Our first featured artist, member Richard Inserra, is largely self-taught but takes an occasional class. He gravitates towards scenic painting—landscapes and seascapes—often including sunsets and sunrises. Richard strives to create works that have a sense of calm and atmosphere, drawing the viewer into the painting to see additional detail and creative touches. His primary style is one of realism with idealistic and ethereal elements. J.M.W. Turner and the Hudson River School of Artists, especially Fredric Edwin Church and Albert Bierstadt, have been positive influences on his work. He admires their use of light and atmosphere, which he tries to emulate in many of his paintings.
Richard is also a member of Lyme Art Association and South County Art Association. His work is on display throughout the US and in the United Kingdom. See his ACGOW Artist's Page here.
Our second featured artist, Melissa Verdier was initially inspired by her dad’s love of drawing and painting. Her interest in art has been a lifelong passion. She became an art teacher upon graduation from college and continued her art education in the studio as well as through visits to museums throughout the U.S. and abroad. Melissa is an elected artist with Mystic Museum of Art and is represented at Artists’ Cooperative Gallery in Westerly. Her works are in private and corporate collections throughout the U. S. and Europe.
