Rich Langdell's out-of-this-world spray-paint art will fit right in at this year's RadCon 6 Sci-fi Fantasy Convention, which is Feb. 17-19 in Pasco.

The Burbank artist uses the spray paint to create science fiction imagery, where the darkness of deep space provides just the right backdrop to the vibrant colors of various sized planets and stars. He will be demonstrating the craft at the convention.

He was introduced to spray-paint art several years ago when his sister-in-law bought a painting while visiting Las Vegas.

"From the first time I saw it, I wanted to try it and finally did a few years ago," Langdell said. "When my grandparents, who'd been to Mexico, saw my spray-paint art for the first time, they said it looked just like the stuff the kids in Mexico were doing."

Spray-paint art is believed to have originated in Mexico City in the 1980s, according to Wikipedia. Artists would set up their poster board and paint cans in public arenas, then start spraying. Artists began to copy the art style in the states a few years later.

"I was exposed to the arts growing up and loved it," he said. "It's how I always wanted to make my living. But then life happened, and I got away from art."

Langdell, who has a studio in Kennewick but lives in Burbank with his family, is one of those guys who has dabbled in a slew of professions, including firefighter, race car driver, rock guitarist, songwriter, record producer, stage manager, concert promoter and sound technician. He's also a licensed electrician.

But it's art that moves him, whether it's acrylic abstract paintings, photography, metal work, plaster sculptures or spray-paint art.

Then about nine years ago, his wife encouraged him to take up his art again as a way to keep busy after he injured his back. He still paints acrylics and shoots photography, both professionally and as a hobby.

When creating his spray-paint art, he uses utilitarian items, such as cans, milk cartons and other odds and ends, and places them on large pieces of canvas poster paper.

Then, using a layering format, he sprays his choice of color over and around each item on the paper. It's a process that is more enthralling to watch than cartoon artists sketching at a street fair.

"I'm usually drawn to the unusual in photography and painting," he said. Emotion definitely guides him, he added, whether it is spiritual or anger.

His paintings sell from $300 to $2,400, and his spray-paint creations sell from $10 to $50. He will have a selection of both at the convention.

The RadCon convention runs 24 hours a day Feb. 17-19 at the Pasco Red Lion Hotel. Registration starts at noon Feb. 17. Admission is $35. Kids ages 10 and younger are free with an accompanying adult.

-- Online: www.radcon.org.

*Dori O'Neal: 582-1514; doneal@tricityherald.com