Wayne Richards

Wayne Richards is an oil painter whose work is defined by technical precision and a lifelong commitment to craftsmanship. With a foundation in advertising and illustration, he developed a mastery of color and tonal control through self-taught airbrushing techniques. This expertise remains central to his current practice, where he utilizes extensive washes and glazes to imbue his oil paintings with significant depth and luminosity.

His figurative work focuses on capturing character and presence, often employing photography against dark backdrops to isolate gesture and form. This approach allows Richards to explore diverse narratives, ranging from intimate moments of introspection to darker, mythological explorations of the human psyche. By emphasizing the interplay between light and shadow, he seeks to reveal the interior life and vulnerability of his subjects.

More recently, Richards has applied his portraiture-based approach to African wildlife, treating animals such as leopards and wild dogs as character studies. He prioritizes the eyes and the quiet awareness of the animal, aiming to create a sense of direct connection between the viewer and the subject. Across all themes, his goal remains to produce works of integrity that re...

Kearsney College
UKZN
Pietermaritzburg University

Solo Community Gallery Oct 2019
Clarens Art Expo Oct 2020