Artist Spotlight: Richard Raicik

Artist: Richard Raicik
Title: The Cove
Image Size: 16” x 16”
Medium: Watercolor
Frame: White Cap
Website: www.facebook.com/richard.raicik

It has been a while since my last post, and a lot has happened in the meantime.  From a global pandemic, to social unrest there has certainly been a lot to think about.  Which is also why it makes for a good time to take a break and look over at the art world. And while it too has been affected in many ways, and with a myriad of responses from different institutions and galleries, we are going to take a glimpse into one man’s journey through paint, study, and reflection to end in a happy place, at the Lyme Art Academy where his work and many of our customers are finding their first live show since the shelter-in-place orders began months ago.

Richard Raicik is a long time Connecticut resident.  He was an automotive parts manager, owned a printing business, and finally found his way into the art scene. His journey began in a humble place, painting the windowpanes of his home with charming scenes to entertain his family during the holiday season. Struck with an itch to paint more he tried his hand at making reproductions of classic Andrew Wyeth paintings. Eventually he found his way into workshops led by another Wholesale Framing friend, Bob Noreika.  With Bob’s mentorship and encouragement, he became hooked on watercolors and the rest is history.

Richard kept busy during the lockdown in Connecticut, painting even more than usual and experimenting with his technique, turning to more abstract shapes and playing with a limited color pallet. Inspired by artists like Frank Webb and Frank Francese, Richard’s aim is to “keep it simple.” When I asked what keeps him going, he noted “the challenge”, going on to elaborate about the idea of thinking in squares and shapes and less about the object itself. For reference material, Richard mentioned a website where he sources some of his inspiration.  Paint My Photo is an online treasure trove of images that can be used copyright free and for the purpose of art.  The challenge is that “sometimes you need to Americanize the boats”. Apparently, European boats have a slightly different build than American ones, noticeable to discerning boat enthusiasts. 

You can see Richards art and many other Wholesale Framing friends’ work hanging right now at the Lyme Art Association for the show Wind, Waves and Water: A Marine Show, June 26 – August 14. For more details follow the links below.  

Paint My Photo: https://pmp-art.com/

Lyme Art Association: https://lymeartassociation.org/exhibitions/current-exhibition/

By Julie Weaver