Raymond Olivere is a New York City artist and portrait painter who paints national award winning portraits that stand alone as works of fine art. Portrait viewers often comment that Raymond has captured the essence of the sitter's personality while depicting a stunning likeness of the individual.

Raymond's artistic talent was evident from a very young age. It soon became clear that his mission in life was to use, develop and perfect that talent. The path varied as his goals changed with his growing experience, expertise and exposure.

He was born in Wilmington Delaware, the home of the Brandywine tradition of art. Artists such as Howard Pyle, N.C. Wyeth and Frank Schoonover had spearheaded recognition of the illustrator as artist. Inspired by their work, Raymond began academic art studies at age ten as the last Howard Pyle scholar at the Wilmington Academy of Art.

Raymond's illustrations appeared in two Wilmington newspapers while he was still in high school. He graduated from Sanford Preparatory School.

Upon arrival in New York, Raymond began studying at the Art Students League. His teachers included Ivan Olinsky and Louis Bosa. He pursued a successful career in illustration, initially in advertising and editorial work. Experiences such as working for Dr. Frank Netter as a medical illustrator sharpened his abilities in understanding and drawing the human figure. Portraying people in varied situations for advertising and editorial work refined his abilities in composition and his proficiency in depicting the entire range of facial types and emotions. Painting more than three hundred paperback book covers allowed him the opportunity to experiment with varied poses, clothing and personalities.

Even during his busy career as an illustrator, Raymond always reserved time for his fine art and portraiture. Living and working near the Metropolitan Museum of Art made it very convenient to frequently drop by for inspiration from the Old Masters. During these years, Raymond participated in juried and group shows such as The National Academy Annual Show, The Audubon Artist Show, The Salmagundi Club Show and the Society of Illustrators Annual Show. He had a one-man show at Hardcastle Gallery in Wilmington, Delaware.

Raymond's realistic yet painterly style continues the long admirable artistic tradition of portraiture. Whether Raymond is painting a child or a statesman, whether he paints a formal portrait or paints an informal portrait, he combines classical traditional painting with a freshness infused by his pleasure in painting.

Raymond Olivere is a portrait artist who paints heirloom quality oil portraits of people in all of life's stages, ages and positions. He paints portraits of politicians and portraits of businessmen and businesswomen. He also paints professional portraits and corporate portraits. These portraits may commemorate a special milestone in the client's career or serve as a tribute to their ongoing contribution to their community.

When Raymond paints family portraits or children's portraits, the portrait may celebrate a special event or capture an all too fleeting moment in a person's life. Parents have commented that they were so glad they had their children painted by Raymond at the time just before the child moved on to their next level of maturity. One of Raymond's favorite comments from a client was "When I look at this portrait thirty years from now I will be able to see my child exactly as he is today and remember how special this time was".

He is a member of the American Society of Portrait Artists, The New York Society of Portrait Artists, Audubon Artists, Allied Artists and the Society of Illustrators. He is listed in Who's Who in America and Who's Who in the World.

Raymond Olivere's recent awards and recognition for portraits and paintings attest to his proficiency, artistry and professionalism.