Richard Barrett was born in Cardiff in 1963. He studied Ecology at Sheffield University followed by a brief career in teaching before deciding that his long term future lay with his interest in art. Moving back to Sheffield he started working for a major publishing company creating artwork and commissioning the work of other artists and eventually decided to commit to a career as a full time artist.
Time spent walking and sketching provides the starting point for Richard’s work. As the process of painting begins back in the studio, a more intuitive approach comes into play. Instinct and memories then guide the direction of the piece so that the finished painting becomes an expression of essence or of a place. The acrylic landscapes that evolve have an allusive, abstracted quality with the movement of wind and rain as well as the drama of shifting light on the land providing magical fleeting moments in an ever changing landscape.
Inspired as a child by the dramatic paintings of Welsh artist Kyffin Williams, more recently Richard has been influenced by the sheer scale, freeness and emotional energy of the landscapes and seascapes of Scottish artist Joan Eardley.
Married and living in Sheffield, Richard’s work has become highly sought after. As well as painting the Lake District, he also paints the Peak District, Norfolk, Northumberland and his native Wales.
