McGill Exotics Lifestyle Magazine - You Only Live Once!

Jesse Raudales: World-Famous Olympic, Celebrity Artist

For any artist, it would be a dream-come true to be selected as one of the official artists for the Olympics. That dream is now a reality for Jesse Raudales, a North Hollywood based artist, who was selected among thousands of applicants to represent the 2006 Olympic games, standing next to his fellow Olympians, Jane Seymore and Peter Maxx. His Olympic painting, "Peace for the Children of the World," opened in California, toured to New York and then went on to the Olympic Games in Torino, Italy.

Since becoming an Olympian, Raudales has been honored by the NAACP, FBI, Warner Bros. and the EPICC Center and featured as a rising artist in international press. Raudales was the only minority artist chosen for the 2006 Olympic Games and has received high praise for his passion to paint and dedication as a father.

His artwork has been featured on television (Martin, Living Single and Higher Learning) and in the homes of many celebrities including Academy Award nominee, Terrence Howard, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and the legendary, Rick James. He has also designed logos and airbrushed fashion concepts for celebrities such as MC Hammer and the late James Brown. His list of accomplishments also includes designing logos for Martin L. King III, basketball star, Dwayne Wade and the official Miss USA Pageant logo for the Donald Trump.

The story of Raudales begins in North Carolina and has captured the hearts of many. Born stillborn, his mother prayed to God to let her son live. She coddled him for several minutes and miraculously, Jesse gasped for air and was brought to life. His mother honored her gift from God by naming her son Jesus Guadalupe Raudales but after several years of being teased at school, he was later nicknamed Jesse.

Jesse Raudales is active in his community and continues to donate his originals to a variety of nonprofits including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Zo's Summer Grove, Sparks Of Hope, Inc., The OASIS, Hands United Together, and the Boys and Girls Club of America.

In February 2007, his Peace for the Children art show was hosted by long-time friend and client, Terrence Howard, and was held at CCH Pounder's (The Shield) art gallery (Pounder Kone Art Space). Jesse showcased five original paintings marked with the handprint of his son, Jesse Jr., honoring children around the world who are victims of child abuse. These limited edition paintings continue to be auctioned off for children's charities.

Jesse's most recent shows include Colors to Life Beautiful, a group exhibition inspired by Alice Walker's Color Purple at the 626 Gallery at Studio B in downtown LA's gallery row and his solo show, My Real Name is Jesus, hosted by Jermaine Jackson which was also held at 626, focusing on his life story and the inspiration behind his most versatile works.  His art has been showcased at many galleries and private shows around the world including Epoxybox, Chase Mitchell, Million Dollar Make the Discovery Retreat for the Oscars and at the home of Miguel Nunez, Jr. (Joey, Kickin' It Old School). The Raudales fashion line, reprints and custom merchandise of his original artwork can be purchased on his online gallery.

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