• "I have half a dozen of Skeets' paintings. As a pathology department Chairman and father of five children I lead a reasonably frenetic life. Skeets' paintings, with beautiful trees and serene creeks or a wistful, lonely boat on the shore of the lake, always help to center me. Looking at them is almost a form of meditation. They invoke a sense of nostalgia and freedom that can often only be found in nature.
Skeets' paintings not only provide an aesthetic element, which will enliven any room, but they also are a canvas to let your mind wander to some beautiful places, and to bring a sense of stillness and peace to what might otherwise be a chaotic day." (Michael Albert)
• "John Richards is a very talented artist. I have one of his paintings of my boat going by the Bass Harbor light house. His gallery is a must see." (Mike Seavey)
• "Skeet's painting of cascading white and red petunias has been hanging in my dining room for quite some time and I never tire of looking at it. The composition of the flowers and the lighting are stunning. I receive so many compliments on this exquisite piece of art. Thank you, Skeets!" (Ellie Roden)
• "I've had the pleasure of viewing numerous paintings by John Richards, and I must say, I've been thoroughly impressed by his exquisite artwork. He possesses a remarkable talent for transporting the viewer into the captivating realms depicted within his pieces, showcasing his exceptional ability to bring the inner imagination to life." (Javier Hasbun)
• “Over the years, I have invested in a small collection of John Richards’ fine art. I now have seven, all beautifully displayed in my home. From the first day to this day, the paintings stop me in my tracks in passing, and invite me to pause for a moment of awe and wonder. It is a privilege to have art of this quality, and we are lucky to be able to grab it at this price point. My eyes are always peeled for my next painting.” (Christian Glover)
• "Skeets, our friendship goes way back and we still look back fondly when so many years ago we joined you and Bobbi for dinner. It was on this evening that you introduced us to your passion for painting. We were blown away by all your works in your budding studio. Muschi fell in love with one particular piece.
To this very day, your paintings of the beautiful Berkshires have been prominently displayed in our homes both in Germany and now in Texas. We never miss an opportunity to showcase it and info about our friend and artist!
The three works we have capture the beauty of the mountains and bring back so many memories. Thank you so much."
(Ken and Marikka Law)
• "John Richards painted the most beautiful picture of our log home! It is amazing in that it captures the grand essence of my dwelling including fine detail. He uses color tones and shades to highlight the wood logs and surrounding greenery! John placed an Eagle and Deer on the landscape for which my husband who was an avid hunter was so proud and pleased! The oil painting is displayed at our front entrance and we could not be happier!" (JoAnn Egan)
• "My wife and I enjoy visiting the Art on The Run gallery with paintings by John Richards. There is always something new and exciting John has painted. We own a great piece of art John painted of a rugged bay here near Acadia. His oil paintings display vibrant color and detail. They make a great addition to our home." (Steve and Penny Belden)
• "In the interest of “complete disclosure” I have to say up front that it is difficult for me to write an objective testimonial about someone who has been one of my closest friends for over 60 years. Also, I am not an artist and have only limited artistic abilities.
Skeets’ early paintings were primarily landscapes, often done in the Hudson River School style. Frequently they were nostalgic scenes around our hometown area in the Berkshires. Hills and streams and meadows, many included wildlife. Not surprisingly, after relocating to the coast of Maine the landscapes have transitioned into seascapes. Both represent settings in nature and require the judicious choice of color and light. However, the additional challenge of seascapes is to capture motion; the motion of the waves, the birds and the clouds. This he has done very well.
Eventually his interest expanded to include still life, my favorite genre. Over the years his style has evolved into the contemporary realism that I associate with Boston School. In these he uses color and light to impart a very natural, warm and inviting feeling to the viewer. These are the pieces that tend to “speak” to me."
(Bruce Beauchemin
Cape Cod, MA )
• "Currently, I own ten framed paintings by John Richards. Three of these were gifts. My husband and I purchased the other seven. Over the years, we have watched John hone his skills as a painter. He models himself after the Hudson River School of Art. John paints mostly New England landscapes and scenes from the coast of Maine.
He also creates beautiful still life paintings. He likes to arrange fruit with various household objects to create a composition one might see in one’s own home. His paintings look inviting and comfortable. His still life paintings also include arrangements of flowers. He has a knack of blending his paints so they flow into one another. This technique allows for subtle color change and gives the impression of fluid movement.
Presently, we only own one painting John did of the ocean off the coast of Maine. One can clearly see the fluid of motion in the way he depicts the waves crashing on the rocks. You feel like you’re standing there watching it happen. You are in the moment!
John has also painted buildings. He painted a winter scene of a red house located in Williamstown, Massachusetts. The contrast of the red house against the white snow, with the dark bark of the surrounding trees is stunning. To finish it, he framed the painting in a black frame. It is absolutely beautiful! I want to comment on John’s frames. Frames are very important. John frames his own paintings. They are beautiful and always compliment the scene. Finding the right frame for each creation is a talent. In closing, when you visit the John Richards studio, you will see for yourself just how multi-talented John Richards is."(Corky Kleiner, Manchester, NH)
• "I saw a painting posted on Facebook that Skeets did of a local building and landscape and thought it would be something I would like to purchase if the price was within my reach. I called and he said it was still available and gave me a price. I responded it was a tad too much for my budget and would have to pass up the opportunity. He told me I needed to come to his home gallery and see the painting in person because the post did not do it true justice. I agreed and when entering his home and gallery all these beautiful paintings of his were jumping off of the wall at me. I could not decide which one I liked the best. So long story short, in addition to the one I was going to see in person I ended buying 12 paintings of his that now hang in three rooms of my home. I like to think of Art on the Run as Skeet’s Western Mass secondary home gallery.
In addition to his being a great teacher during my high school years he is even a better painter and dear friend!" (Gary Ghidotti, Adams, MA)
• "I don’t have a particular style when it comes to home decor other than cozy and simple. We have several paintings of various sizes from Skeets adorning our walls in the kitchen, living, and family rooms and while they all have different themes ranging from wildlife, winter, and still life, they all feel cozy. You know what the subject is; there is no objective interpretation. But that doesn’t mean they are painted in a simple manner. I have zero artistic ability, so I’m at a loss to describe techniques of Skeets’ style. I do know that when I look at his work, especially nature themes, I want to be there experiencing what he’s showing us." (Melissa Albert)
° "When my wife and I married, Mr. Richards’ gave us a beautiful landscape piece from his collection. Over the years, our home has been made warmer and more inviting with additional artwork from his studio. Whether it’s the serenity of the fly fisherman plying his talents on the stream or the ferocity of the waves crashing against the shore, Mr. Richards brings those emotions to his art. I am amazed by the delicacy and depth of his artwork." (Frank and Birgit Bozek)
° "We have known Skeets for many years from back in the Williamstown, Massachusetts days when we knew him as an educator, golfer and banjo player. And yes, also a wonderful artist. His landscapes, seascapes and still lifes are exquisite. We proudly display a still life titled “Simplicity” in the dining room of our home in Huntington, Long Island. The flowers, grapes and glass of wine are displayed resting on a beautiful lace shawl which was knitted by his aunt many years ago. That scene invites the viewer to reflect upon a time when having dinner with family and friends was simply elegant and comfortable. How different from current times when family members eat and run, hardly ever sitting together around the table. Hosting dinner parties at home with friends around an elegantly set table has been replaced with meeting for dinner at a restaurant." (Maribeth & Tom Rocchio, Huntington, NY)
° "Our favorite and most treasured location in maine is Corea and its beautiful harbor. We were so fortunate to come into the possession of a painting by John Richards that depicts the lobster boats and surrounding homes in their most picturesque setting. It brings us such great joy each time we look upon the painting." (Tim and Jane Shown)
° "We are the proud owners of a Skeets Richards painting, a dimly-lit Adams bar scene, impeccably drafted. In awe of this artist’s skills and aesthetic." (Roselle and Alan Chartock)