Two paintings by Pat Rayman of rural Ohio City have been selected to appear in a new book, “Confident Color: An Artist’s Guide to Harmony, Contrast and Unity,” written by Nita Leland.
The “Delphos Elevator” is one of them.
The book uses examples of work by numerous artists to demonstrate art principles.
“Her work was chosen because of her use of lively color rather than local color to represent her subject,” Leland said.
She adds that Rayman is a professional artist who “manipulates realistic color to unify a picture through the use of sound color principles, rather than a what-you-see-is-what-you-paint method.”
Rayman, who retired from teaching in the Delphos public school system in 2004, now teaches art and art history at the Wassenberg Art Center in Van Wert and Wright State University in Celina. She also serves as the director for the Art-to-Art Palette Journal.
“I attended one of Nita’s workshops about four years ago. So she had my name and contacted me about this book and asked if I had anything she might be interested in,” Rayman said. “It was very unexpected and a pleasant surprise. This is more than I ever expected and I am honored.”
Watercolor is Rayman’s favorite medium and she often lets the flow of the colors on the wet paper dictate the outcome of the painting.
“I like to be spontaneous when working with wet paper,” she explained. “I like to let the paint explode and sometimes, I put the paints down and then decide what I’m going to do. I like to put in my own colors and bring an excitement to the project.”
She credits some of her talent to her father, who loved to work with wood.
“My father was excellent with wood and he taught me to see the different grains,” she said. “I also spent a lot of time in our woods. It was my escape. Then I would come in the house and paint the things I saw.”
Over the years, Rayman has been showered with recognitions for her art and photography by various local, regional and non-Ohio organizations;  chosen Big Sister-of-the-Year by the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Lima-Allen County; selected Tri-County Woman of the Year by the Delphos Herald for her volunteerism and and undaunted willingness of providing encouragement; recognized by the Ohio Senate for her humanitarian contributions, which go back to her younger years working with emotionally- and physically- handicapped children.
In addition, she also received an Outstanding Achievement in Education award as the founder of Art-to-Art: Building Friendships Through Art, (1986-2006); and has been included in Who’s Who in Education in America in the past.
Although her painting brings her personal satisfaction, it still pales to the fulfillment she gets from teaching.
“What really makes everything worthwhile is when I see my students’ eyes open up when I get them to see something they normally wouldn’t,” she said. “I love to see them learning new things.”
Rayman resides in rural Van Wert County with her husband of 33 years, Ben, and nine four-legged furry children.
A pre-release special offer for Leland’s book of $25, which includes shipping and handling, is available through Aug. 15 by e-mailing art-to-art@bright.net. Books ordered during this special offer will be signed by both Rayman and Leland. Proceeds from orders through this address are used to help fund awards in area shows for deserving artists.