Welcome,
I'm Ryan Wollard. I paint portraits, sell the portraits, then donate all of the money to charity. I decided to create a blog about my painting process, inspiration, and offer some behind-the-scenes content.
Why am I doing this? What do I get get out of it?
I started this project around the same time all of the fighting was taking place in Wisconsin over teachers pensions and collective bargaining. I was angry. At the media and politicians. I was so frustrated I couldn't tolerate satire. I couldn't watch comedians make fun of the situation. I was mad. I didn't understand how we as a country could prop up industry with billions of tax dollars but begrudge a fair living wage to teachers, fire fighters, public servants. There are tons of examples of the things that pissed me off. Underfunded arts programs in school for instance. What you should know is that I felt powerless and had to do something.
I've sold art in the past. Most recently I created ceramic robots and sold them at farmers markets. I made enough money to purchase x-mas presents for my family, but not a living wage. I'm a sales representative for Heinz Ketchup. This is how I support my family. Could I use more money? Sure, everybody could use more. Do I need it? No. The money I've made with art has only supplemented my regular income. Which lead me to the idea that I didn't need to keep it. I could give it away.
I could try to make a difference. I could use my artistic expression to fund programs in need. Education, the arts, science, fighting poverty, and the environment are my hot buttons.
I started Charity Paintings. 5 months later I've donated over $800 to Modest Needs, A Gift for Teaching, Page 15, The Center for Contemporary Dance, The Nature Conservancy, Harbor House, and The National Parks Conservation Association.
That's a snapshot of who I am and what I'm doing.
Thank you for supporting Charity Paintings. I hope to keep this blog fun and update it regularly.
Ryan Wollard
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