Spotlight on an Artist: James Richards
Meet Jim Richards, an internationally renowned urban sketcher, architect, author and teacher. Jim has written two books on travel and urban sketching, teaches online through Skillshare and leads workshops and retreats around the world — even crossing oceans in super yachts!
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
9/13/20262 min read
I first got to know Jim through Instagram and was lucky enough to meet him in person at a workshop retreat in Tuscany. We’ve been friends ever since.
I’m delighted he agreed to take part in my Spotlight on an Artist series - enjoy the read!
1. Favourite subject to sketch?
I love cities and their public open spaces—the “life between buildings.” I try to capture the energy of people enjoying streets, sidewalk cafes, plazas, urban parks, waterfronts—even sitting on seat walls, benches and grand building steps, chatting and watching other people.
2. Early bird or night owl?
Early bird. Writing three pages before dawn is my best creative discipline.
3. Colour you can’t do without?
Cobalt Teal Blue—it’s alive.
4. Can you sing?
I used to sing and accompany myself on guitar. When I was 50-ish I had a fever of 106 for several hours. It affected my speech for a few days and I haven’t been able to sing since.
5. One art supply you hoard?
My fountain pens. Reach for one at your own risk.
6. Favourite item of clothing?
Jackets with lots of pockets—especially vintage tweed, linen, denim, you name it. My current favorite was recently passed down to me by my first and best drawing teacher in university. It’s a vintage Oshkosh denim chore jacket. I remember him wearing it to class in the 1970s. I wear it every chance I get. A close second are my Stetson fedoras.
7. One item in your kit you couldn’t do without?
My sketchbooks. Current favorite is Etchr size B5, portrait, hot pressed. The smaller size feels less formal, encouraging me to jump in and draw with abandon.
8. Silliest art supply you’ve ever bought?
A battery-powered hair dryer to try to dry watercolor during demonstrations. Totally useless.
9. Funniest comment from a passer-by?
During one of my live demos during the USk symposium in Amsterdam, a visibly agitated local man approached and stood behind my group, watching me drawing. When I encouraged my group to relax, sketch quickly and draw over mistakes, he yelled loudly, “THAT’S WHY THERE ARE NO MORE REMBRANDTS!!” and stormed off.
10. Favourite motto, quote or saying?
“Some people hear their inner voices with great clearness. And they live by what they hear. Such people become crazy…or they become legend.” —Jim Harrison
Here are some of the great images Jim shared with us:
You can discover more of Jim’s work and teaching through the following links:
Latest book:
https://oroeditions.com/product/travel-artist
Website:
www.JamesRichardsSketchbook.com
Instagram:
jrsketchbook
Video classes / Skillshare:
https://www.skillshare.com/en/user/jamesrichards?srslid=AfmBOoq5ywJIGoEMW7fJjBC8tzc1V4SuV5BwQrIGWpaBdzEijADxt2ZO
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