The Younger Growing Artist Tony Ryals

It was the early values taught by Tony's parents that emphasized the need for higher education. It was imperative that Tony learned reading, writing, and mathematical skills, to even have a chance of living an independent life. That
in itself, is an accomplishment that his own doctors said was an "impossibility". Huh Surprise!

Attending J.U. (Jacksonville University), majoring in fine arts, gave Tony the higher education with experience, practice, and confidence in his increasing abilities. He will always have special memories of the great instructors from the University. Finishing college with a degree in fine art, and wanting to
eventually teach art was a longing goal of Tony's, but even with plenty of tuition funds, there wasn't nearly enough money to live on while attending college. So, the only way Tony believed to survive without going on welfare was to hit the
road and participate in as many art shows and sales as physically possible. Family and friends helped a lot, with supplies and transportation
needs to sell at the local art shows. Which eventually expanded to weekend shows in other cities and states.

            Some days several thousands upon thousands of people would watch in fascination at Tony's live demonstrations of Painting or Drawing by Mouth. He quickly learned the hard way, by almost loosing his home and van, that there is a major difference in nice compliments and fascination compared to buying my artwork. Tony says, "As nice and as precious as those encouraging comments are to hear, they do not buy any food or put a roof over my family's head". Tony's always developing his fine art skills, but now also his salesmanship abilities too.

            Following years of hard work and determination as an artist, earned him the recognition from the Mayor of Jacksonville and other various congressmen in Florida. Tony's art received national coverage, while being shown in the state capital building. His art was also seen on CNN, and the today show, along with hundreds of other TV and newspapers across the country as a human interest story.

            Working with determination and tenacity that few understand, it's always back to the drawing board. Even to this day, it's not unusual for Tony to spend over 95 hours a week-even straight through the night working on his Art of
Hope dreams.