Biography

Richard received formal training in Fine Art and Illustration at Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan. While at Kendall he was invited to study at the Royal College of Art in London, England. There he gained experience in plein air painting and found direction in his work as an oil painter. He graduated from Kendall College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1995 and moved back to his home state of North Carolina to pursue his dream of becoming a professional artist.

The natural beauty of Western North Carolina has proven to offer infinite inspiration for Richard's impressionistic landscapes. From rolling mountains to abundant waterfalls, the majestic Biltmore Estate to a simple farm scene, this region evokes the artist’s muse. Richard finds inspiration not only at home but in his many travels. He has painted all over the USA and has recently spent six months living and painting in Brittany, France. Whether at home or abroad, Richard surrounds himself in the elements of the scene while painting, in true "en plein air" fashion. In the studio, his sense of vision and mood guide him to produce still lifes ranging from the classic to the imaginative.

Richard's purpose in painting is to provoke the viewer to interact with his pieces. His paintings are his voice, and stroke by stroke, he composes a whole that relates his vision. Richard works in oil on linen, a medium compatible with the passion he puts into his creation. He strives to achieve a mood in every painting through the use of such visual stimuli as color, edges, value and drawing. He has derived his style from the lifelong study of past masters, the influence of contemporary painters he admires, and elements that have evolved from deep within himself. He allows the setting to speak to him, creating only as many brushstrokes as are needed for the viewer's eyes to understand and connect.

2008-present Crescent Gallery; Spartanburg, South Carolina

Exhibits

2000 Three Person Show; 16 Patton
2001 OPA National Exhibit; Palm Springs, Califorina
2002 OPA National Exhibit; Chicago, Illinios
2002 Three Person Show; 16 Patton
2002 OPA Regional Exhibit; Richmond, Virginia
2003 Solo Exhibit; 16 Patton
2003 Paint-out Exhibit at Hamilton Gallery; Montreat; NC
2004 Best and the Brightest Show; Scottsdale Artists School
2004 Two Person Show; Ella Walton Richardson Gallery
2005 2nd Annual Plein-Air Show & Sale; Germanton Art Gallery
2005 Minature Show; Germanton Art Gallery
2006 3rd Annual Plein-Air Show & Sale; Germanton Art Gallery
2006 Richard Oversmith: New Work; 16 Patton
2006 Minature Show; Germanton Art Gallery
2007 4th Annual Plein-Air Show & Sale; Germanton Art Gallery

2007 Plein Air Perspectives; The Art Cellar

2007 France: Village to Sea; 16 Patton
2008 From the Home and Garden;  The Wells Gallery
2008 PAPSE Annual Paint-out and Sale;  Anderson Fine Art
2008 OPA National Exhibit;  Dana Gallery - Missoula, Montana
2008 Bold and the Beautiful;  ACofHC Hendersonville, NC
2008 Contemporary Visions: Portrait and Still Lifes;  16 Patton Gallery
2008 Group Figure Show;  The Wells Gallery

2008 Two Person Show;  The Wells Gallery

2008 Miniatures and Pochades: 16 Patton Gallery

2008 Landscapes: Of Hope and Glory;  16 Patton Gallery

2009  Salon International 2009,  Greenhouse Galery; San Antonio, TX

2009  Richard Oversmith: Recent works, Solo Show;  16 Patton Gallery

2009  5th Annual Plein Air Easton Show; Art Academy Museum, Easton, MD

2009  South Lands and Still life, Solo Show; The Crescent Gallery

2009  Paint Wilmington 2009, Group Show; Walls Gallery

 
Articles

2007 August Issue:  From Village to Sea; American Art Collector Magazine
2007 August Issue:  In Plein Sight; Bold Life Magazine
2008 June Issue: Richard Oversmith Captures Moments in Light; Rapid River Magazine

2008 December Issue: Richard Oversmith Cover Artist; The Laurel of Asheville Magazine

2009 Sumer issue: Plein Genius; Carolina Home and Garden Magazine            

Awards

1990 One year Merit Scholarship, Kendall College of Art and Design
1993 2nd Place in CMYK Magazine Digital Image Competition
2000 Shirl Smithson Scholarship (through OPA) to study with T. Allen Lawson
2004 Judged signature memmber of Western North Carolina Pein Air Painters
2008 1st Place at the Southern Light Plein Air Paint-out 

2009 Peoples Choice Award,  Banner Elk Greenway "Paint Out" Event