Today we’d like to introduce you to John Richards

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

I grew up in the small town of Adams, MA. Subsequently. I received a B.A in Physics and an M.A. in Education from North Adams State College, now named the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts; I was married and moved to Williamstown, MA where we lived for 47 years. I taught High School Physics at Drury High School for 35 years, retiring in 2004; it was then that I started my art career in earnest. I developed a website and started selling paintings. (Up until then I had dabbled in art but nothing very serious.) Ultimately my wife suggested that I take lessons from accomplished artists and I started workshops through the Southern Vermont Art Center in Manchester, VT. It was there that I met Andrew Orr and Christopher Pierce, two of the best oil painters in the country. As time went on I became good friends with both of them and have learned about oil painting from them. During that period, I also studied with Leah Lopez, another excellent artist who has an atelier in New York City. These encounters all led me to practicing the techniques that brought me to where I am today; I own the studio/gallery, “Art on the Run” in Lamoine, ME (Near Acadia National Park) and practice my trade/sell paintings. My paintings are owned by collectors all over the United States and in Europe.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Most things in life are not a smooth road; we all fall victim to the “Human Condition.” But with perseverance, one can approach one’s goals. Early on, my art was a challenge; just trying to find a way to make my paintings public was difficult. Like all beginning artists, I faced many questions that were intimidating. How do I mix this or that color? What do I use for a medium?Will people like my art? Where do I show my art? What should I charge for a painting? How serious do I want to be? Will I get into a gallery? All of these things are challenges for the uninitiated but will fall into place if one sticks to it and improves. An example will demonstrate; my wife and I moved to Lamoine, ME in 2019. Physical problems with my back and legs made me unable to navigate our home in Williamstown, MA. We decided to move to downeast Maine to be near our daughter and her family. When in the Berkshires I had sold works at the Southern Vermont Art Center, The Lenox Gallery of Fine Art, and various art shows. When we moved to Maine I applied to many art galleries in the area and was rejected by all of them. So when we designed our house, we added a large room which would serve as my studio and gallery. I have some 40 paintings hanging and receive visitors who vacation in Acadia as well as online.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

I paint in oils on linen mounted panels. My style is realistic and I do seascapes, landscapes, and still life. The still life paintings are a result of the influence of Christopher Pierce and Leah Lopez while the landscapes are strongly influenced by Andrew Orr. Since moving to Lamoine, I’ve become noted for my seascapes; Acadia is a gorgeous place to paint as can be attested to by anyone who has visited here. I’m very proud that collectors enjoy my paintings enough to hang them in their homes and offices; having sold over 400 paintings since I started this quest, I feel very fortunate. I don’t feel that anything in particular sets me apart from other artists; I plug along daily with the same trials and tribulations that all artists face.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?

Having someone buy one of my paintings is support enough for me. Having someone like a creation you’ve worked on is very satisfying and keeps an artist going. I don’t generally collaborate with others other than talking about various concepts surrounding art. As Christopher Pierce says, “Painting can be a very lonely endeavor.” But I don’t mind that. It gives me great peace of mind to retreat to my studio, put on some music, and create.

Pricing:

• My selling Price range – $500 – $4,000

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.artontherun772.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/51MooseRun
• Other: Pinterest URL – https://www.pinterest.com/jrichardsjr/

Image Credits

John Richards