About Richard
Since the 1970’s this artist’s award-winning paintings have been exhibited in solo shows and group shows in Canada and the US and international exchange shows in Europe and Britain – ex. The Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours. Years of peer group participation include, the Federation of Canadian Artists (SFCA), the Northwest Watercolor Society (NWWS), the prestigious B.C. artist’s peer group Painters at Painter’s and the Calgary Stampede Artists Studios.
As a signature member (SFCA) of the Federation of Canadian Artists, his service activities have included positions at the board level, VP level, and contributions to workshop and educational programs. Examples of his paintings and articles have appeared in publications such as Art Avenue and International Artist’s Magazine.
He is respected as an instructor and mentor to emerging as well as established artists and has facilitated many workshops in Canada, US, Britain, France and Spain.
Richard McDiarmid’s paintings can be found in commercial galleries and corporate and private collections in many countries worldwide.
Artist Statement
“Studies in art history, painting and contemporary painting techniques, intensified for me in the early 1970’s while working in a technical field and raising a young family. After many years of field and studio painting, workshops, teaching, peer-group interaction, exhibitions and working with commercial galleries, I am still driven by a passion to explore and find new creative expression. To seek inspiration is to look and listen to the potential, often hidden, in the familiarity of our surroundings and daily life experiences. The visual offering of light and rhythm expressed in the world around us, includes our personal response to the moment, through our feelings, thoughts and personal symbols that we accumulate along the way.
I work in a variety of mediums including oils, acrylic, watercolour and the ever expanding arena of mixed media and forming processes. Subject matter varies greatly although often expressing the integration of human activity in landscape or daily life. The paintings that follow may evolve in a representational way or become semi-abstract or abstract expressions. I do not feel the need to reconcile this difference in painting intent.”
We all engage in unique and multi-dimensional life experiences and inspiration for creative expression is ever present in the ups and downs of life. Ultimately these energies are embedded in the tapestry of our lives and our individuality and creativity in whatever we do. Attitude, attention and the love and enthusiasm for what we do, as well as respect for others in our shared experiences, can fuel inspiration and continued creative potential. I am grateful to all who share their knowledge, vision and creative energy, along the way!”
Community Inspiration
Inspiration for painting has also followed support of local resources and services and the influence of a life-long interest in music.
