Nude Figures
At the Slade, drawing from the nude was an intense course and Richard won a prize for his work. However, when left to himself, his nudes were often somewhat attenuated and softened.
When he started painting beach scenes, naked figures would often appear among fully clothed groups... the play of shapes and tones varied the surface and often gave liveliness and humour as well as an occasional gravitas.
It is the presence of nudes, overt and hidden, that often adds the element of strangeness to the paintings in the set we call 'Strange Pictures'.
Outlook Through a Window (1984)
oil on board - 59h x 62.3w (cm)
This strange picture of an empty room with the two nude figures feels quite claustrophobic with the lack of sky outside. The usual case of the interior being darker than the outside is reversed.
The Shower Bath (1952)
oil on panel - 27.9h x 20.3w (cm)
This picture is smaller than one might think. The amazing mahogany shower structure frames the main figure in a lovely soft light.
Mother and Baby (1946)
oil on canvas laid on panel - 19.5h x 14.5w (cm)
The woman and child are very sculptural, an effect enhanced by the grisaille painting. It is also quite a tender image.
Low Tide Fun (1991)
oil on board - 61h x 75w (cm)
Garden Figure (1989)
oil on board - 14.5h x 35.5w (cm)
The Bathroom (1989)
oil on board - 11.2h x 35w (cm)
Nude (1989)
oil on panel - 22.5h x 26.5w (cm)
Nude by Window (c1989)
oil on board - 45h x 60.5w (cm)
Adam and Eve (1988)
pencil on paper on board - 37h x 44w (cm)
Nude Study (1988)
oil on board - 30.5h x 20.5w (cm)
The Talkative One (1988)
oil on board - 31h x 21w (cm)
The Girl (1987)
oil on board - 30.2h x 20.7w (cm)
Nude Couple on Beach (1986)
oil on canvas board - 30.5h x 29.2w (cm)
Nude on the Beach (1986)
- 10.2h x 9.5w (cm)
Beach Study No.3 (1986)
oil on board - 31h x 24w (cm)
The Bedroom (1986)
oil on board - 32h x 61w (cm)
The Bathers (1986)
oil on board - 10h x 33.5w (cm)
Blue Shoes (1985)
oil on board - 11.5h x 19w (cm)
The Shower Bath (1985)
oil on board - 81.5h x 55.8w (cm)
Three Figures (1984)
oil on board - 21.5h x 12w (cm)