“Intensity”
This painting started me down a path painting action sports. My husband is the teenager racing in this picture from 1990. That same intensity continues to infuse his rides to this day, but he does take the time to train me (cleats were a fun learning curve!)
Do you use cleats when you ride? Clipped in on your pedals? If so - do you remember how many times you face-planted? Because I remember each time!
Original:
Acrylic on Stretched Canvas
12in x 12in
©2026 by Kristi Rae Gray
“The Good Race”
After the fun of creating “Intensity,” I wanted to go back to the early 90’s and this one challenged me ridiculously! So many bikes!
The intensity of the racers’ faces jumped out at me when I saw the picture of a criterium from 1991 and I just had to paint it! Only after I’d completed the painting did I read a myth about the 1990’s race scene having no diversity. Cycling is and was for everyone!
1991?! How old were you in 1991? Or your parents? Or your grandparents? Look at the size of those wheels!
Original:
Acrylic on Stretched Canvas
20in x 24in
©2026 by Kristi Rae Gray
“Joy”
There is something about rollerblading that is exhilarating. This fantastic athlete embodies all the reasons people participate in extreme sports - not merely the adrenaline, but the Joy of Life!
I never used to rollerblade - I just couldn’t get it right! I grew up rollerskating - but wow, would I have loved being able to do this! I remember the freedom of flying on wheels.
What activity did you used to do (or do more often)? Would you go back and do it again, or do you just enjoy basking in the memories?
Original:
Acrylic on Stretched Canvas
14in x 14in
©2026 by Kristi Rae Gray
“Send it”
Mountain bike enthusiasts know what it means to send it in all the right ways - perfect turn, perfect jump, perfect landing. I couldn’t help but reach out to this young man’s family for permission to use his photo as inspiration for a painting. The joy of the moment just oozes out of him. The joy, the focus, the concentration, and the adrenaline!
What kind of crazy did you do when you were young, bendy, and bounce-able? (What a perfect time to try things out and get that muscle memory!)
Original:
Acrylic on Stretched Canvas
20in x 24in
©2026 by Kristi Rae Gray
“Take Flight”
I love it when there is a place that triggers all the good memories! If you’ve ever been to Roanoke, Virginia for a mountain biking event, you’ve probably been to Elmwood Park. And if you’ve been to Elmwood, there are certain experiences you won’t forget.
No matter where you land on your bike, enjoy the flight!
Original:
Acrylic on Stretched Canvas
10in x 20in
©2026 by Kristi Rae Gray