Artist, teacher and author Richard Schmid was a beloved figure to countless artists working in the genre of contemporary realism. The author of Alla Prima: Everything I know about Painting, a go-to instructional book for representational painters, and a firm believer in the benefits of painting in groups, Schmid was known for his passion for art, teaching and life. An artist of international renown, he was lauded as a painter’s painter who masterfully applied his classical style across mediums and genres. Among the many words of wisdom Schmid imparted to his students were these, “Make your art a gift of inspiration to others to work toward better things.”
Judy Stach, Sail Sail Away, oil, 12 x 24"
In the first public showing of his work since his passing in 2021, Schmid’s paintings will be shown alongside those by three of his protégés—his wife Nancy Guzik, Judy Stach and the late Timothy R. Thies.
Presented by West Wind Fine Art, Inspiration will be on view at the Bruder House in Keene, New Hampshire, October 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and October 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Guzik met Schmid at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, and continued to develop her talents under his tutelage at the Palette & Chisel Art Academy.
After a decade of friendship, the two married in 1998 and, along with several other artists, went on to found the invitational painting group the Putney Painters.
Richard Schmid (1934-2021), Sunday Afternoon (Nancy ), 2002, oil, 12 x 20"
“Richard believed and would often express to us that the knowledge we acquire from masters and teachers is not something we own but rather a responsibility to pass along,” says Guzik. “There is room for all of us. This perspective has impacted myself, as well as a global community of artists. It is breathtaking to see on social media, artists sharing and inspiring each other worldwide.”
One of Guzik’s pieces in the show is Samantha in White which depicts her granddaughter in profile. “Richard taught me to see how much color is in white, both in the lights and shadow areas, so once I drew the shapes, I had a lot of fun with the color,” she says. “I love painting hands, and with Samantha,I designed an interesting pattern of her white dress and the values of her hands joining together. I knew I wanted the background simple, bringing her and the white dress forward.”
Timothy R. Thies (1854-2010), Peonies and English Lace, oil, 8 x 16". ©Timothy R. Thies
Although aware of him many years earlier, Judy Stach met Richard, Nancy, West Wind Fine Art owner Kristen Thies and her husband Timothy Thies in 2000 at the Southern Vermont Art Center where Schmid had given a tutorial. “My life as an artist hadn’t received this degree of problem solving until this demonstration,” says Stach. She had found her mentor and a friendship was born that included Nancy, the Thies and many other artists.
“There are so many ways that Richard has influenced my art, my approach to art as my life’s work, and my view of life’s journey for me and fellow artists that I could spend many hours and still not express them all.” Schmid got Stach out of the studio to practice painting from life. “I credit much of my transformation toward plein air to working alongside of him, and watching him start and develop a painting,” she says. Schmid’s commitment to philanthropy also inspired Stach to start the Plein Air Painters of the Jersey Coast which has helped fund social needs in the area for over 20 years.
Nancy Guzik, Samantha in White, oil, 14 x 11"
When choosing a painting for the show, Stach knew it would feature “sails finding the wind.” Schmid had once asked a group of artists what they would paint if it was the last one they would. “My immediate answer was ‘the wind." When he asked her to elaborate, Stach said, “If we are here on Earth, it is our responsibility to leave behind a job well done. As we head out to find the other side, I see the only way to go would be in the wind. 'I understand,' he said. 'It is a God Thing.' Someone is waiting on the shore ahead." —
Bruder House 349 Main Street • Keene, NH 03431 (603) 499-6838 • www.westwindfineart.com
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