Ethnic Art & Other Musings on the Billabong

Billabong: An isolated pond that is left behind after a river changes course

Billabong: A Wiradjuri word that is used for an isolated pond that is left behind after a river changes course. (Source: Wikipedia)

Please note: Register for Rich’s Creativity Workshop scheduled for April 26th, 2014.


Rich Richardson - Ethnic ArtBy Rich Richardson

Hello!

Rich Richardson here – Illustrator, designer, mixed media artist, about to expound on art as he has expounded on it for 59 years, but privately more than publicly.

I am not an art historian. Chouinard Art Institute taught Draftsmanship, Design and Painting; not History and associated subjects. But I began viewing and reading about the great artists throughout the world.

It started with my delivery of the Saturday evening Post when I was 11 years old, and saw the work of the illustrators of the day, including Norman Rockwell.

At the time, illustrators were not viewed as well as they are today, however good drawing design and painting should be the goal of all artists!

“Traveling has probably been the most influential happenings in my 81 years across the world, and falling in love with ethnic art.” ~ Rich

Observation is also prime in the life of artists.

There is so much to see in the world, that’s why a camera is so valuable. The collection of photos has meant to much in my life – I love looking through them periodically and thinking about projects in the future.

Of course I’ll never get around to all the ideas, but I keep collecting! Now, of course, the computer is valuable with Photoshop providing all kinds of magic for your photos!

Traveling has probably been the most influential happenings in my 81 years across the world, and falling in love with ethnic art. Most of that art is derived from their religions or the animals in their surroundings.

“Dreamtime” from the Australian Aboriginals, which are simple and complex at the same time, with a few colors and (until recently) few implements to use, painted upon bark from trees. Nowadays brushes and canvas are used in a lot of cases.

Sculpture is every bit in almost all ethnic art as well as modern art. I love the vast array of art from realism to abstraction plus, without a doubt, the art of photography. Artists of all abilities should be bold and should never be afraid of failure.

Just scrub the paint off and start again, and HAVE FUN!

6 comments on “Ethnic Art & Other Musings on the Billabong

  1. Rich. I am so glad to see you including photography as both a resource and an art form. Your are such an inspiration. I for one have grown as an artist by observing your style(s) and your adventure in your work.

  2. It’s wonderful to think an old artist has some influence on young whippersnappers. I shall continue until I’m told to leave!
    Love you guys!,
    Rich

  3. I SO enjoy listening to your stories of all your travels, Rich. You are an amazingly talented artist … SUCH an inspiration in so many ways. I feel blessed to have made your acquaintance! 🙂

  4. Thanks for your comments…truly appreciated! Pat and I wish we could see you more often…we
    know Bizeeo keeps you incredibly busy plus your personal family and activities (like Callaway
    Gardens) However, would love to have you be my soue (?) chef one night for a dinner of, oh say,
    possum casserole! And soon!
    LOL,
    Rich

  5. If you want to benefit, first hand, from Rich’s expertise, think about taking his class. The link will take you to his “outside the Box 2” class that will be this Saturday at the Gallery.

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