Biography
 

Richard Larson was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1946.  Growing up as a post-war baby, Dick quickly learned that fine art could be found within the rich architecture of the city, a philosophy he carries with him in his travels to this day. His first attempt as an artist came with the familiar "Can You Draw This?" matchbook cover.  He could, did and won a scholarship to the Art Institute of Chicago at the age of six.  It would be his last love-relationship with art until fate intervened many years later in a most unusual way. 

As happens to many artists in their life paths, tempting circumstances sidetracked Dick.  After graduating from Southern Illinois University with a degree in finance, Dick entered the world of business in the area of real estate.  Marriage and career in place, life seemed to resemble an Ozzie-and-Harriet movie.  However, a drive to see new places and a love of adventure found Dick flying marijuana from South America to the United States, a career move with the obvious drawbacks that left a three-year black hole in his resume.

As a guest of Uncle Sam, Dick adapted well.  Reviving his lost love for art, Dick secured a position in the recreation department as the orderly responsible for maintaining the art center.  For three years, eight hours a day, he sat at the easel learning and loving his art.  Coupled with a spiritual awakening that enabled him to reach from within, Dick's art began to evolve and continues to evolve to this day.  "My mission is to transmit a message to the viewers through my canvases, so that when they walk away, it is with an enlightened heart.  My paintings tell a story, not always the same to everyone, but a story, nonetheless, that will make a difference in their lives.   Color, composition and light, light, light.  That is what art is all about".

Dick has recently relocated from the Southeast to Park City, Utah, where he captures with his palette the monumental grandeur of the West.  He is currently painting a series of landscapes sacred to the ancestors of Native Americans.  His other subject/passions are children and seniors.  "Kids and old folks are our most special, but often unappreciated assets.  I love to portray them because they are so expressive.  Kids are candid, fresh and real and old folks simply don't care".