Educational Media Reviews Online

In Raymond's Portrait, producer Donald Young gives us a brief look at the life and the remarkable work of Raymond Hu, a 19 year old artist with Down's Syndrome. Young has painted a portrait of Raymond by combining interviews with his family, his art teacher, and Raymond himself, together with magnified views of Raymond's art work.

Raymond's mother, Margaret Hu, speaks eloquently about the disappointment she and her husband felt when they discovered Raymond had Down Syndrome, and how proud they both are of their son today. We see Raymond graduating from high school, playing games with his family and enjoying his passion for painting. He talks about the problems he encounters, the "scariness" of being mainstreamed, and his dreams for a family of his own. His skill as a painter has progressed over the years, and his family tells of the blossoming of his artistic talent. He has had several shows of his work and was named one of Exceptional Parents magazine's "25 Role Models for the next 25 Years." Raymond's animal watercolor and ink portraits are taken from photographs, and he brings his own special interpretation create his intriguing style. Raymond's art teacher uses the bewitching eyes of Raymond's animal portraits as a metaphor for Raymond's development as an artist. The eyes of the animals reflect Raymond's growth, becoming more soulful and spiritual as he matures.

Consisting of interviews and close-ups of Raymond's paintings, Raymond's Portrait gives us a fascinating look at a truly talented and unique artist. It also gives us insight into the everyday life of an individual with Down's Syndrome. Video and sound quality are good, except that at times it is difficult to understand Raymond when he is speaking. Subtitles would have been a helpful addition during these segments. Highly recommended for high school level through college Education, Special Education and Art classes.