J. Kirk Richards

"Within my artwork, I explore the nature and narratives of the human soul: the spiritual and the physical. My hope is that those who view my work will leave with a sense of wonder about the unseen world and an optimism about their own spiritual journey. "

Figurative artist J. Kirk Richards is known for his accomplishments as a painter of Judeo-Christian themes. While not all of his paintings are overtly religious, the majority of his themes stem from spiritual ideas and narratives. Most of Richards' paintings exhibit a love for the human figure, general use of symbolism and metaphor,and an emphasis on lyric composition.

Aesthetically, Richards' work is a fusion of the old and the new - ancient and modern - in a combination of rich, organic fabric juxtaposed with naturalist detail. He uses oil, acrylic, sometimes gold leaf, and a variety of textures with earthy/neutral hues, making the artwork appear to have been painted during the 14th Century Italian Renaissance.

Richards earned an art degree (B.A.) from Brigham Young University. He also studied under figurative painter Patrick Devonas in New Jersey. Kirk lived in Rome, Italy for two years where his love for art was further enhanced. Historical influences upon his art include Bastien-Lepage, Dagnan-Bouveret, Gustav Klimt, Edgar Maxence, Carl Bloch, Rembrandt, and Georges de La Tour.