"Somewhere within all of us is a wordless center, a part of us that hopes to be immortal in some way, a part that has remained unchanged since we were children, the source of our strength
and compassion. This faint confluence of the tangible and the spiritual is where Art comes from. It has no known limits, and once you tap into it you will realize what truly rich choices you have. May each painting you do from that sacred place include an expression of gratitude for the extraordinary privilege of being an artist." Richard Schmid, 1998 - Closing paragraph from his book, Alla Prima II
Those words straight from Richard's own thoughts summarize why I have continued to hold him in the utmost esteem for many decades. On April 18 of this year, Richard left this
planet at age 86.
THE WAY HE MOVED HIS BRUSH
When Richard's brush moved across the canvas, it was like YoYo Ma moving his bow across the strings or like Coby Bryant fielding a goal. In his hand his brush had a life of its
own, caressing the canvas like a familiar lover. Indeed, it was Richard's love affair with the painting process that always yielded paintings full of life and wonder.
THE WAY HE KEPT HIS VOICE
A short bio on his website summarizes like this: "Richard Schmid had been a candid spokesman for what is known as the Grand Manner, a certain mingling of virtuosity and unrestrained joy in
art." When so many painters catered their artistic directions to the trend of the day, through dozens of art movements and attitudes about painting, Richard's voice remained true to his inner artist.
THE WAY HE SHARED HIS KNOWLEDGE
Richard's last book, Alla Prima II, has the subtitle "Everything I Know About Painting--and More". From the first word to the last of that tome, he opens up to us his
entire tool kit of how he approaches painting. Nothing is illusive or unreachable. He gives us everything we need to know.
And after sharing with us all this, he says to us: "Once you understand this, your task is to get in touch with yourself. Taken together, such insights may lead you to
know who you are and what this great experience of living means to you. Then put that in your paintings."
Enjoy a weekend of unrestrained joy in your painting!
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