Raymond Chapman: Artist, sign painter, man of faith
By Fred Afflerbach | Photography contributed
Although he’s lived in Bell County for more than 70 years, you’ve probably never heard of Raymond Chapman. Nevertheless, you have likely seen some of his handiwork.
Humbly yet methodically, Chapman has spent a lifetime painting, building and installing artistic, eye-catching signs.
From banners at Belton High School in the 1960s, to signs at Scott & White Hospital, Temple Mall and the McLane Co., to a tea room in Cameron and a photography studio in Salado, Chapman has left an indelible mark on the community.
Now that he has retired from sign making, Chapman has seized an opportunity to explore new mediums—oil on canvas and pencil to paper. He now accepts some work on commission, but will not commit to deadline. Six decades of waking early and working late was enough.
“It was a thrill to do exactly what I had dreamed of for the past 60 or so years. I would not trade them for anything,” Chapman said. “So, I work for myself now. Instead of working to please the customer, only thing I have to do is please me.”
But there is another side of the man behind the paintbrushes and pencils, the drills and saws and routers. Inasmuch as Chapman is known for his artistic touch, he is also revered for a lifetime of generously giving his time to those in need. At age 75, his faith and love of art have coalesced into a beautiful human tapestry. He often uses his craft to express his devotion to God and helping others.
Some of his work has special meaning. After years counseling several times a week at Christian Farms-Treehouse, a rehabilitation center in Temple, Chapman created a pencil drawing of a man who was living there in an effort to get his life back on track. In a piece called “Never Alone,” a young man sits at a picnic table and reads the Bible, a translucent Christ-like figure looking over his shoulder.
Chapman said a courtyard at the rehab center was the inspiration for that scene. His counseling work at Christian Farms-Treehouse has affected another piece as well, one titled “The Way.” At first glance, you may recognize the underpass on the old highway between Belton and Temple. But there is more.
“When people leave that rehabilitation center, when they graduate, they go through that underpass. I got the idea they’re going from that darkness into light. Everything being chaotic, that is their way out of addiction.” And upon close examination, you can find a faint telephone pole in the background that looks like a cross.
A longtime friend and fellow member at Belton Church of Christ, Mickey Blanks, fondly recalls some of the numerous presentations he’s collaborated on with Chapman. Blanks would use photos of his English springer spaniel, Sadie, leaping five feet in the air to snatch a Frisbee or ball to illustrate how we should live life with zest.
After Sadie died, Chapman stopped by for a surprise visit.
“Next thing I know, Raymond shows up with this picture, a flashback when she was a young, energetic, full-of-life dog. It hangs in my living room,” Blanks said. “He’s very creative, has a fantastic artist’s eye. Very humble. He is a friend and a mentor to so many people. He is one of a kind. Evolving and maturing as an artist, he is an emerging talent that people need to keep their eye on.”
Chapman spent his youth wandering the banks of Nolan Creek in Belton. His fascination in art was first manifest in letters. Before he could recite the alphabet, his mother would have him copy letters that she had drawn. In elementary school, he was known as the kid who makes posters.
He continued making signs and banners throughout high school. And he worked at various sign shops in Abilene while earning a bachelor’s degree in physical education and science at Abilene Christian University. After graduation, he taught middle school for a few years, then worked for his brother’s sign company for 25 years before opening his own business.
Back in the 1970s, Chapman joined The Letterheads, a fledgling group of artists-sign painters based in Colorado. At various workshops and annual conventions, Chapman shared his craft and trade secrets to members. He also wrote articles for their trade journal. One relationship that blossomed through the Letterheads is Gary Anderson, of Bloomington, Indiana. Anderson says Chapman was like a “godfather” to novice sign painters.
“Raymond has been an important part of a lot of people’s lives. He’s one of those people you can talk to about a problem, or just want to talk,” Anderson said. “He had that kind of air and a soul about him that made him easy to talk to. You knew you were getting a straight answer.”
A Belton High School graduate of 1963, Chapman has kept in touch with some old classmates. Mary Coppin, another fellow parishioner at Belton Church of Christ, says Raymond “loves God with all his heart and it shows.” Chapman recently sketched portraits of Coppin’s two children, using old Polaroid photos of when they were about three years old. It was a Christmas surprise. “I was overwhelmed. It was lifelike. His talent is amazing,” Coppin said. As for Chapman’s devotion to God and volunteerism, Coppin says, “He’s there to help. If there’s anything that needs to be done, all you have to do is say Raymond Chapman.”
Chapman married his high school sweetheart, Jeanne Allen, in 1963. They have two sons who both live in Belton.
