Inspiration
Richard Schmid
Richard Schmid A Great Artist and Teacher
The true giant of representational painting in the 20th and 21st centuries is Richard Schmid (1934-2021). Representational artists of my generation stand proudly in the art world today because of a few courageous and incredibly talented artists of the late 20th century. Artists who swam against the tide of Pop, post-modern, conceptual, and other mid to late 20th century movements and kept representational art alive. Schmid was not only a great painter; he was one of the most generous and gifted teachers of the fine art of painting.
When I graduated from college in 1972, color field painting, pop art, and a nascent conceptual art movement had conquered the art world. Realist art, my passion, was considered passé and no longer worthy of being taught in art schools, colleges, or universities. Even still, as a graduation gift to myself, I bought the book “Richard Schmid Paints Landscapes: Creative Techniques in Oil” and have referred to it for instruction and inspiration ever since.
My career choice took me away from fine art to a 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 was reignited. Schmid’s wisdom has been an invaluable part of that journey. His “Alla Prima: Everything I Know About Painting,” published just a few years ago, has been my Bible for understanding the representational painter’s craft. And although our styles are quite different, my work owes a great debt to what I learned from its pages. In it, he shares his commitment to accurate drawing, great composition, value, color, edges, and most importantly, using those tools in service of a clear artistic statement.
Schmid encourages artists to see the world from their own unique perspective and hone solid skills that are essential to expressing their experience and vision. He helps us to trust what we see and opens our eyes to see more deeply. He helps us slow down and be deliberate with every brushstroke yet still allow those brushstrokes to appear spontaneous and natural. He teaches that and so much more.
Beyond the craft, Schmid exudes the sheer joy of being an artist.
Thank you, Richard, for the beautiful gift of your art, your teaching, and your contagious artist spirit.
Richard Schmid continues to teach in many forms. RichardSchmid.com is the best source of Schmid’s great teaching through video and books, including his classic, “Alla Prima II.”
FAVORITE BOOKS
Great instruction and wonderful inspiration for all level.
Alla Prima II Everything I Know about Painting by Richard Schmid
Richard Schmid, the legendary artist, offers the ultimate guide for both aspiring and experienced painters. Drawing on his classical training and years of painting and teaching, Schmid shares the techniques and insights that have established him as a master of alla prima. With warmth, clarity, and authority, he makes complex concepts easy to understand. His lessons provide valuable guidance for artists working in any style. I strongly encourage you to add this treasure to your collection.
Alla Prima II Companion: Richard Schmid's Materials, Tools and Techniques
Richard Schmid's Materials, Tools and Techniques - By Katie Swatland. The path to creating great works of art begins with knowing the capabilities of your materials and tools.Contained within the pages of this book are detailed descriptions of the processes that go into the creation of a painting.
Luminous: The Art of Michael Lynn Adams
Check Price on AmazonPainter Michael Lynn Adams explores how his childhood nurtured his artistic curiosity and shares methods for creating luminous works, illustrated with over 95 paintings and drawings.
Lessons in Classical Painting: Essential Techniques from Inside the Atelier
Lessons in Classical Painting presents aspiring artists with the fundamental skills and tools needed to master painting in the atelier style. With more than 25 years of experience in ateliers and as an art instructor, Aristides pairs personal examples and insights with theory, assignments, and demonstrations for readers, discussions of technical issues, and inspirational quotes.
The Art of Still Life
The Art of Still Life offers a comprehensive, contemporary approach to the subject that instructs artists on the foundation basics and advanced techniques they need for successful drawing and painting. In addition to Casey's stunning paintings, the work of over fifty past and present masters is included, so that the book is both a hardworking how-to manual and a visual treasure trove of some of the finest still life art throughout history and today.
The Art Spirit by Robert Henri
"Art when really understood is the province of every human being." So begins The Art Spirit, the collected words, teachings, and wisdom of innovative artist and beloved teacher Robert Henri. Henri, who painted in the Realist style and was a founding member of the Ashcan School, was known for his belief in interactive nature of creativity and inspiration, and the enduring power of art.
Sarah – Richard’s style is unique but their are several imitators of the style out there. What i love about his instruction is that is doesn’t define a style but it suggest tools that enables artist to form their own style.
Jim – I envy your youth. Work on your craft. Follow your dream.
Peggi – Thank you. Nancy along with Molly and Grethchen Schmid make an wonderful dynasty. Just one more thing for which to be grateful to Richard.
slgreatsuccess – Alla Prima is definitely a classic. I look forward to his new Landscape book.
Stephen – I believe that each artist has their own unique voice, as do writers and composers. One of the difficulties in being an artist who loves and is inspired by other artist’s work is not to lose your own voice – point of view – along the way through the imitation of others. I also believe some artists sacrifice honing their craft in the guise of freedom and expressing themselves. Craft gives an artist tools to express your ideas clearly even when the ideas come from the experience of discovery as they create.
Good luck on finding that something different – just be sure it is your own.
I enjoy your blog and your single minded focus and inspiration, I myself hold on to representation yet accordingly with my uncontrollable revolutionary rebel spirit I seek to be somewhat different, which is so incredibly difficult to attain in this world of wonderful talent. Therefore, I seek creativity that can be solely my own and it is only this principle that I place above representation. I say this only in regards to sharing ideas and thoughts about art.
Michael,
Great blog. I found it via Nancy Guzik’s facebook page and was thrilled to read about Richard Schmid. His work has been such an inspiration to me the past several years. Thansk for introducing him to other painters.
Your work is wonderful. I’ve enjoyed reading your blog and look forward to more.
Michael,
Richard is an inspiration. Also, it looks like our lives took a remarkably similar path. I’m just younger than you are. 😉
I was just thinking the other day that in terms of artists, Richard Scmidt is at the pinnacle. His style of painting is unique, and I’m glad he is willing to share his thought processes with us.
Is the series article by Kate Swatland for sale by Prairie Press?
Georgia – Richard is the best and unique. There are many fine artists and many inspiring and articulate teachers. But it is a rare gift to possess both qualities. Richard does and we blessed that he does.
Gaye – thank you
Karlene – the Lessons are from Kate Swatland – She attends invitational workshops instructed by Richard. With his consent and active participation, she is putting together the series and selling them through her site.
Wonderful article. Richard Schmid is indeed a giant among us.
michael, couldn’t have said it better myself! I am so looking forward to Richard’s book coming out soon. Alla Prima is a continual source of inspiration and wisdom. Richard’s genuine joy is contagious and makes me want to be a better painter, to see and express my world more clearly. So many of us artists owe a great debt to his significant contribution to painting and the love of art. hope many more people discover his genius through your words. thank you : ) georgia