Ralph Henry is an artist living in Iowa, specializing in oil painting. His work is unique and extrordinary. Vibrant, with richly saturated colours, his works are immediate conversation pieces. From the bold hues to the varying subject matter, R.E. Henry captures the viewer. As a sophomore in high school, he won prizes for his art and started selling pieces to a prominent gallery in California. Being told he had a natural gift by art instructors, he was invited to advanced classes in oils and acrylics. However, after his brief time in the art world, he put his passion aside for many years to join his father in the family business. Now, Ralph E. Henry is back!  

In 2008, Henry took up painting again. He says, "I started painting in 1969 as a sophomore in Audobon High School. I was invited to go to art class in advanced oil painting and acrylics. With no previous lessons, my art teacher said I had a natural gift. James Lieb, an art teacher, and Dave Moreland, a college professor in Maryland, are two people who have had a great influence on my art. I sold some paintings in the 60's and 70's, but then took a break from artistic painting. I went into a painting & decorating business with my father; I painted houses. I did not produce any art work until 2008 when I started once again due to illness. I was diagnosed with stage 4 Non-Hodgekins lymphoma, with 30 days to live. I opted for a very aggressive  chemo treatment, spending 15 days out of every month for the next 9 months in the hospital. My doctor suggested I pick up a hobby, so I started painting again. While dealing with my cancer, I fell into a deep depression; I believe the art work helped me deal with the depression and my illness. God has blessed me and reminded me to never give up dreaming."

Henry's works are painted on the highest quality stretched canvas, all framed with 3 inch barn wood from the early 1900's, unless otherwise noted, and have been cleaned and coated with three coats of Australian Timber Oil, the finest there is, and are all made by the artist himself. These works will not remain available for long. Limited prints available. Contact Taag Studios& Gallery to purchase any of the works seen here, or to arrange for a private viewing.