Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rich Gallego. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Rich, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I had a thirty year career in cancer research which ended when the lab I supervised failed to get a grant renewed. I had been wanting to paint full time for several years and the grant issue ended up being the impetus I needed to pursue my art full time. It’s been six years since then and I’m so glad I made the change! I love science but I find being an artist much more fulfilling.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Primarily, I’m a landscape painter. I’m a Plein Air Painter which means I paint outdoors on location. And I use those small studies as references for larger landscapes painted in my studio. Additionally, I teach workshops and private lessons. For several years, I taught one week workshops for the Taos Art School in New Mexico. I’ve also Taught workshops in southern New Mexico for Cloudcroft Art Workshops. And I’ve taught private workshops, which I organize from Hawaii to the eastern sierra Nevada range. And from time to time I’m asked to offer critiques for artists and individual paintings. So this is a service. I’ve also begun to offer. And as for how I started painting, it was an outlet, something of a hobby. But when my wife bought me a French easel and I took it outdoors that first time to paint well, I was hooked instantly. I remember thinking “this is the best thing ever” and I haven’t slowed down since then. Now, 22 years later, I see my job like this; everyone has struggles, the world can be a very challenging place, but if I can remind people of the beauty in our world, by painting, a landscape, if I can entice them to spend a few moments within the boundaries of the frame, maybe that enhances their lives just a bit. Maybe it puts people in a better frame of mind to handle life’s challenges. So that’s what I try to do and in the process I get to visit some incredibly beautiful places, I’ve made great friends, and I believe I’ve grown closer to God. So, for me, it’s been a positive experience all the way around. Regarding accomplishments, I’m proud of, this month I’ll be on the faculty of the pleinair convention and expo in Denver, Colorado for the third time. And for the first time I’ll be giving an on stage demo. Also, earlier this year, I went to Austin Texas to shoot two instructional painting videos for Streamline Publishing. They will be released later this year.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Well, in the short term, I’d like to be able to make a comfortable living, support my family, you know, all the usual things any responsible person would hope for. But, beyond that, two things come to mind; first, I’d like to add something unique to the existing body of knowledge painters have to draw from. Something heretofore unconsidered. And second, I would like to become a historically relevant painter. A hundred years from now, I’d love for some art teacher to say to a student, “You want to understand how to paint a landscape? Go check out the work of Rich Gallego!”

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Really, there are many stories that speak to my resilience, I suppose. I’ve done large works specifically for a particular show only to have it rejected by the juror. I’ve had pieces I know we’re strong fail to sell at galleries. I’ve had people say gratuitously harsh things about my work when it wasn’t warranted. But, I’ve never let it dissuade me from painting as I believe I should. An artist must have very thick skin because there is no way to please everyone all of the time.

Contact Info:

• Website: Richgallego.com
• Instagram: @richgallegofineart
• Facebook: Richard E. Gallego
• Other: Locals.com/Artscapes

Image Credits
Eric Rhoads