Richard Willows Studios

Richard was born and raised in Eastern Kansas. He had a love of drawing even as a child with a tendency to draw ships and sailboats, which is unusual since those are far and few between in that part of the country.

He received a BSE in Art Education from Kansas State Teachers College, Emporia, Kansas and worked two years at Washburn University toward his MFA in drawing and painting. His painting was primarily with acrylics and in the abstract style. He also was especially interested in life drawing and much of his time at Washburn University was focused on that. Richard also worked in ceramics, jewelry making and sculpture.

He taught high school art in the 70’s before finally going to work in industrial management for 24 years. During that time he became an avid sailing enthusiast and spent his free time at the lake, primarily Lake Erie, on his 38 foot C&C Landfall. Between the time constraints of work and sailing he had little tiem to pursue his drawing and painting, but managed to teach himself stained glass and made many pieces for his home and gifts for friends. Those pieces are still treasured by their owners.

In 1998 he decided there was more to life than the next promotion and retired on his sailboat. It was here that he got back in touch with his creative side. The sketch book was his companion when at anchor or in port. The year 2000 found him back on land with time to get back into the art community. He had always had a desire to explore the watercolor medium and he took classes at Pensacola Junior College. His love for the marine environment soon became evident in his painting and remains a major focus to this day.

During the summer of 2002, Richard began his affiliation with Quayside Art Gallery, serving as Chairman since 2005. In addition to exhibiting at Quayside, his work can be seen at Orange Beach Art Center and Foley Center for the Performing Arts.

In addition to being an accomplished watercolorist, Richard has other areas of interest. He has added art restoration of oil/acrylic paintings as well as restoration of pottery to his list of accomplishments. Another favorite pastime is the restoration and repair of antique clocks. Last but not least is his restoration of his 1958 Austin Healy 100-6.