Richard Schmid “North Garden Peonies” 18x18 2006
This painting is Richard Schmid’s “North Garden Peonies” the subject of a recent lesson from the series “Learning from Richard Schmid” by Katie Swatland. (used with permission)
Representational artists of my generation owe our ability to stand proud in the art world today to a few courageous and incredibly talented artists of the late 20th Century. Artists like who swam against the tide of Pop, post-modern, conceptual and other mid to late 20th Century movements and kept representational art alive. For me a true giant of representational painting is Richard Schmid. Schmid is not only a great painter, since the early 1970’s he has been one of the most generous and gifted teachers of the fine art of painting.
When I graduated in from college in 1972, color field painting and pop art and a nascent conceptual art movement had conquered the art world. Realist art was my passion, but was considered completely passé and no longer worthy of being taught in art school. However, that same year, I bought the book “Richard Schmid Does Landscape Painting” and have referred to it for instruction and inspiration for close to four decades.
My career choice took me away from fine art to career in graphic design and marketing communication. The passion I had for representational painting, although set aside, still smoldered inside. In recent years that passion reignited and Schmid’s wisdom has been an invaluable part so that journey. His “Alla Prima: Everything I know About Painting” published just a few years ago has been my bible for understanding the representational painters craft. And although our styles are quite different my work owes a great debt to what I learned from its pages.
Although Schmid does not teach in manner of the atalier system, he shares with that system a deep commitment to accurate drawing, great composition, value, color, edges and most importantly, using that tools in service of a clear artistic statement.
Schmid shows us how to see the world from our own unique perspective and use solid skills to express our experience and vision. He helps us to trust what we see, and opens our eye to see more deeply. He helps us slow down and be deliberate with every brush stroke yet still allow those brushstrokes to appear spontaneous and natural. He teaches that and so much more.
Beyond the craft, Schmid exudes the shear joy of being an artist.
Thank you Richard for the beautiful gift of your art, your teaching and your true contageous artist spirit.
Richard Schmid’s continues to teach in many forms – in person, on DVD and in through his books:
Stove Prairie Press – A Richard Schmid publishing company is the source of Schmid’s great teaching DVD’s, lithographs and books including his latest, “Landscapes,” to be released in November 2009.
“Learning From Richard Schmid” - A series of lessons, photographed, transcribed and compiled by artist Katie Swatland, reviewed and supplemented by Richard Schmid, is wonderful addition to the Richard Schmid library.
FOR THE RECORD – Only my heart profits from the sale of any of Richard Schmid’s DVDs, books or work. It simply pleases me if I have introduced you to Richard Schmid or reawakened your interest in his painting and teaching.
