Hanging with J. Kirk Richards

What a coincidence. Will Terry and I were at the Repartee Gallery in Orem yesterday, Dec, 7, 1941 2012, and who do you think just happened to be in there signing prints, and books and meeting some of his lucky fans?

That’s right, J. Kirk Richards, the wonderful Fine Artist and Illustrator, Known primarily for his contribution at Folio Academy I’m sure. Just look at some of his stuff.

Sometimes you gotta make a coincidence happen. You see, last week while I was in that same Gallery, hanging with Scott Gustafson, they told me Kirk would be there on Dec. 7. I was expected to go to a company Christmas party with my wife, but luckily her boss took ill and was admitted to the Hospital, so I could go with Will and enjoy some refreshments and bother Kirk. (PS, Just joking when I say “luckily”, My wife’s boss is home now and doing well and I would much rather he never took Ill, he is a great person and deserves health and happiness.) Kirk Richards is a friend of mine and we are so glad to have him as one of our contributing artists at folioacademy. Several people have taken and loved his Portrait Painting courseand love it.

J. Kirk Richards is a favorite among admirers of contemporary spiritual artwork. Richards attributes much of his love for the arts to an early emphasis on musical training in his parents’ home. Turning then from music to visual arts, Kirk studied with painters Clayton Williams, Bruce Hixson Smith, Patrick Devonas, Hagen Haltern, Gary and Jennifer Barton, James Christensen, Wulf Barsch, Joe Ostraff, and others. ~jkirkrichards.com

Kirk is a busy man, but we are glad he wants to add a few courses to the folioacademy library. He has a lot to share and he is a wonderful instructor. If you don’t already love his stuff, take a look and see if you don’t add the young and talented J. Kirk Richards to your growing list of favorite artists. PS he speaks Italian as a second language, how cool is that?

J. Kirk Richards

We got him! Another celebrated artist has come to Folio Academy: J. Kirk Richards!

Richards is acclaimed for his spirited portrayals of the human form, both in oil paintings, and stunning sculptures.

J. Kirk Richards lives in Provo Utah with his wife – who is an artist as well. They also live some of the year in pastoral Redmond Utah, where they spend their days in their country art studio. While Richards is fond of a variety of art styles, his work is prized most by those who are interested in spiritually-themed artwork. He has won awards in juried shows throughout the country, and his work is illustrated in many magazines, books, and film productions. His work is even present in two PBS documentaries. J. Kirk Richards fuses the old and the new with his works of art; symbolism and metaphor, and an emphasis on lyric composition bring the human figure to light.

The new video “Portrait Painting with J. Kirk Richards,” Is available for streaming on Folio Academy. In this hour and forty minute video, Richards will teach you all you need to know if your interested in painting portraits. From mixing oil colors and attaining accuracy, to filling rectangles with great design and composition, Richards will take you step by step through painting a beautiful portrait, even teaching glazing and finishing along the way!

The skill level for this film is best for ages twelve and up.