Richard McKinley has been a professional artist for over 35 years and has been teaching for more than 30 of those years. A member of the Oil Painters of America, Richard has written many informative articles and his work is represented nationally by several prominent galleries.

Artist Statement

"I hope my paintings are like a glance when we see something that makes us linger for a moment."

Working very closely with nature "en plein air" on location has led to a much greater appreciation of the natural world around me. Photography, a useful tool, is not a substitute for being there and becoming a part of the exchange of nature, eye and mind. Light is the motivating factor — without it there would be nothing. Leonardo da Vinci was once quoted as saying. "You have but one master and that is Nature."

I was born in the Rogue Valley of Oregon and spent my youth growing up with the rivers and mountains that form this special place. It is from these subjects that I receive inspiration. My goal is to capture a piece of the spontaneous dance of light across the palette of nature. Working on location forces me to get in touch with the moment allowing no time for detailed studies of things. Most of my time now is divided between painting in places I adore, like New Mexico and the central coast of California, and my teaching and writing.

- Richard McKinley