| About the Artist: DONNELL RECTOR was born in Camden, N.J in 1973. As a youth he gravitated towards a life of sports and music. It would take several years before he became conscious of his passion and gift of the Arts. He is a self - taught artist and has committed himself to becoming as skilled and knowledged in the field of the Arts as those with university credentials. Perhaps the absence of his birth father impacted his awareness of his natural artistic ability. It would take 21 years of his life to meet him and discover his father was an exceptional painter who studied at the Art Institute of Philadelphia. Unfortunately, art was not the only trait passed down from father to son; and many bad habits came along for the ride. During his high school years Donnell realized he could draw fairly well. His most dated work of art traces back to 1990. Due to his lack of knowledge and or interest in art some of his early drawings are not dated. With the birth of his first daughter in 1998 and a new found maturity, Donnell began to acknowledge the fact that God has given him a "gift" and he needed to figure out the best way to give back. He spent most of his post high school years living a non-progressive street life, chasing what he refers to as "street dreams". With the birth of his first born came the birth of his new life. As he focused in on his new found passion Donnell began to improve on his talent as an artist. He credits his wife and children as the driving force behind his determination to become a self-sustained artist and entrepreneur. Although he has much higher expectations for himself he has become a much respected portratist. Most of his other creative works are reflections of his personal feelings towards life, spirituality and race relations. Professional Highlights include: Commissioned by Orlando Metro Urban League to create portraits of Grant Hill (Orlando Magic), Clarence Otis (CEO of Darden Restaurants) and Dorian Boyland (Owner of Mercedes Benz at The Mall of Millenia). Notables who have his work: R&B recording artist John Legend, Russell Simmons (Hip Hop magnate), Cam ron (Recording Artist), and many other's that appreciate fine artwork and have commissioned him to eternalize friends and family in an artistic form that will last forever. |