Richard McKinley, PSA, PSWC-DP, NPS

Richard McKinley has been a professional working artist for 38 years and has over 35 years of teaching experience. In May 2010, he participated in the American Masters Exhibition at the Salmagundi Club in conjunction with a workshop he gave in Manhattan. His inspiring demonstrations and his ability to share his wealth of knowledge make his workshops very popular among students.

His work is represented in several national galleries and is in the permanent collection of the Butler Institute of American Art Museum. He is a frequent contributing editor for the Pastel Journal Magazine. American Artist magazine profiled Richard in their January 2008 issue with an article titled: "The Dance Between Artists and their Paintings", by M. Stephen Doherty. The July/August 2010 issue of Artist magazine features an interview by Christine McHugh titled: "Shimmering Water, Quiet Light". The Fall 2010 issue of Workshop Magazine featured an article by Linda S. Price titled: "Tackling Three Key Challenges of Plein Air Painting with Oil and Pastel".

His work has been included in several books including: "A Painters Guide to Design and Composition"; "Painting with Pastels"; "Pure Color, the Best of Pastel"; and "Sketchbook Confidential". A book that compiles years of his published Pastel-Pointers columns and blogs for the Pastel Journal Magazine titled: "Pastel Pointers, Top Secrets for Beautiful Pastel Paintings", was released in November 2010 and was an instant bestseller. All are North Light publications.

Two instructional DVDs: "A Studio Session, Pastel"; and "A Studio Session, Oil" have been produced by Artist Productions and F+W Media's artistsnetwork.tv released two videos on pastel painting in early 2010.

An avid plein air painter, Richard divides his time between painting the locations he is passionate about, reinterpreting those paintings back in the studio, and instructing workshops.

Personal Statement

"I was born in the Rogue Valley of Oregon, and spent my youth growing up with the rivers and mountains that form this special place. It is from these subjects that I receive inspiration."

Concerning induction into the Pastel Society of America Hall of Fame, "I am humbled to be in such company, and grateful to my mentors for the opportunities that have come my way. Every blank surface provides the same intimidation and every day spent painting, a new challenge. My goal is to capture a piece of the spontaneous dance of light across the palette of nature. I hope my pieces are like a glance when we see something that makes us linger for a moment."

Affiliations

Artist Member
Salmagundi Club of NYC

Signature PSA - HF
(2010 Hall of Fame Inductee)
Pastel Society of America

Signature PSWC - DP
(Distinguished Pastelist)
Pastel Society of the West Coast

Signature - NPS
Northwest Pastel Society

Signature PSO - MP
(Master Pastelist)
Pastel Society of Oregon

OPA
Oil Painters of America

Contributing Editor
Pastel Journal - F+W Media