Born with Down Syndrome, Raymond began studying painting in 1990 with renowned artist Lampo Leong, with whom he developed his unique and vividly expressionistic style. He specializes in painting animals which he interprets uniquely through the traditional Chinese medium of ink and watercolor on rice-paper.

Raymond's affinity for animals is apparent in his paintings. His compositions are full and abstract, characterized by strong, spirited strokes, bold and expressive style, and vibrant colors. He focuses on their faces, magnifying their features, and imbuing them with human qualities and emotions. The soulful gazes of his animals capture the imagination of viewers, inviting them to think and look beyond.

Raymond's artwork has been recognized, exhibited, and commended throughout the state, the United States and abroad. He has also been the subject of many articles in newspapers and magazines, television interviews and documentaries.

A book entitled The Eyes of Raymond Hu, containing his paintings of animals, was published in 1997. Most notably, Raymond's Portrait: the Life and Art of Raymond Hu, an award-winning documentary produced by Donald Young, was first aired in 1997. It has been aired numerous times by PBS stations across the United States.

In addition to painting, Raymond enjoys reading, American history, classic rock music, movies, playing soccer and basketball, swimming, traveling, and good food. He is also passionate about working with children, and has taught art classes at schools and summer camps.

Raymond currently resides in Fremont, CA.


Awards and Honors

1993 "Tiger" awarded first prize in "A Very Special Art Show," a statewide competition sponsored by the Sacramento Association for the Retarded and chosen from over 1,000 entries to be the Association's 20th Anniversary Show poster.
1994 "Elephant" awarded second prize in the Student Art Contest of the California Association for the Gifted.
1995 Raymond honored with a Tribute to Raymond in the Congressional Records.
1997 Oakland City Council declares August 20, 1997 to be "Raymond Hu Day" in the City of Oakland.
1998 "Scarlet Macaw" wins Juror's Choice Award. Art Ability Exhibition in Malvern, PA.
1999 "Patas Monkey" wins First Prize and the Jurors' Choice Award. Art Ability Exhibition in Malvern, PA.
2000 "Frog Prince" wins Second Prize. Art Ability Exhibition in Malvern, PA.
2000 "King Fisher" wins Merit Award at the California Works, California State Fair, Sacramento, CA.

Exhibitions

1995 Bedford Gallery, Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek
1996 Marjorie Evans Gallery, Carmel
1997 Oakland Asian Cultural Center in Oakland
1997 Very Special Arts Gallery West, Beverly Hills, CA
1998 Lynn House Art Gallery, Antioch, CA
1998 Piedmont High School, Piedmont, CA
2000 Olive Hyde Art Gallery, Fremont, CA
2001 D.P.Fong Galleries, San Jose, CA