Richard Want
Richard Want was born in Ashford Kent in 1960. From an early age his artistic ability was nurtured by his family, and as his talent developed his ability to see the extraordinary in every day things became a useful tool in both his Design and Tattoo work and in his Surrealist paintings.
Initially trained as an Engineer, not only was Richards talent recognised as an artist but also in the design and building of custom ‘chopper’ motorcycles, where throughout the 1980’s and 90’s his bikes won many prizes at local and National shows.
He left engineering to focus on his work as a professional artist where not only did he design artwork for the music industry on occasions but also became well known for his Painting, sculpting, engraving and Freehand tattooing skills. Richard closed his design business in 2000 to concentrate on painting and his love of fine art. Richard has since gone on to qualify with BA (Hons) Fine Art and is currently studying for his Masters in Fine Art, finishing in September 2014.
Richard’s love of motorcycles and open spaces has been a huge influence on his work since 2000. Taking to his motorcycle and Riding around Romney Marsh studying the rise and fall of the sun and its effects on the surrounding countryside. Influenced by the work of such greats as J.M.W. Turner and Paul Nash, Richard now paints ‘plein air’ taking his easel and canvas into the landscape and painting, directly reacting to the environment. This interaction is creating new and exciting works from this long established artist. Although traditionally painting with oil paint Richard is now focusing his attention on the acrylic medium generating delicate balances of colour with his technique and keen eye.