Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Merchán.
Hi Richard, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
From an early age, born in Venezuela, I was aware of my creative potential but had not yet received formal art training.
My parents thought being a fine artist was something of a past era (Michelangelo, DiVinci, Mozart, Picasso, etc). I was brought up to think that getting a job would shape my career, but I learned that you must have passion to develop a career. And that a job is not a career. A job many times is WORK.
By the time I reached high school, I had moved to the U.S. and was living in Miami. It was there that I learned that art as a career, was possible.
Early college was a combination of general subjects and my introduction to commercial art, which opened the door to fine art and music.
In 1976, it was time to focus on an area of study. I enrolled at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design majoring in graphic design, illustration and fine art, simultaneously.
Minnesota became my new home. I experienced four beautiful seasons and a new and different culture than South Florida. I visited art museums for the first time… it was an incredibly exciting time.
After college, I returned to Miami to start a job in a publishing company but I continued my dedication and passion for painting as a fine artist during off business hours.
After serving creative positions in editorial, advertising and corporate marketing, my dedication to painting reached a point of no return.
I made several moves that were both culturally and artistically exciting: from Miami to New York City to San Francisco, with a return to Minnesota in 2009 as an accomplished visual artist.
Currently, I am represented by art galleries and have shared my work in solo exhibitions in NYC, San Francisco, Florida and Minneapolis.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One big learning for me was that my college education did not prepare me for what would happen next. As a young creative rookie, without “real-world” experience, doors didn’t open as easily for me – but if I knew someone a position to mentor me, things worked a lot better.
And even later, after acquiring years of experience I didn’t anticipate reporting to managers with less experience. That was painful but it also accelerated me to put more effort into my paintings and sculptures and move further away from the corporate world.
The advice I give to aspiring artists, even if it means working longer hours, is to never abandon your own creativity. Have two portfolios and always show your personal work to prospective employers. They need to know other creative aspects of your life.
The good news is that today, aspiring artists have the opportunity to intern in real work situations. And those opportunities are more available today than when I first started.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am known mostly for my representational themes. The artists who influenced me the most were the 19th-century French Impressionists including: Degas, Monet, Tolouse Lautrec, and later Matisse.
I am inspired by different subjects: the human figure, fashion, land and marine escapes, equestrian themes, portraits, florals and interiors.
My work is known for its loose strokes and vibrant palette. The combination of being a prolific artist and my style is what sets me apart.
My past corporate career, taught me to be a linear thinker. It prepared me for dealing with art galleries and collectors and the business side of fine art.
What’s next?
I want to sculpt larger scale pieces, publish more art books. I would also hope to produce feature films and documentaries.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: richardmerchan.com
- Instagram: richardmerchanfineart
