Richard Siemens
RICHARD SIEMENS

Born 1953 in Sydney, Richard moved to Melbourne in 1956. He holds a Diploma of Art & Design, majoring in Graphics in 1974, from the Prahran College of Advanced Education and a Diploma of Education from the Melbourne State College. He taught Art for 10 years and resigned as the Head of the Creative Arts Department.

In 1985, Richard established the Mt. Aitken Art Gallery in Gisborne South, Victoria and started painting part-time as a realist Artist. From all the many artists Richard met, none painted Photo-Realistically in Oils, hence he was forced to teach himself and develop the style that came most naturally to him. During this initial period, he won two 1st. prizes, as well as other accreditations. Melton Council also purchased two of his paintings for their collection.

Following his first Solo Exhibition at Mt Aitken Gallery in 1989, Richard started painting full-time in a Photo-Realist style. Up until 1992, he painted many commissions, held Art Classes in his studio and won many prizes and accreditations.

After his second One-Man Exhibition, Richard sought a greater challenge, hence changing his style to Super Realism, but not losing his minute detail technique. To truly appreciate Richard's brush skills and detail, the viewer is encouraged to look close up at his paintings.

In 1993, Richard was accepted as a member of the 'Victorian Artists Society' and until the middle of 1994, he continued to win prizes, as at the Torquay Art Expo where the Judge, Don Stuchbery, described his work as "Super realism at its best. Exceptional mastery of the difficult skills required for this school of painting. The viewer easily becomes spellbound by the intricacies of detail, yet the real power of his work comes from the starkness and simplicity of Composition."

From 1995, Richard has been busy experimenting with new subjects and participating in group exhibitions as well as one-man shows. It has been said "Mr. Siemens is an Australian artist to watch...The detail is just incredible.”

In 1997, Richard was accepted into 'The Australian Society of Miniature Art, Victoria' and the 'Wildlife Art Society of Australasia'. He also judged the Melbourne High School Art Exhibition. During 1998 and 1999, Richard spent most of his time painting commission works for various clients. In 2000, Richard moved back to New South Wales.

In 2004, Richard was invited to participate in the "Eclectic Exhibition of Major Artists from Swinburne University", Melbourne. He was a Finalist in the "Cromwell's $45,000 Art Prize and Touring Exhibition" He won the "Best Mixed Media" Prize at the Bega Regional Gallery Art Show and was invited to talk about his unique painting style to the 'The Merimbula District Art Group'.

Richard Siemens is listed in the 'Who's Who of Australian Visual Arts', 2nd. Edition by D.W.Thorpe and is included in the book '50 Australian Artists', edited by John Mutsaers. His work is represented in many private collections, both throughout Australia and overseas.

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