By Laney Gordon and Joan Merritt
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“My path as an artist has included sojourns into illustration, advertising, and design before finally emerging as a full-time fine artist and painter.
I’ve created images for companies like Campbell Soup and TastyKake, commissioned works for Bank of America and Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals, and fine art for many private collections like that of President Joe Biden.
Critics have said my style is reminiscent of 19th-century painters who used the richness of light and color to create atmosphere that could almost be touched. Painting outdoors, ‘en plein aire,’ is almost a religious experience for me. In that surrounding, I employ hard and soft edges selectively to develop the feeling of moisture, wind, and the warmth of the sun.
In the city, in the country, or working on a still life of antiques and florals, I get to the heart of my subjects with loose and bravura brushstrokes, elegant and evocative color, and a unique sense of mood. My portfolio includes images of barns, fields, and farm houses as well as more nostalgic subjects like the rugged bicycles I remember as a child. My personal interest in interior design and gardening has also informed my art to be decorator-friendly as well.
I am honored to be among a select few invited every year to exhibit at the famous Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show in Philadelphia. A personal achievement was establishing the Darley Arts Center, a gallery for visual artists and a center for art education and workshops, where I currently conduct classes.”
Rick will be teaching at the Delaware Art Museum starting in January 2026. He will be exhibiting at the JCC Outdoor Art Show May 16–17, 2026.
Rick’s work is in local galleries and international private collections. He is represented by Square Pear Fine Art Gallery in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania and Peninsula Gallery in Lewes, Delaware.
The Siegel JCC ArtSpace gallery and showcase are located in the main building across from the front desk. ArtSpace is open Monday-Thursday, 8am-7pm; Friday, 8am to 6pm; Saturday Closed; Sunday Open by Appointment.
