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Andy Lakey was a self-taught American artist, best known for his 2000 paintings of angels. In 1989, Lakey quit his job to pursue a full-time career as an artist, despite having no formal training in art. In 1990, he experienced a vision of angels, which inspired him to create 2000 paintings of angels, one for each year between the birth of Christ and the year 2000. Lakey typically used a bas-relief technique, where the heavy, mixed media and paint are raised texturally from the canvas surface, creating a three-dimensional effect that makes his paintings touchable art. In addition to his angel paintings, Lakey also explored other themes in his artwork, including hearts, portraits, and nature studies. He often worked with mixed media on wood and incorporated gold leaf into his compositions. Unfortunately, Lakey struggled with health issues due to a toxic reaction to paint and passed away in 2012.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for painting | Lakey had a vision of angels who told him to paint angels |
| Date of vision | January 1990 |
| Number of angels in the vision | Seven |
| Number of paintings | 2000 |
| Date of completion | 1998/1999 |
| Painting style | Bas relief technique, where the heavy, mixed media and paint is raised texturally from the canvas surface |
| Painting style name | Sensualism |
| Texture | Three-dimensional |
| Accessibility | Touchable art, even for blind people |
| Painting surface | Wood, canvas, mixed media |
| Painting size | 4' x 5' |
| Painting price | $40,000 |
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What You'll Learn
Andy Lakey's artistic vision
In October 1989, Lakey left his sales job to pursue a full-time career as an artist, despite having no formal training in art. He was compelled to paint images that he had seen in his visions and spiritual encounters. In January 1990, Lakey experienced a vision of angels, who instructed him to paint angels. Based on this vision, he embarked on a mission to create 2000 paintings of angels, representing each year between the birth of Christ and the year 2000.
Lakey's artistic process was unique and intuitive. He often worked with mixed media on wood, incorporating heavy textures and three-dimensional elements in his paintings. His use of raised surfaces and tactile textures made his artwork accessible to blind individuals, who could "see" the paintings through touch. Lakey's art style has been described as "sensualism," reflecting the sensory and emotional qualities of his work.
Lakey's artwork gained recognition, and his pieces were acquired by notable collectors such as Pope John Paul II, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Princess Margaret of Great Britain, and various celebrities and world leaders. Despite his success, Lakey remained dedicated to his philanthropic efforts, donating at least 30% of his earnings to charities supporting children, abused women, AIDS research, and animal welfare.
In the later years of his life, Lakey faced health challenges, including a toxic reaction to paint and hand tremors. He continued to create art, simplifying his style and adopting a more minimalist technique. Lakey passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual exploration, artistic expression, and generosity that continues to inspire and touch the lives of people worldwide.
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His painting technique
Despite having no formal training in art, Andy Lakey is best known for his 2000 paintings of angels, created between 1990 and 1999. He typically used a bas-relief technique, where heavy, mixed media and paint are raised texturally from the canvas surface, creating a three-dimensional effect. This tactile quality meant that even blind people could "see" his paintings with their fingers.
Lakey's artistic career began in 1989 when he quit his job and bought art supplies, driven by an obsession that he wasn't doing what he was supposed to. However, he soon discovered he had no idea how to make paint stick to the canvas. Several months later, he experienced a vision of angels, who told him he had to paint 2000 angels by the year 2000. Shortly after this vision, he accidentally mixed two acrylic paints that dried to a hard, puffed surface, introducing him to the art style of 'sensualism'.
Lakey's paintings were notable for their textured surfaces, achieved through his unique painting technique. This style not only added a tactile element to his work but also contributed to the overall visual aesthetic, making his paintings stand out. Unfortunately, Lakey struggled with health issues in his later years due to a toxic/allergic reaction to the paint. He wore protective gear while painting and simplified his style, developing an increasingly "minimalist" technique.
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The meaning of 'energy paintings'
Andy Lakey was an American artist who had no formal training in art. He is best known for his 2000 paintings of angels, created between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 1999. He died on 4 October 2012 in Temecula, California.
Lakey's story and artistic career have been covered in several national publications and television networks, including ABC's World News Tonight and Good Morning America. His works are collected by museums and art lovers worldwide and are known for their healing power.
Lakey's energy paintings are a part of his abstract works, which also include "One Heart," a collection of heart paintings, "Silhouettes and Shadows," special portraits and commissions, and flora and fauna colour studies titled "Brilliant Nature".
Lakey's energy paintings are characterised by their use of mixed media and a raised, textured surface that makes them "touchable art." This three-dimensionality is created using a bas-relief technique, where heavy, mixed media and paint are raised texturally from the canvas surface. This style of painting is known as 'sensualism'. The textured surface allows even visually impaired individuals to "see" the paintings with their fingers.
Lakey's energy paintings are also notable for their vibrant symbols and colours. In one instance, Lakey called a client to inform them that he had painted more symbols and colours on their energy painting than on his other works at that time.
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The influence of angels
Andy Lakey's encounter with angels had a profound influence on his life and artistic career. On New Year's Eve in 1986, Lakey had a near-death experience due to a drug overdose. He experienced a vision of seven angels, which led him to quit his job and pursue art.
In January 1990, Lakey experienced another vision with three angels, who instructed him to paint angels. This marked the beginning of his ambitious project to create 2000 angel paintings, representing each year between the birth of Christ and the year 2000. Lakey's angel paintings became a unique form of "`touchable art'" due to his use of the bas-relief technique, where the heavy mixed media and paint raised texturally from the canvas, allowing even blind individuals to "see" them through touch.
Lakey's angelic encounters and subsequent artwork had a significant impact on his life, leading him to overcome his addiction and find a new purpose. He donated a significant portion of his earnings from his paintings to charities, including the Blind Children's Center in Los Angeles and other children's charities worldwide. Lakey's art provided hope and spirituality to those who encountered it, and his works are now found in museums and private collections globally.
Lakey's angel paintings also garnered attention from notable figures. His works were collected by celebrities, musicians, and world leaders, including Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Pope John Paul II, Jimmy Carter, and Princess Margaret of Great Britain. The Vatican even reached out to Lakey after an Italian monsignor saw his angel paintings during a vacation.
In May 2010, despite facing health issues and hand tremors, Lakey began a new cycle of two thousand Golden Angels, using 22-karat gold leaf applied to mixed media surfaces. This late period in his career saw him simplify his style and develop a more minimalist technique.
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His art's impact on the blind
Andy Lakey was an American artist who had a unique approach to art, creating pieces that resonate on a spiritual level. He is best known for his 2000 paintings of angels, which he created between 1990 and 1999. Lakey typically used a bas-relief technique, where the heavy, mixed media and paint are raised texturally from the canvas surface, adding a three-dimensional aspect to his paintings and making them "touchable art". This technique, along with his commitment to making art accessible to those with disabilities, had a significant impact on the blind community.
Lakey's art and personal story gained national attention, including coverage on major TV networks such as ABC, NBC, and CNN. His art show in aid of the blind in San Diego was featured on ABC's "World News Tonight" by commentator Peter Jennings, who also requested one of Lakey's paintings. This painting was donated to the charity Lighthouse For The Blind in New York City. Lakey's work was also donated to San Diego's Center for the Blind and the Recreational Center for the Blind, and he made donations of early angel paintings to the Blind Children's Center of Los Angeles.
Lakey's commitment to making art accessible to the blind is further demonstrated by his collaboration with musician Ray Charles, who was blind. An agent of Ray Charles read the ABC news story about Lakey's art show for the blind and purchased one of his paintings for Charles. Lakey later contributed the foreword to the Ray Charles biography, "You Don't Know Me: Reflections of My Father, Ray Charles". Additionally, Lakey claimed to have taught Ray Charles how to paint, and the two even created paintings together.
Lakey's art has touched and inspired thousands of people, including those seeking healing and inspiration. His ability to translate profound spiritual experiences into visual art has earned him a dedicated following and made him a key figure in spiritual art. His legacy continues to inspire and heal, showcasing the profound impact art can have on our lives.
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Frequently asked questions
Andy Lakey was inspired to paint after a near-fatal drug overdose in 1986. He quit drugs and started drawing pictures from his experiences. In 1990, he experienced a vision of angels who told him he had to paint angels.
Andy Lakey typically used a bas relief technique, where heavy, mixed media and paint are raised texturally from the canvas surface, creating a three-dimensional effect. This style is also known as 'sensualism'.
Andy Lakey used mixed media on wood, including acrylic paints.
