Internationally acclaimed celebrity artist Jesse Raudales, whose work is featured in museums, galleries, organizations, and homes of many collectors, displays a deep sense of Spirituality, Majesty, Dignity, Strength and Grace in his images. For any artist, it would be a dream come true to be selected as one of the artists to create an image to commemorate the 2006 US Olympic Team. That dream is now a reality for Jesse Raudales, a North Hollywood based artist, who was selected among thousands of applicants to represent the 2006 Olympic games, standing next to his fellow artist, Jane Seymore and Peter Maxx. His Olympic painting, "Peace for the Children of the World" opened in California, toured to New York and then went on to the Olympic Games in Torino, Italy. Since becoming an Olympian, Raudales has been honored by the NAACP, FBI, Warner Bros. and the EPICC Center and featured as a rising artist in international press. Raudales was the only minority artist chosen for the 2006 Olympic Games and has received high acclaim for his passion to paint and dedication as a father. His artwork has been featured on television (Martin, Living Single and Higher Learning) and in the homes of many celebrities including Academy Award nominee, Terrence Howard, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and the legendary, Rick James. He has also designed logos and airbrushed fashion concepts for celebrities such as MC Hammer and the late James Brown. His list of accomplishments also includes designing logos for Martin L. King III, basketball star Dwayne Wade and the official Miss USA Pageant logo for the Donald Trump. The story of Raudales begins in North Carolina and has captured the hearts of many. Born stillborn, his mother prayed to God to let her son live. She coddled him for several minutes and miraculously, Jesse gasped for air and was brought to life. His mother honored her gift from God by naming her son Jesus Guadalupe Raudales but after several years of being teased at school, he was later nicknamed Jesse. Jesse Raudales is active in his community and continues to donate his originals to a variety of nonprofits including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Zo's Summer Grove, Sparks Of Hope, Inc., The OASIS, Hands United Together, and the Boys and Girls Club of America. In February 2007, his Peace for the Children art show was hosted by long-time friend and client, Terrence Howard, and was held at CCH Pounder's (The Shield) art gallery (Pounder Kone Art Space). Jesse showcased five original paintings marked with the handprint of his son, Jesse Jr., honoring children around the world who are victims of child abuse. These limited edition paintings continue to be auctioned off for children's charities. Jesse's most recent shows include Colors to Life Beautiful, a group exhibition inspired by Alice Walker's Color Purple at the 626 Gallery at Studio B in downtown LA's gallery row and his solo show, My Real Name is Jesus, hosted by Jermaine Jackson which was also held at 626, focusing on his life story and the inspiration behind his most versatile works. His art has been showcased at many galleries and private shows around the world including Epoxybox, Chase Mitchell, Million Dollar Make the Discovery Retreat for the Oscars® and at the home of Miguel Nunez, Jr. (Joey, Kickin' It Old School). The Raudales fashion line, reprints and custom merchandise of his original artwork can be purchased on his online gallery at www.jesseraudales.com
"Jesse, being an Olympic Artist is a major accomplishment for any artist. As you know artist from Matisse to Andy Warhol, Jim Dine and Roy Lichtenstein have been artist chosen to commemorate the Olympic Games. Welcome to the Olympic Art Family." Jack Scharr, President
Artists have a long history of involvement with the Olympic Games, but remarkably, this aspect of the Olympics and its true origin is little known. For any artist, it would be a dream-come true to be selected as one of the official artists for the Olympics and in December of 2005, Jesse Raudales was named an official artist for the 2006 Olympic Winter Games along with seven other artists including Peter Maxx and Jane Seymoure. Raudales is the second artist of color to be honored with the Olympian title and the only minority selected in 2006. The grand opening of Jesse's painting, “Peace for the Children of the World” opened in California, New York and completed its tour at
The Cultural Olympiad has been long overshadowed by the Games themselves, and few people are aware that medals were awarded not only to athletes, but also to artists. According to the Olympic Museum's home page: “Over and above sporting exploits, Olympism is a source of multiple passions Beginning with the fifth Olympiad, in Stockholm (1912), and ending with the 14th, in London (1948),fine arts were an essential part of the competitions. Represented were many art forms including painting, sculpture, literature and music. These artistic challenges, called the 'Pentathelon of the Muses', were held along with the Olympics. Later, the 'Pentathelon' evolved into the 'Arts Olympiads', In the tradition of the original Games of ancient Greece, the talents of both athletes and artists continue For Raudales, growing up in a Mexican family in North Carolina made him a rarity. Having an African grandmother made him an oddity. Surrounding himself with black friends who became famous bolstered his popularity. But being a family man and fathering a son is what has truly made him feel at peace and provided clarity. Jesse's original painting for the Olympics was inspired by and dedicated to his son, Jesse Raudales, Jr.
In 2005, Jesse's friend, (Actor) Miguel Nuñez, was having dinner with architectural director, Jerry Goldsby. When Nuñez learned about the search for artists to represent the 2006 Winter Games, he recommended Goldsby was intrigued by Jesse's personal journey and impressed by his original works. He immediately contacted Teri Bernardi, a well-connected person in the art world and they both encouraged Jesse to The theme for the 2006 Winter Games was peace. Jesse labored over “what to paint” for his final entry to the Olympic committee. All of a sudden, Jesse's son, Jesse Jr. began taking photos of his father at work and Jesse Sr. thought, "I have submitted paintings of adult athletes depicting peace but all of us begin dreaming of our future when we are children. When I am with my child, I am at peace.” So the artist sketched a portrait of his son's face and tucked a symbolic dove of peace under his cheek. He sent the Olympics his final submission titled, “Peace for the Children of the World,” and soon after, the committee awarded Raudales as one of the eight artists selected to represent the 2006 Winter Games in Torino, Italy. In addition, the committee called Jesse and requested two more of the original paintings recreated in various colors in order to combine all of the works as a final piece of art. Jesse Raudales was asked to tour alongside his paintings with his fellow Olympians, but soon learned that each artist usually appeals for sponsorship in order to help defray travel expenses and invests in merchandising opportunities. Winning was bitter sweet. Most of the other Olympic artists, such as Peter Maxx and Jane Seymour, are independently and financially able to afford the costs of being an Olympian. But, as a single father who continues to paint on his kitchen table, operating expenses and travel are not Raudales continues to work as a full-time graphic artist and painter, forever grateful for the sponsorships .
