In 1994, when Ray started painting, he never would have thought that his artwork would take him on so many adventures and challenges.  Exposed to the art world by an inspiring neighbor, Ray has learned most of his painting techniques and color mixing through experimentation and trial and error.  When Ray's neighbor instructed him on the technique of painting objects and shapes with the canvas turned upside down, Ray immediately said "You've got to be kidding?"  But this technique has not only allowed him to paint shapes, light and shadows in the like manner, it has allowed him to overcome the limitations of his arm reach resulting from his disability; quadriplegia, the result of an accident at sixteen.  As written in an article by Ozzy Roberts in the San Diego Union Tribune, "Upon discovering that he could accommodate his short reach by creating his opuses with the canvas in an upside-down position, he knew he had to start looking at things from a different perspective."  Indeed Ray looked at things in a different perspective, and it came in the form of creating works of art that displays Ray's visions of life and transcends his abilities, dismissing his limitations. 

Ray's art includes a multiplicity of still lifes, representational art, portraits, Southwestern art, seascapes, landscapes and his recent enjoyment of painting client's pets. Because of the wide variety of oil paintings that Ray desires to create, his motivation to paint never seems to take a holiday. Ray's inspiration for his Southwestern art comes from his travels throughout the West and his fondness of the open plains.  With his portraits, he is captured by the fact that every brush stroke can change the character or mood of the person at that moment in time. Whatever the subject matter may be, Ray's customers are amazed at the amount of meticulous detail and realistic coloring that go into each painting, and they are treated to a piece of art that will adorn any household and to which they can enjoy for many many years to come.

Ray has participated in juried shows throughout San Diego, including the Art Walk, Del Mar fair,  Escondido's Artists Gallery, Paralyzed Veterans "Reflection" exhibit and Spanish Village.  He has won several awards for his paintings, including best of show and first-place honors.