TMNT Raphael Figure

This acrylic painting is a tribute to one of my all-time favorite childhood toys, the original 1980s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Raphael action figure. Raph, the cool but crude brother, was always my favorite Turtle, and this figure held a special place in my collection. With its iconic green color, classic red bandana, and those oddly brown (but un-chewed!) plastic weapons, this toy embodied everything I loved about TMNT.

Painting in acrylic allowed me to bring out the rich, bold colors of the figure, capturing every detail that made it so memorable, from the slightly glossy plastic sheen to the tiny sculpted features that made these figures stand out.

This painting is more than just art, it’s a personal journey back to the late ’80s and early ’90s, to a time when I’d rush home to catch the latest TMNT episode, then spend the next day acting out the scenes with friends on the playground. Sadly, I sold my original Raphael figure to help fund university, a decision I still regret. But through this painting, I’ve reclaimed a piece of that childhood magic.

For anyone who grew up with the Turtles, this is more than just a toy, it’s a symbol of adventure, nostalgia, and the unbreakable bond between fans of the green machine. Cowabunga!