Painter
Richards career in advertising and sales promotion with major London agencies (frustratingly as a 'suit' rather than a 'creative') left little time to pursue what started as an annual holiday pastime whilst visiting his wife’s family in Guernsey. Richard managed to sell his holiday paintings through a local gallery, enough to fund materials for the following year. Finally, in 1988, Richard and Jan moved to Guernsey where Richard continued his career with Advertising Agency Wallace Barnaby until retiring in 2001 to settle permanently in the island.
Soon after joining the Sarnia Arts & Crafts Club Richard held his first joint exhibition at St James Gallery, with local watercolourist and fellow club member Tony Taylor. It resulted in encouraging reviews, sales and commissions.
Richard regularly enters work into the Guernsey Eisteddfod gaining 'Honours' Certificates and twice winning the prestigious Sir Havilland de Sausmarez cup for 'Excellence in Senior Art'. He also exhibits regularly with the Sarnia Arts & Crafts Club, has served three years as Club President... and is still an active member.
The majority of Richard's work, in all mediums, is mostly of local Bailiwick subjects trying to avoid the too familiar picture postcard scenes preferring to capture unusual viewpoints and subjects. His recent work reflects 'Bygone Guernsey' in a series of line and wash watercolours, putting his own colour interpretations into scenes of old Guernsey. His style is unashamedly traditional whilst not being wishy-washy in any way. A strong sense of colour dominating his work.
Richard has prints and originals of his work hanging in the Princess Elizabeth Hospital as well as in Guernsey's leading boutique hotel, The Farmhouse. He would like to see more use of his and other local artists' work displayed in public buildings, hotels and restaurants. He would also support any initiative for additional gallery space, States or commercially sponsored open studio/art events, art tourism etc. and welcomes the GSYART project.
Over the last few years Richard has embraced technology and produces his own digital prints to a high standard for sale through locals art and gift shops. He remains convinced that pricing must be realistic in the belief that he would rather someone could afford his work and enjoy it, rather than it remained stacked up in his studio gathering dust.
