For more information about the artist Kathryn Walker-Richardson and photographer Francine Wilson visit their websites at http://francinewilson.com and www.kathrynwalkerrichardson.com.
The next step in the process was getting Ryan into the artist studio so that Kathryn could select her color palette matching Ryan's skin tone, hair and eye coloring. After that she is ready to put the image onto the canvas and begin her masterpiece. From start to finish, the portrait process will take about four months to complete. No additional sittings are needed, as the artist will paint from the photograph focusing on different segments of the photo as she paints.
Ryan recently roped off into the sunset and wrapped up shooting on his newest project, "Comanche Moon". The six hour mini-series is set to air on CBS in the Spring of 2007. Stay tuned for details. It has an impressive list of players and Ryan was honored to be working alongside them. About playing the role of Young Jake Spoon, originally played by Robert Urich in "Lonesome Dove" and being a part of this project, Ryan had this to say, "It was an honor to be a part of something of such epic proportion and to work with such an amazing cast and crew."
With Ryan on set in Santa Fe, New Mexico, it was a great chance for family and friends to make the short road trip to New Mexico for a visit. Micol's parents and her brother, along with his wife and baby visited for a week, as did best friends Chance and Lacey. Right behind them were Mom, Dad and Uncle Guy with Ryan's cousin Kelli. The "Road Trip" was a graduation gift for Kelli from her Dad and what a trip it was. It was non-stop family fun from arrival to departure. With each new film project over the years, the question for family and friends has always been…"Where's Ryan's next gig and where's our next vacation?" Staying connected and sharing in the fun with family and friends has always been important.
Ryan's schedule on this shoot gave him a lot of down time to take in the sites and share in some family fun. One day was spent in the Plaza shopping for local works of art. One local jeweler, Chimney Butte, crafted a great turquoise bracelet for Ryan as well as the other pieces. Dad Earl, treated everyone to some "bling" which won him the title of "Bling Daddy". It was a good day on the plaza. Check out the crazy cowboy hats.
Another day was spent rafting the Rio Grande with Kokopelli Rafting, where you get to experience the thrill of Class III rapids to the serenity of a peaceful canyon float. On the trip the guide fills your head with local folklore and the history of the region and your belly with a light afternoon snack. It was a great trip, especially for first time rafters as it was not too challenging.
There were several trips to the set to catch Ryan in action and to see the city of Austin, circa 1858, completely recreated in the middle of a desert prairie. It was quite impressive. The set was bustling with cowboys, and townspeople, who were all in authentic costumes. There were even wild Indians eating pink frosted donuts at the craft services table. As far as being held captive by wild Indians goes, Kelli didn't think it was all that bad! The highlight of the trip for Kelli was actually getting to be an extra for a day and be put into a dramatic city scene. We are pretty sure it won't end up on the cutting room floor, but just in case it does here is your one shot of Kelli in full costume.
Ryan and Micol were on hand for all the excitement that was part of the 2006 ESPY Awards week. The week started with the Celebrity Paring Party and welcome reception on July 10th. Ryan was paired up with three guys from ESPN for their big day on the links. The evening featured an auction event. Ryan successfully bid on a trip to Aruba for him and Micol to enjoy. Ryan says, "I love bidding at event auctions. It's always a win-win. In this case Micol and I are off to a romantic getaway to Aruba and we were able to give back some bucks in support of a great cause." ESPN will air the 2006 ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic on August 13th at 11 a.m. (EST)
Golf started bright and early on July 11th as shuttles took the celebs and their guests from the hotel to the Lost Canyons Golf Club in Simi Valley. The event raised a record $1.1 million in net proceeds for the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research. Once everyone wrapped up there day of golf there was an awards luncheon and a night of entertainment at the ESPN Summer Fun Party, presented by SKYY, with live boxing on ESPN, a concert and DJAM.
Wrapping up the fun was all of the activities the night of the awards. The night started at The Red Carpet Party on July 12th, there were cocktails and eats and a chance to mix and mingle. The view and location made it the perfect pre-show meeting spot. Then it was off to walk the red carpet and head into the awards show to recognize and celebrate the sports accomplishments of some of the past years amazing athletes. The evening ended with an amazing ESPY Post Party presented by Miller Lite. All in all, a great few days.
Following the ESPY event, Ryan and Micol found themselves in sunny San Diego for the Comic Convention. Ryan was on had to promote the release of FD3 on DVD. He, Mary-Elizabeth and Director, James Wong treated fans to a great demonstration of the interactive features of the new DVD release, which is the first of its kind. The DVD collection allows the audience to affect the outcome of the film and its cast of characters. At several points in the film you can actually change how and when one of the characters will meet their demise. FD3 is now available at most retailers and online. Pick up your copy today.
OK…OK…so we have teased you now for several months, but this time it really has happened. Finally, after numerous delays due to cast and production schedules, "Home of the Giants" has finally wrapped up filming. With only four days of scenes to finish, it was beginning to look like HOTG might never get completed. It had to be done, the scenes left to shoot were pivotal to the story. Ryan is glad to finally have this one "in the can" as they say. Now editing can be done and distribution of the film can begin. Rest assured that all you Ryan and Haley fans out there will not be disappointed and it will be well worth the wait. Stay tuned for more news as it happens on this one.
Alexis proved to be a true fan when she successfully completed the trivia contest entry form, sent it on for processing and was randomly selected, from other correct entries, to be our winner. Alexis will receive a signed DVD FD3 set with all the special features and a personalized, never before released, headshot of Ryan.
The contest raised enough money to have Ryan match the contributions and purchase a bike for one lucky boy or girl, which will be given away Christmas. Thanks for all the support. You will help to bring a smile to some lucky kid.
Ryan will step up to the plate and come out swinging for a cause in Peabody, Mass. All you east coast fans who can get there should plan to be on hand. Members of the Peabody police force will take on the North Shore Old-timers for the 50th year in a row on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4th at 10 a.m. at Emerson Park in Peabody.
Since its inception in 1956, the event has benefited the Jimmy Fund and supported cancer care and research at Boston's own Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, making it among the oldest, continually running events to benefit the Jimmy Fund.
Last year and throughout its history, the annual baseball game has attracted many former big league athletes. These include: baseball players John Tudor, Johnny Pesky, Bill Lee, Rawley Eastwick, Chris Howard, Bob Tewksbury, Richard Gale and Rico Petrocelli; former Bruins Ray Bourque, Rick Middleton, Reggie Lemelin, Brad Park, and Bob Sweeney and former Celtic Rick Weitzman.
At this year's game, many of these retired players from Peabody and the surrounding areas are expected to be on hand. Sponsored by Pepsi, Outback Steakhouse, Celebrities for Charity, and Carrabba's Italian Grill, the event features plenty of food and activities including a performance by the USS Constitution Color Guard.
Police officer John Nelson said, "We expect this year to be more fun than ever and hope that everyone comes out to have a good time for a good cause."
For information, call Sarah Neukom at 617-632-5008 or visit www.jimmyfund.org
Ryan, along with good friends Randy and Kyle Earhart, took to the links at Pebble Beach on Monday, August 14th. Ryan bid on the trip at a recent fundraising auction for the Oklahoma Opry. The day was amazing and the views were spectacular. Ryan managed a very decent first run at Pebble, scoring 85 as he stepped off the 18th hole. A pretty impressive score according to Randy and Kyle who have mastered the course before. Micol rode in the cart for the first two holes and then bowed out to be treated to a very special spa day fit for a queen.
Effective immediately and as an effort to speed up our response to you, there will be a new mailing address to post your fan mail to. Ryan will receive it faster and can process it back to you quicker. The new address is:
Rock Steady, Inc.
C/0 Merriman
P.O. Box 271673
Oklahoma City, OK 73137-1673
Special thanks to Bob and Troy for the launch of the new website. Hope all of you enjoy the new look, information and photos. Visit often, chat with other fans and encourage your friends to keep up with Ryan via his new and improved site designed with you in mind.
Special thanks too, for all the hard work a very special group of fans put in to making the 2nd anniversary scrapbook for Ryan and Micol. Your gift was received and much appreciated. The poems, pictures, musical tribute and very special hand made cover was an amazing gift. Ryan and Micol got a huge kick out of it and can't believe how wonderful all of Ryan's fans are and how supportive you are, of not only his career, but his personal happiness too.