About

My paintings are my observation of nature. Through landscapes and abstract works, I paint moments in nature that stop me and make me take notice.

The landscapes are specific moments from places where I live, visit, or travel through. I want to capture moments of awe or moments of tranquility, and I’m drawn to both the sea and countryside. A glimpse into nature – the lay of the land or the rhythm of the ocean, the effects of light and atmosphere, the sense of place – is what I want to depict. Using photographs and memory, I bring information to the studio and proceed to paint the scene that captured my attention. I imbue my painting, mostly oil on canvas or paper, with the feeling I had at that moment.

My abstract paintings are also glimpses of nature. Some of these paintings read as landscapes of a different world, a wondrous space. Others are about the more intimate aspects of nature, a close look at one element. The randomness and the regularity of natural phenomena capture my attention. Patterns of light and shadow, reflections on surfaces, rhythms of tides and ocean currents, I interpret abstractly.

I am also fascinated with clay and the myriad of possibilities in form and surface that are possible with ceramics. A diversion from my painting studio, I make containers, and vessels, both hand built and thrown. My shapes are organic, and I assemble these objects with coils and slabs or use traditional wheel techniques. Glazing these objects speaks to the painter in me, though this “painting” process is delayed in its result until after firing and is full of surprises. Just like nature.

I enjoy living and working in New York City and in Millbrook, New York and have been making art for many years.

Richard Orient is represented by the George Billis Gallery.