Richard developed an interest in nature at an early age by going camping and fishing with his family. His mother was an avid bird watcher and his father took him fishing often. Fishing helped him develop patience and an eye for doing landscapes. Richard attended The Ringling School of Art and Design, where he fine tuned his eye for landscapes and developed the ability to put what he saw on canvas. He did well in his landscape and drawing classes. Richard is also known for his Tronpe-loeil paintings which he started in 1977. Trompe-loeil roughly translates "To Fool the Eye". His paintings are so realistic that people go up and touch them. Most people are surprised when they find them to be only paint on canvas. People find Richard's landscapes to be relaxing and his Trompe-loiel pieces thought provoking and fun.