directions, but self-reflection and storytelling are always
present. Sometimes my work tackles personal narrative,
political issues, current events, etc. I can be cheeky -- as in
my Cheesecake Boys series, a modern, male twist on
classic pin-up girl art. Sometimes the commentary is far
from subtle, such as my Noah's Gay Wedding Cruise
painting that depicts my version of the biblical ark with
same-sex human and animal pairings and a sea of
drowning homophobic republican politicians. Other times,
the meaning is left to the viewer's interpretation, as with
the War Paint series.
Is it right that you mainly use photographic material to
create your figurative works?
Yes, especially now that I'm painting so thick, I have to
allow a lot of drying time between layers and it works best
for me to be able to have photo references ready
whenever I am able to paint rather than trying to rely on
coordinating with someone's schedule to come pose in
person. I also do a lot of sketching and playing around with
the images in Photoshop before I start painting too. It's a
balancing act between trying to orchestrate the feeling I
want the image to convey while still allowing enough of a
chance for random, spontaneous things to happen once I
start pushing around paint. I take a lot of my own photo
references, and I also will work with models from other
areas who provide photos for me to work with.
Can you shortly sum up how the process is for those who
might be interested in ordering a commissioned piece
from you?
I love doing commissions, especially in the War Paint style,
when I am able to connect with the subject or someone
who knows the subject well and can give me some insight
into who they are. I like to create portraits that reach
beyond the surface a bit and showcase the individual's
inner strength or other qualities. To start the process,
shoot me an email ([email protected]) and
let me know what it is you are looking for. I'll get in touch
and we can discuss the details. Typically I will ask for a
selection of photos of the person and I will work up a black
and white sketch showing my idea before we finalize the
arrangement. Original art, especially something so
personal as a commissioned portrait, is such a meaningful
and lasting way to honor the important people in our lives
and I love those opportunities.
Can you remember the first piece of art you created? Or
even your first drawing? If so, what did it represent?
When I was a kid, I was obsessed with Disney princesses especially Snow White. I would tie my little blanket around
my waist and frolic around the house singing Whistle While
You Work. Many of my first drawings were of her or other
characters from my favorite fairy tales.
You've been part of numerous exhibitions. War Paint
exhibition in Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science,
unfortunately, closes before this article comes out so is
there any other upcoming shows where people could see
your work?
I don't have another solo show scheduled yet, but you can
always see some of my work at Rossetti Fine Art Gallery in
Wilton Manors, Florida or at my studio, Brickbox, in
Columbus, Ohio. I have a number of group shows coming
up and I'm enjoying the chance to paint a variety of things
after spending the last couple of years focusing solely on
developing the War Paint concept.
What has been the biggest obstacle in carving your path as
an artist and what would you consider the highlight of
your career so far?
The biggest obstacle for me has been learning how to
navigate through all of the challenging experiences that
most artists encounter involving people who try to take
advantage of us in one way or another. I've had issues with
people ripping off my work and selling it on eBay, shady
galleries refusing to pay me after selling paintings, etc. In
all of these instances, I've had to learn how to stand up for
myself, which can be a difficult thing for a lot of artists,
especially those who are first starting out and may not
have the confidence yet to know they deserve better. I try
to use my YouTube channel (paulrichmondstudio) as a
place to share some of these stories to help educate
others who are going through similar issues. There have
been a lot of career highlights and it's difficult to pick just
one - within the past year, I've had two really memorable
opportunities: I was commissioned by James Franco to do
some paintings for a movie he was working on and I got to
go meet him when I delivered them to the set. My friend