On April 18 the art world changed forever with the passing of the great Richard Schmid at age 86. An internationally known and respected artist, Schmid was not only one of the finest technicians across multiple mediums and genres, but also a beloved husband, father, teacher, author and mentor. His art transcended generations with his classical style, as did the advice and wisdom he passed along to other artists.
Hobb Green Breakfast, 1994, oil, 10 x 18"
Schmid was an advocate for the “Grand Manner” approach to painting, which he is quoted as saying, “means painting in the most skillful and joyful way I can, and nowhere is this more possible than being in the great outdoors or painting a model or a still life directly from life in my studio.”
This way of working inspired his two books, Alla Prima, and the expanded edition, Alla Prima II, which combined are now in the 17th printing and acquired by artists and art lovers in 87 countries. His publications inspired a generation of artists to focus not only on the subject in front of them but painting from life and allowing a painting to have vibrancy and movement—both hallmarks of Schmid’s own paintings.
Richard Schmid, Sunday Morning, 1991, oil, 16 x 12"
To honor his life, artwork and legacy, his wife, artist Nancy Guzik, has created the worldwide virtual tribute Celebrating Richard Schmid. The event will take place October 2 and 3 with the assistance and expertise of colleagues Rosemary Thompson and Symi Jackson of Rosemary & Co. Brushes, as well as Yorkshire, England-based filmmaker Joe Hawkins. The event precedes what would have been Schmid’s 87th birthday on October 5. 
Nancy and Friends, 2014, oil, 16 x 24"
On Saturday, October 2, Guzik is inviting artists worldwide to participate in a virtual 24-hour Paint-A-Thon. Participants can paint anytime during the timeframe and then post their original paintings, a picture of themselves and a written tribute to Schmid. Everything will be showcased on a new website being created as a special tribute to her husband. The following day, from noon to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Guzik has planned special surprises, short films starring Schmid and online live painting sessions featuring top artists from around the United States who will honor the late artist.
Nancy in Scotland, 2004, oil, 24 x 36"
The Breakers – Ilse of Monhegan, 1964, oil, 12 x 18"
West Wind Fine Art will also be hosting an exclusive online event with three of Schmid’s pieces available to purchase from private collections: Hobb Green Breakfast, from 1994; The Breakers – Isle of Monhegan, painted in 1964; and the 1990 work White Begonias. The available paintings, as gallery owner Kristen Thies explains, are “rare examples of Richard Schmid’s artistic gift. Known as an American virtuoso, his florals, still lifes, figures and landscapes grace the walls of top collections worldwide.”
Orange and Yellow Lilies, print unsigned, 8 x 10" with white border. Images © Richard Schmid.In particular, Hobb Green Breakfast was inspired by a 1994 trip Schmid and Guzik took to Yorkshire, England, where they stayed at a Manor House and estate. Thies says, “In his book, Alla Prima, Schmid wrote, ‘I painted Nancy many times from life in similar settings, but since I could not bring myself to ask our hosts for permission to actually paint her in their dining room, this painting was done from a photo.’ However, Richard shared with me that he would seldom paint from a photo and always preferred creating his artworks directly from life.” The Breakers was painted from life during painting trips to Monehgan Island, Maine, in 1964, while White Begonias is an iconic still life that was done in his studio from the flowers that were a gift from Guzik.
White Begonias, 1990, oil, 12 x 20"
Thies says, “Richard Schmid was my dear friend for over 20 years, and I feel privileged to represent his paintings since 1998. I am creating this show to honor his legacy and his exceptional artwork. He was a magnificent man!” —
Celebrating Richard Schmid
October 2-3, 2021
24-hour Paint-A-Thon, Oct. 2
Special online events, Oct. 3, noon-6 p.m. EST
Virtual exhibition at West Wind Fine Art, Oct. 2-3
www.westwindfineart.com, www.richardschmid.com
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