Ray Hrovat

Ray Hrovat’s artistic roots trace back to his childhood in West Allis, Wisconsin, where his father worked as a wood carver for more than 70 years. Growing up in a creative household, Ray developed an early interest in art. As a member of Hobbies Unlimited, he explored drawing and marker media, and in grade school he served as the artist for his school newspaper.

After graduating from high school, Ray set art aside for a number of years while pursuing other interests. In 1991, he moved to Antigo to raise his family and later worked as a handyman. In 2009, he returned to West Allis to care for his father until his passing.

In 2014, at age 59, health challenges prompted Ray to step away from one of his hobbies. He redirected his focus to drawing and painting, rekindling a long-standing artistic interest. His renewed dedication to art led him to become a member of the Milwaukee Sketch Club in 2023, where he participated in nude figure drawing sessions and plein air painting.

In 2025, Ray moved back to Antigo to be closer to his children, purchased a home, and joined Antigo Visual Arts. He currently leads Open Sketch at the AVA Art Center every Friday from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. He enjoys working in watercolor and acrylic, as well as pen and pencil drawing, and continues to develop his skills across a range of subjects and styles.

Ray Hrovat’s Artwork

Frame Park Bridge

Watercolor, plein air Painted on location at Frame Park in Waukesha, *Frame Park Bridge* captures the natural beauty and quiet charm of the park through the spontaneity of plein air watercolor. Working outdoors allowed Ray to respond directly to the light, atmosphere, and shifting colors of the scene. In this piece, Ray focused on achieving vibrant yet harmonious color relationships, allowing the transparency of watercolor to convey depth and movement. He is especially pleased with how the colors developed and blended, bringing energy and life to the bridge and surrounding landscape. *Frame Park Bridge* reflects both his growing confidence in watercolor and his pride in capturing a moment in nature with clarity and feeling.

“My Son”

Pencil on Paper In *My Son*, Ray Hrovat captures a deeply personal subject—his son, Ryan—through careful pencil work and thoughtful attention to detail. The drawing reflects both technical skill and emotional connection, as Ray focuses on expression, form, and subtle shading to bring the portrait to life. This piece holds special meaning for Ray. He feels especially proud of the finished work, not only for its likeness and craftsmanship, but for the opportunity to honor his son through art. *My Son* represents both his dedication to improving his drawing skills and the personal fulfillment he finds in creating meaningful portraits.