Richard Thomas Davis

R.C.A.

Canadian High Realist Painter

Richard Davis's paintings point to real times and places existing both in the past and present. His interpretations of commonplace and ephemeral subjects suggest permanence. Yet, in the tight balances that characterize his compositions and subjects, something feels slightly out of kilter as if change is imminent. Davis's subjects are the instants that stand still just before they vanish and the rich dimensionality of reality that comprises as much that is unseen as is seen. - Tom Smart

thumbnail Painting Granville Bridge
cityscapes
thumbnail Hallway, oil and tempera painting
interiors
thumbnail Bathroom Mirror, oil and tempera painting
people
thumbnail Painting Storm's End
landscapes
thumbnail Plastic Bag with Lemon and Orange, acrylic painting
still lifes
thumbnail Painting Dad and the Boys
available work

NEW! YOUTUBE VIDEO SERIES

link to my youtube series on Geometry in Art

Check out my newest project: Geometry in Art. In this continuing series of YouTube videos, I use paintings, largely from the Renaissance, to explore how early painters may have used geometry in the compositions of their works. Did Raphael, for example, use a pentagon and pentagram for the substructure of his Alba Madonna? I think so. Take a look!

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK...

Kindling and Mirrors, oil and tempera painting

To view a remarkably detailed, larger than life image of Kindling and Mirrors — part of my Basement Series — click on this painting. Then zoom in and pan around the entire work to see the rich surface of one of my best oil emulsion paintings.

I'm delighted my Basement Series has been recognized with two honors:

  1. First place, 2013 Kingston Prize -- Basement Self-Portrait
  2. Honorable Mention, Figurativas 2019, Barcelona -- Kindling and Mirrors

To enjoy these and more pieces from the Basement Series, click here.

INTERESTED IN PURCHASING?

I’m often asked what work is available for purchase, so I’ve added a new category, Available Work. Take a look.

Be sure to check back here regularly, as I’m always updating information and adding new images to my Photo Journal.You can also follow me on Instagram: @richardthomasdavisartist.

And, of course, if you've any questions, comments or are interested in knowing more about my work, please contact me directly.

PHOTO JOURNAL

A selection of photographs from the studio, and beyond.

Below are the most recent photographs. Visit the Journal for more.

May 2023, In the Louvre with a favourite Raphael
May 2023 - In the Louvre with a favourite Raphael. A friend and I spent most of May in Paris having a delightful time.
May 2022, Down in the near endless details of this big and complex painting
May 2022 - Down in the near endless details of this big and complex painting.
Tightening up the perspective on Uptown. The ruler is attached to a string, the other end of the string is attached to the vanishing point
November 2021 - Tightening up the perspective on Uptown. The ruler is attached to a string, the other end of the string is attached to the vanishing point.
October 2021, my new instagram account page
October 2021 - I finally bit the bullet. I’m on Instagram, @richardthomasdavisartist 😀
May 2021, feet up, view of my studio from my easy chair
May 2021 - Reflection turned sideways on the easel. A very complex painting, I’ve spent most of the past few months working mostly on this one piece. But the start of a nude self-portrait can be seen in the back, left, as well as a portrait of an artist friend, John Hall, back right.
September 2020, start of a new painting called Reflection
September 2020 - Just starting a new commission, Reflection. A winter image of maple trees reflected upside-down in a pool filled with its leaves.
July 2020, completely re-working the painting.
July 2020 - Here, unhappy with the way the painting was headed, I’ve sanded down La Luna, the first step of a complete re-working of the painting.
June 2020, Working on my big, new Toronto cityscape.
June 2020 - Working on my big, new cityscape of the Bloor and Yonge area of Toronto.

Richard Davis' paintings point to real times and places existing both in the past and present. His interpretations of commonplace and ephemeral subjects suggest permanence. Yet, in the tight balances that characterize his compositions and subjects, something feels slightly out of kilter as if change is imminent. Davis’s subjects are the instants that stand still just before they vanish and the rich dimensionality of reality that comprises as much that is unseen as is seen. - Tom Smart

Granville Bridge full background