Many thanks to my friend, talented artist Brian Williams, for modeling for this piece (I'll include some behind-the-scenes pics below from our photo-shoot!). "The Strong and Silent Type" is available to purchase through the Lyman-Eyer Gallery. Visit my page on their site for details. It will be held until the exhibition this summer, opening July 6. Small, medium, and large limited-edition prints are currently available in my online store.

"The Strong and Silent Type" (detail), oil on canvas by Paul Richmond, 24" x 30"

Pics from photo-shoot with Brian Williams