Rick was born in St Cloud Minnesota in 1958.  He attended St Cloud State University and received a BFA in Fine Arts.  Rick also minored in Aviation Technology while working towards his degree in Fine Arts.  He joined the United States Air Force Reserves, and served for nine years giving him a chance to pursue his love of flying.  Rick still flies commercially which has afforded him the opportunity to travel and see other parts of the world.  Although he enjoyed flying, Rick decided to continue his education in the field of fine art.  This led him to attend The Minnesota River Valley School of the Arts, where he took portrait classes from it’s director Pat Jerde.  Rick has become a dedicated Plein Air artist,

                                     and always carries a sketch pad and a set of paints

                                     where ever he travels.  Even though he has

                                     traveled though out the world, Rick has settled

                                     back in Minnesota where he lives with his wife and

                                     two daughters.  Rick continually strives to capture

                                     the beauty in the world he sees around him and in

                                     particular the place he calls home.  His vision of

                                     what he sees, the play of light and shadow in

                                     nature, is evident in his stunning landscapes. 

                                     Whether it is a landscape, a handsomely designed

                                     still life set up, or one of his aviation art themed works, Rick manages to capture the rich and vibrant tapestry of natures canvas, and create a work of art that becomes a true gem in its own right.  Each painting that holds his signature is a work of distinction.  Rick’s paintings are proudly held in numerous public and private collections.  His work may be viewed at Kelley Galleries of Hudson, Wisconsin and Woodbury, Minnesota.