Rick Taylor
Artist Summary
Rick Taylor is a Mississauga realist painter with a diverse range of subjects. Recently his interest has been focused on urban scenes. His accurate depictions of Toronto have a stylish and engaging contemporary feel, while remaining faithful to the subject matter.
Full Biography
Rick Taylor was born in Fergus, Ontario. Even as a preschooler he loved to draw. His father, Leslie Taylor was a local sign writer, painting innumerable trucks, awnings and banners.
Rick taught elementary school for 27 years, while enjoying a lively and productive career as an artist. In 2000 he left teaching to pursue a full time career as an artist. His new work was quickly picked up by a number of collectors and Rick was soon represented by Artworld Fine Art (now Donna Child Fine Art), Nancy Poole’s Studio in Toronto, River Coyote in Port Credit, Gallery Streetsville, the Westmount Gallery and the Gallery on the Grand in Waterloo.
Rick is an avid traveler and has painted and sketched in the U.K, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Mexico, North Africa, Hawaii, South American, Israel, Egypt, and also throughout Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes. Algonquin Park is a favourite location. In May of 2004 he fulfilled a lifelong dream and visit Arizona to paint the desert. The summer of 2005 was spent painting in Newfoundland.
A lifelong learner, Rick has attended art classes at Humber College, Sheridan College, O.C.A.D., York University, The University of Guelph, Sheridan College, Neilson Park Creative Centre and Springbank Visual Arts Centre. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
CV.
Elementary teaching certificate, Lakeshore Teachers College, 1969 Painting Certificate, Humber College, 1975.
Bachelor of Arts, York University, 1978. Exhibitions:
Various group shows including the Springbank Artists Group and numerous members shows with the Etobicoke Art Group.
2011 Diversity in Art, Artworld of Sherway.
2013 Night and the City, one person show, Artworld of Sherway.
2016 Art in Transit, Artworld Fine Art.
2016 Figurative and Portrait Works, Neilson Park.
2015 Winner, Second Prize, Neilson Park.
2016 Winner of the Peoples’ Choice Award, Neilson Park.
2016 Figurative Expressions, Visual Arts Mississauga.
In early 2014 the Government of Ontario purchased four of Rick’s canvases for the permanent collection.
Artist’s Statement
“My preoccupations are similar to almost every artist, colour, form, value, and all of these interests are shaped by play of light on whatever I’m painting. I occasionally seek out subject matter, particularly through travel, but more often than not, I stumble on to something I want to paint or my imagination wanders.
Sometimes the scene or object that catches my eye is obviously beautiful, but it can just as easily be something quite simple and part of everyday life. The key is to experience an emotional engagement with the subject and then try to share that feeling with the viewer.”
Rick Taylor
