Richard McDiarmid

Richard is a signature member of both the Federation of Canadian Artists (SFCA) and the Northwest Watercolor Society (NWWS) and spent many years as a member of Painters at Painters, a prestigious B.C. artist’s peer group. His award winning paintings have been exhibited in solo shows, group shows and international shows including, The Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours, the Federation of Canadian Artists, the Northwest Watercolor Society (NWWS) and the Calgary Stampede Artists Studios. Examples of his paintings and articles have appeared in publications including Art Avenue and International Artist’s Magazine. Richard’s paintings can be found in commercial galleries and corporate and private collections in many countries worldwide.

The paintings include works in oils, acrylics, watercolour and mixed media. Images explore representational, semi-abstract and abstract interpretations.

A variety of forming processes are used to develop and energize the painting surfaces and determine subject interpretation. Subject matter can vary greatly and may integrate human activity and surroundings in a visual narrative that invites the viewer in, to discover and explore, to complete the story or continue the inner journey or experience. A love for the creative process itself, opens the door to inspirational possibilities at many levels. Subjective and objective responses engage thoughts, feelings and reaction to visual stimulus in the abstract patterns of light and the interactive nature of colour revealed in life around us. All layers of personal life experience and observation contribute to the creative expression.

Website :   www.paintedlightart.com           Email:  rsmcdhu@telus.net            

Facebook: Paintedlightart@RSMcDiarmid   Instagram:  PaintedLightArt

‘’Reflections and comments by Richard S. McDiarmid’’

“I grew up listening to many stories of our family’s rich pioneering history in British Columbia as well as adventures stretching across the country north and south of the border. Ranching, mining, and exploration were themes in these stories and marriages into the first nations communities created a mix of native traditions as well as old world references. From time to time, I have reflected on these as sources of inspiration and ideas for paintings.’’

 ‘’Although drawing was a favourite pastime during childhood, my early education and much of my adult life was spent working in a technical and industrial environment from mid 1960’s to late 1980’s. Almost fifty years have passed since starting a study of painting and art history in 1970. In 1989 I decided to pursue painting full time, working with commercial galleries and various arts organizations.’’

‘’ In spite of endless hours in the studio and thousands of paintings later, I am still driven to push some paint around, to continue to explore and respond to the endless possibilities for inspiration that are revealed in the process.”

"Our unique life experiences are multi dimensional tapestries of thoughts, feelings, words and actions. What we express and share with others, includes more than the visible -  a love for what we do fuels our growth and expanding awareness of life in general and a greater sense of purpose, not only in service to self, but also in service to others.’’

Art Workshops and Classes:

In addition to being a prolific painter, Richard is respected as an instructor and mentor to emerging as well as established artists. As a signature member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, his service activities have included positions at the board level, VP level, and contributions to workshop and educational programs. He has been instrumental in the start-up and administration of numerous studio art educational programs within the organization as well as with other local arts groups. Annual workshop instruction has included activity in Canada, US, Britain, France and Spain.

Watch Richard McDiarmid answering "What is the most challenging thing about being an artist?"

Watch Richard McDiarmid answering "What is your favourite colour?"

Watch Richard McDiarmid answering "What was your career before becoming an artist? And what made you change path?"

Watch Richard McDiarmid answering "How do you think art affects society?"

Watch Richard McDiarmid walking you through his solo show at Peninsula Gallery in year 2020 "Echos and Mixed Messages"

Watch Richard McDiarmid self produced video that reflected on his whole life and artworks