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After my 5 years in the U.S.Navy during WWII, I attended the Philadelphia Museum School of Industrial Art.I spent only one year in the area of Fine Arts, while I majored in Industrial Design. That is the total of my formal training. During the next 45 years, I was involved in Industrial Design in one way or another. In 1960 I formed Richard Gelak Associates. After 32 successful years as it's owner, I sold the company, and retired.
At about that same time,there was a series on TV featuring watercolors by Tom Lynch. His theme was "Painting in watercolor is easier than you think". He was right, once I learned some of his techniques, it was easier than I thought. This shows how one simple experience can start a whole new career.
I entered a International Digital Imaging Competition sponsored jointly by Photoworkshop and Adobe in 2005. There were almost 6000 entries in two categories, Photo Illustration and Lightly Manipulated with a total of 120 awards. I was notified in 2006 that I was awarded a Honerable Mention in Photo Illustration for my entry titled "Goddess of the Night".
I am a member of two Art Associations in South Jersey. My work has been accepted in many juried shows where I have won awards in various mediums, including photography. Cherry Hill Township has purchased three of my paintings. I have also exhibited my art in 3 solo shows. I keep quite busy with my new "career" and I'm having a great time.
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