Born in Richmond, Va., Otis L. Stanley was introduced to the world of art by his father, the late Lawrence I. Stanley. There are several paintings held in private collections throughout the Richmond metro area that Lawrence Stanley painted.
From basic drawing and painting lessons Otis continued to pursue his love and appreciation of art, which included teaching an art class at the historic Randolph Community Center in the West End section of Richmond.
Otis currently creates work in his SLIMRIC Studio. The studio is named after his father's nick name and the nick name of his brother, the late Lawrence Eric 'E'. Stanley, the radio legend and Virginia Radio Hall of Fame inductee of Richmond, VA airwaves. Photos of Eric E. with musical legends appear on this site page.
Constantly moving in new directions, Otis strives to bring you along for the ride. Whether creating work that reflect the seen or unseen, but simply felt, Otis keeps moving. He describes his work as 'simply for the living'. Known for his use of vibrant colors and subject matter he is equally at peace with numerous black and white paintings to his credit. Never settling for the norm Otis would rather challenge the viewer to open their mind and explore his forged path.
Moved by the spirit with each new project, this explorer of color, shape and form uses these combined elements to share his inner feelings and invite open dialog. Please take a moment and explore the path that this left handed painter has opened to you. I know that my art must not only entertain the viewer, but also educate, motivate and lead one to learn more about the subject matter.
Please contact the painter to inquire about the availability of his work.
Musical influences include Ras Mel, Plunky and Oneness, Mr. James Brown, Chuck Brown and The Soul Searchers, Corey Harris, Wynd Chymes, Gil Scott-Heron, John Coltrane, Jimi Hendrix, BMW, The Holmes Brothers, Muddy Waters, Bobby Parker, Santana, Roland Kirk, Albert King, Patsy Cline, Ras Michael and The Sons of Negus, Memphis Gold, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy, Peter, Paul & Mary, Buddy Guy,
Buddy Miles, Peter Tosh, Ray Charles, Sly and The Family Stone, War, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Ella, Sarah, Renee Marie, Parliament-Funkadelic, The Counts, Saffire, Burning Spear, Steel Pulse, The Temptations, Eddy Grant, Bobbi Humphrey, Otis Redding, Robert Johnson, Marvin Gaye, Lonnie Liston Smith, Jill Scott, Lena Horne, Cab Callaway and countless others. Whew!
Otis has shown his work in solo and group exhibits that include The Bright Center in Winchester, VA, The Listhus Gallery in Front Royal, Va., Sixth Street Marketplace in Richmond, Va., Dominion Power Northern Division Headquarters., Fairfax, Va. Frame Design Gallery in Fredericksburg. Va., ARTSCAPE Banner Project in Winchester, Va., Prince William County Government Administration Building, Woodbridge, Va., Clearbrook Center of the Arts, Woodbridge, Va. and the Shenandoah Arts Council in Winchester, Va. and Art and Frame of Falls Church, Falls Church, Va.
New work is seen at the Open Space Arts gallery in the Stonebridge Town Center in Woodbridge, Va. located at 15000 Potomac Town Place 22191
footnote; I know in the power of prayer and wouldn't be here without it.
Otis L Stanley joined Fine Art America on June 21st, 2009.
