Richard Nunez (artist) facts for kids

Richard Nunez (born March 23, 1961) is an American painter. He is known for his colorful acrylic paintings. Richard Nunez lives and works in the Dallas–Fort Worth area in Texas. He is also of Mescalero Apache descent.

Richard Nunez's Early Life

Richard Nunez was born in 1961 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. His parents, Esther and Henry Nunez, were both of Apache Indian heritage. Richard's parents did not tell him about his Native American background for a long time. They wanted to protect him from unfair treatment that Native Americans sometimes faced. Richard learned about his heritage in 2004.

Growing Up in Fort Wayne

Richard went to Southside High School in Fort Wayne. He graduated in 1979. During these years, he found inspiration for his art from comic books. He loved their unique and bold drawing styles. His early sketches showed this influence. While in high school, Richard also worked at the WMEE radio station. He helped with maintenance from 1978 to 1979. This was when the station was changing from AM to FM radio.

Starting a Family

In 1979, Richard got married. His daughter, Erica Lynn, was born in 1981. His son, Ryan Nathaniel, was born in 1985.

Richard Nunez's Path to Art

Richard left the radio station at his wife's suggestion. However, he was not yet ready to become a full-time artist. For the next 20 years, he worked many different jobs. But art always remained his biggest passion. He worked as a dishwasher, grocery store bagger, and a salesman. He was also a forklift operator, bartender, and even a stand-up comedian and singer.

Moving to Texas

In 1993, Richard wanted to focus on his art. He decided to move to Phoenix, Arizona. On his way from Indiana to Arizona, his car broke down in Dallas. He did not have money for repairs. Luckily, an uncle took him in, and Richard ended up staying in Dallas.

For the next 13 years, Richard worked in restaurants and bars. He was a bartender, waiter, and head trainer. He eventually became the general manager of a wine bar in Highland Village, TX. This wine bar became a special place for him. He could paint live in front of the guests. This helped him show his art to more people.

Richard Nunez promoting Dan Aykroyd's wine label in February 2009.

Becoming a Full-Time Artist

Finally, in 2005, at 45 years old, Richard was ready to be a full-time artist. He realized it was "now or never" to follow his dream. Around this time, he met Nancy, who is now his wife. Richard calls Nancy his "muse," meaning she inspires him greatly. Nancy also became the art director for Nunez's company, NINA Art. He named the company "NINA" after his nickname for Nancy.

Richard Nunez's Charitable Work

Richard Nunez decided early on that his art would help others. He wanted to use his talent to support women and children. His goal with NINA Art is to work with famous people to raise money for good causes.

Making a Difference

From 2006 to 2013, Nunez estimates that NINA Art helped raise over $350,000 for various charities. One of his paintings sold for $21,000 at a fundraiser. This is the highest amount one of his pieces has sold for so far.

Partnerships with Charities

Richard Nunez has partnered with many charities. These include:

• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
• Cattle Barons Ball
• American Diabetes Association
• Children’s Advocacy Center of Denton County
• Frisco Family Services
• American Cancer Society
• Boys and Girls Clubs of America
• Wednesday's Child

Working with Celebrities and Athletes

Nunez often works with famous people to raise money for charities. Some of the celebrities he has worked with include:

• Dan Aykroyd
• James Belushi
• Vince Gill
• Buddy Guy
• Tom Jones
• B. B. King
• Adam Sandler
• Jeff Bridges
• George H. W. Bush
• George W. Bush
• Rod Stewart

He has also worked with many famous athletes, including:

• From the Dallas Cowboys: Tony Dorsett, Michael Irvin, Tony Romo, Deion Sanders, Roger Staubach, DeMarcus Ware
• From the Dallas Mavericks: Jason Kidd, Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry
• Olympians: Michael Johnson (athlete), Nastia Liukin
• NASCAR driver: Tony Stewart

Richard Nunez's favorite charities are Women Called Moses, Society of Women Who Love Shoes, and Children’s Advocacy Center of Denton County. When he is not traveling, he paints live every week at III Forks in Dallas. Nunez recently opened Studio Nunez in Dallas.