Richard Abraham

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As painter my goal is simply to represent on canvas how I see the world. I'm fascinated with the shapes and rhythms of nature. I conceive of my paintings as a collection of interesting shapes that fit together, and with a little luck the end result can convey something of the sublime. I've worked directly from my subjects or “plein air” for 16 years, and strive for the work to express an empathy for the unique qualities of a landscape as simply as possible.
Richard Abraham was born and raised surrounded by the beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. In 1998 he made the decision to leave a 14 year career as a designer and animator, and moved to Minneapolis to train in traditional oil painting techniques. He immersed himself in study: drawing and painting from the figure 5 days a week. He refined his craft while attending The Altelier, the Bougie Studio and H&P Studios.

During this time he painted landscapes on location or “plein air” for the first time and discovered a passion for the subtlety of nature. The challenge of working outdoors consumed him, and he hasn’t looked back. Seeking a connection and empathy to the places that he depicts, he scouts rural hide-a-ways to paint in Northern Minnesota, Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.

Richard has participated in plein air events around the country including the Laguna Beach Invitational and at the Telluride Colorado Event, in 2009 was Awarded the Hiawatha Artist in Residence by the National Forest Service. His art has presented opportunities to travel the world, painting in Italy, Mexico, and Prince Edward Island to name a few. Richard is currently the president of The Outdoor Painters of Minnesota, exhibits his work extensively and is represented in numerous private collections.
Affiliations

The Oil Painters of America
Outdoor Painters of Minnesota
St. Paul Art Collective
NorthEast Minneapolis Art Association