Through illness at an early age with tuberculosis, Richard's mother would set him painting at the kitchen table to keep him occupied whilst off school.  He then took up an apprenticeship as a mason with Mr Leonard Williams who had an avid interest in art himself - his firm constructed the well known Barnaloft and Piazza in St Ives as well as the Craft Market.   During this period he became aware of such people as Barbara Hepworth, Alfred Wallis, Bryan Pearce and Ben Nicholson as there was much talk of the art movement in the local community.   After many years in the building industry Richard decided to take a new direction and paint full-time.   He particularly likes to paint scenes incorporating the towns and villages around the Cornish coast as they may be remembered on a bright sunny day.   The early influence of St Ives and its artists, and the use of Gouache and acrylic paints, have resulted in Richard's bright colouring of a scene, that give people pleasure and portray the towns and villages as he sees them.