Richard Merchán
Venezuelan born painter Richard Merchán draws from his life experience in the hot climates of his native homeland, as well as Miami and the California coast. The artist’s lifelong passion for oceans, swimming pools, the human figure and horses are immediately apparent. “Creating an illusion, a sense of being there, became more important than the subject itself. Whether it’s a figure submerged in the ocean or a stampede of horses galloping through the desert, the composition becomes an intriguing puzzle that must be solved. The technique follows accordingly.”

Merchan’s quest, like most artists, is to encounter new challenges. A series of investigations are always taking place in the studio. Sometimes old themes are recycled and new ones are born. “I’m hoping that by pushing the limits of the current (representational) work, that I break away, gaining access to a more abstract language.” Merchán’s works exhibit a deep sense of spirituality and tranquility.

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Bimini, 2001
oil on canvas, 84”x72”

Stampede VI, 2000, acrylic on canvas, 40”x54”