So, how do you create painted papers inspired by Rex Ray? The beauty of this process is its simplicity. You don’t need to be a master painter; you just need to be willing to play, explore, and see where the paint takes you.

Supplies used in this video:

*The links listed below are Amazon affiliate, or other affiliate links to supplies that I actually use. I may receive a small commission on purchases using these links, but please know that purchasing supplies through these links will not add additional cost to you.

Click Here For The Supply List

Rex Ray Book
Golden Fluid Acrylics – Titanium White
Golden Fluid Acrylics – Payne’s Gray
Golden Fluid Acrylics – Quinacridone VioletGolden Fluid Acrylics – Titan Buff
Golden Fluid Acrylics – Quinacridone Magenta
Golden Fluid Acrylics – Hansa Yellow
Golden Fluid Acrylics – Green Gold
Golden Fluid Acrylics – Teal
Golden Fluid Acrylics – Primary Magenta
Golden Fluid Acrylics – Alizarin Crimson Hue
Golden Fluid Acrylics – Ultramarine Blue
Liquitex Basics Black (Mars)
Copy Paper
Newsprint 12×16”
Liquitex Professional Glazing Medium
Graphite Powder
12×12” Gel Plate
Gelli Arts Gel Printing Plate – 8” X 10”
Wood Grain Too (Set)
Silicone Paint Shapers
Speedball Deluxe Soft Rubber Brayer
Leopard Print Stencil
Messy Writing 12×12” Stencil
Medical Exam Table Paper- Crepe style (Large Rolls)
Crunchy Rollers
Skinny Brayer
Silicone Letter + Number Molds

Rex Ray Inspired Papers

Today I’m welcoming you to a world of vibrant colors, bold textures, and fearless creativity—all inspired by the legendary artist, Rex Ray. If you’ve never heard of Rex Ray, you’re in for a treat. His work is a mesmerizing blend of graphic design and fine art, creating collages that practically burst off the canvas with energy and color. In this video we’re going to walk through how to create your own painted papers, inspired by the ones Rex Ray made, so you can bring that same boldness into your own projects.

We’re not going to replicate Rex Ray’s work exactly, but to channel his spirit of fearless creativity and make it our own.

Who Was Rex Ray?

Rex Ray was an artist who had a unique ability to blend the worlds of graphic design and fine art. His collages are instantly recognizable—bright, bold, and full of life. What I love most about his work is that it feels so accessible. Rex Ray wasn’t using fancy techniques or expensive materials; he was using simple, everyday tools and supplies, much like the ones you probably have lying around your own studio. His secret? An incredible eye for color and a willingness to experiment without fear.

In fact, one of the hallmarks of his style was his use of intense colors and striking contrasts. Whether it was a blazing orange or a deep, calming teal, Rex Ray had a way of making colors work together in ways you wouldn’t expect. And the best part? He created all of these stunning pieces using painted papers—just like the ones we’re going to make today.

Create Your Own Rex Ray Inspired Painted Papers

So, how do you create painted papers inspired by Rex Ray? The beauty of this process is its simplicity. You don’t need to be a master painter; you just need to be willing to play, explore, and see where the paint takes you.

1. Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need some basic acrylic paints, brushes, a gel plate (if you have one), and of course, paper (any paper will do). Don’t worry if you don’t have a gel plate—there are plenty of ways to create texture without one. I’ll share a few of my favorite tips in just a bit.

2. Choose Your Colors: Think bright, bold, and maybe even a little daring. Rex Ray loved intense colors—think fiery oranges, vibrant yellows, and deep teals. But don’t feel like you have to stick to those. What colors make your heart sing? What hues do you love so much that you just can’t stop using them? Start with those.

3. Start Painting: Begin by laying down some basic color on your paper. You’re not trying to create a masterpiece here; you’re just getting color onto the page. I love starting with a bright reddish hue—something that really pops. Then, build on that. Add layers of color, play with textures, and see what happens when different colors meet.

One trick I love is using a wood graining tool to add some texture. Rex Ray often used this technique, and it gives your papers a fantastic, organic feel. If you don’t have a wood graining tool, no worries! Try using a comb, a sponge, or even some bubble wrap. The key is to experiment and have fun.

4. Layering for Depth: Once you have your base colors down, think about adding some contrast. One of the things that made Rex Ray’s work so dynamic was his use of contrasting colors and textures. Try layering a vibrant teal over a bold orange, or add some black text elements over a bright yellow background. Don’t overthink it—just see what works and what feels right to you.

5. Embrace the Unexpected: Here’s the thing about creating Rex Ray inspired papers—you never know exactly how they’re going to turn out, and that’s the magic of it. I love using unusual tools like silicone kitchen basters or even rolled rice puffs to create unexpected textures. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but that’s all part of the creative process.

The Joy of Creating for the Sake of Creating

Now, I want to take a moment to talk about something really important. When you’re making these painted papers, don’t worry about the end result. Don’t think about whether they’ll “work” in a final piece, or whether they’re “good enough.” Just enjoy the process of creating.

Rex Ray himself was all about fearless experimentation. He didn’t worry about whether two colors were supposed to go together—he just put them together and trusted that it would work out. And more often than not, it did! That’s something we can all learn from.

So, let yourself get lost in the joy of painting. Put on your favorite playlist, grab a cup of coffee (or tea), and just go for it. This is your time to play, explore, and see where your creativity takes you. And if something doesn’t turn out the way you hoped, no worries! It’s all part of the journey. Remember, these papers aren’t meant to be final products—they’re just the building blocks for something even greater.

Next Steps: Turning Your Papers into a Rex Ray Inspired Collage

Today, we focused on creating your own Rex Ray inspired painted papers. But what do you do with them once they’re done? That’s where the real fun begins! In the next part of this series, we’re going to take these papers and turn them into a Rex Ray inspired collage. This is where you get to bring all of those elements—color, texture, contrast—together to create something truly unique.

So, be sure to come back for the next part of this series.

Until next time, keep creating, keep exploring, and most importantly, keep having fun. The world needs your art—so let’s make it vibrant, bold, and unapologetically you. Happy painting!

Note: This blog post was written as part one of a two-part series on creating Rex Ray inspired art. Stay tuned for part two, where we’ll dive into creating a collage with the painted papers you made today.

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Tell me about it!

I can’t wait to see what you create with your painted papers. And if you want to share your progress with me, I’d love to see it! Just drop me a comment or send me a message. We’re all in this creative journey together, and I’m here to cheer you on every step of the way.

Have you seen the Rex Ray documentary yet? If not you can find it here – it’s SO good!