Rick is a long-time painter of California land – and seascapes. An exuberant calligraphy and vibrant color is his stylistic hallmark. The poetic simplicity of his work mirrors Aristotle’s philosophy: “The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.”
Recently, Rick’s awards include “Collectors’ Choice’ and “Sponsor’s Award” at the 2009 Sedona Plein Air Festival. He has been an invited artist at both the 10th and 11th Laguna Beach Invitationals, was awarded Best of Show at 2008 Borrego Springs Invitational, and twice received first place in the “Paint SanClemente” competition. Rick has been an invited artist at the Crystal Cove Alliance’s art exhibition for preservation of the State Park’s cottages. He has exhibited originals at the Laguna Museum of Art, Mission San Juan Capistrano, and San Clemente’s Casa Romantica Cultural Center Center.
Professional organizations: Artist Member of Laguna Plein Air Painters Assn.(LPAPA), California Art Club, Southern California Art Assn., Southern California Plein Air Painters, and Christians in the Visual Arts (CIVA), as well as the American Society of Marine Artists.
Style and Technique: Rick works both in the studio and outdoors, believing that studying his subjects from life--as both a painter and draftsman--brings creative authenticity to his work as a contemporary realist. Smooth surfaces of hardboards and sintra boards are used to emphasize brush strokes and gestural movement.
“It is my intent that those who connect with my work will be uplifted, to reflect on the original works of God that surround us. I paint because I experience a personal connection to the beauty and power of God's Creation whenever I study it. An original piece of fine art evokes similar emotions for the collector, and continues to express that same natural magnificence for generations. An original painting changes a room to a living space, and takes the collector time and again to a particularly personal place.”
