Raphael studied fine art at NCAD between 1978 and 1981.
Since 1997 he has concentrated on painting still-life objects from life. He uses simple mathematical ratios to help place the objects within the picture.
The paintings are built up slowly with small measured units. This method and these ratios are used in an attempt to give the still-life objects some emotional weight.
Geraldine Stout’s take on Raphael’s work “Two Jugs” (below):
“It’s always at it’s best in the early evening light. I love to sit with a coffee and watch as the image comes into focus, a chance encounter between a plump, milky white jug and a slender copper pitcher on a spotless black surface. It evokes the intimacy of Burton’s ‘Meeting on the Turret Stairs’, the composure of a pair of courtly dancers, the antiquity of an old Master.
This is my four by two feet of order amidst chaos. It is my constant companion as I move from kitchen to the dinner table. It frames me on the computer screen when I Skype my daughter Nora, much to her displeasure. She had hoped I would get her a car for her birthday that winter of 2010.”
raphaelhynes 
Hi Raphael,
I met you a good while ago now not sure if you remember me, my name is Mick Timmins I have a Lithography studio in Dublin i m a good friend of both Anthony Collins and Louise Leonard.
I’m writing to ask if you would be interested in making a Lithograph at my studio I think your work would translate well to the medium, no prior knowledge would be required and i would look after all the technicalities printing etc.
have a look at my website http://www.independenteditions.com and let me know what you think.
I look forward to hearing from you
Best Wishes
Mick Timmins