Richard Alexander

In 2009 Rich Alexander had the good fortune of meeting Illustrator Alan Reingold while Rich was designing the 9/11 firefighter Memorial in Mt. Kisco, NY. Alan encouraged him to attend his portrait classes in Mt. Kisco and at Parsons School of Design in NYC. After working with Alan for two years Rich met fine artist Geoff Barbey who instructed Rich in oil painting at his Dobbs Ferry Studio. Geoff introduced Rich to famed landscape painter John Osborne who taught traditional painting at the Ridgewood Art Institute in Ridgewood NJ and Rich has been painting at the Ridgewood Art Institute ever since.

Rich is a trained Draftsman and owned and operated a Sign Company, hand lettering signs and trucks with lettering enamels. In 1986 Rich became a New York City Fire Fighter. During his 21 year career with the FDNY Rich designed, built and painted dozens of firehouse tables all over New York City, painted murals on firehouse walls and designed many company logos. Most tables have elaborate hand painted murals and are covered in clear epoxy which will last many lifetimes.

Rich describes his transition from working in some of New York City’s busiest fire houses to working in some of the best studios around as “One of the most exciting things I’ve ever done, I’m blessed to have this opportunity. I’m drawn to anything creative, when I was in high school my father and I restored a 1958 corvette. That experience left an indelible impression. Witnessing the transformation of a broken down, dusty old non-functioning classic vehicle to an award winning sports car was awe inspiring.”  Rich has renovated houses, designed Granite Memorials, and designed developed and managed production of residential lighting. “I’ve had a good run of creative experiences over the years, oil painting however has captured my heart and changed my life. I can’t imagine doing anything else. I’m devoted to developing my skills as an oil painter. The parallel between the comradery I experienced in firehouses all over New York City and the comradery I see in the studios is captivating. People helping people.” Rich is drawn to seascapes and landscapes but loves still life work as well.

Awards

2010 USSC International Design Competition, Multi Media, First Place

2013 Gamblin Oil Paints Torret Grey, International Oil Paint Competition, Honorable Mention

2015 Lukas Oil Paints International Winter Painting Competition, 3^rd Place

2015 Gamblin Oil Paints Torret Grey, International Oil Paint Competition, Honorable Mention

2017 Lorainne Minetto Memorial Award, Ridgewood Art Institute

2018 Ridgefield Guild of Artists Honorable Mention, Juror Susan Powel

2018 Oil Painters of America “Colorado Rocky Mountain High” Wet Paint Competition. Award of Excellence.

2018 Ridgefield Guild of Artists 41^st Annual Juried Show 3^rd Place Denise Bibro Juror, Denise Bibro Fine Art NYC

2019 Ridgewood Art Institute 39^th Annual Juried Show, Blick Award

 

* This statement has been provided directly by the artist in association to their 14^th International ARC Salon entries. This content has not been edited for typos or grammatical errors and has not been vetted for accuracy.