We are delighted to welcome Richard Motchman as a new addition to the fine painters showing at The Avenue Gallery!
Great Bear Rainforest by Richard Motchman, 28×28, oil on panel, $1900.
Living and painting locally, Richard Motchman’s paintings are deeply reflective of the detailed ecology of Vancouver Island’s forests. Landscape been a central focus of Richard Motchman’s art. After moving from Mombasa, Kenya to Penticton, BC at the age of three, the surrounding landscapes inspired his early interest in drawing and art. However, it wasn’t until his teenage years, upon learning about Vincent van Gogh, that he felt a deep calling to pursue art seriously. In 1982, he graduated from the University of Victoria with a B.F.A., majoring in visual arts.
Big Lake, Malcolm Island by Richard Motchman, 14×14, oil on panel, $700.
Throughout his artistic journey, he has continuously sought to expand the traditional understanding and perception of painting. He is particularly captivated by painting landscapes that focus on areas of tangled growth, often highlighting the intricate details of a forest’s undergrowth. This close-up approach invites viewers into a state of quiet reflection and detailed observation.
Port Hardy by Richard Motchman, 28×28, oil on panel, $1900
His work invites viewers to engage with nature in an intimate and contemplative way. By zooming in on often-overlooked areas of plant life, he encourages a shift in perspective. These paintings emerge from his close observation of the intricate, sometimes chaotic web of undergrowth commonly found on Vancouver Island and surrounding islands. In this way, his nature-based work offers a fresh exploration of forms and colors in the landscape, focusing on elements that might otherwise be bypassed.
The square format of Motchman’s paintings, intentionally avoiding the traditional landscape shape, helps to emphasize the beauty and complexity of the commonplace. His approach highlights the rich intricacy of nature, often showcasing chaotic complexity that challenges the collective tendency to value monumental scenic vistas over the finer details that exist in nature’s quieter spaces.
Fraser Street, Esquimalt by Richard Motchman, 14×14, oil on panel, $700.
His paintings have been showcased in both solo and two-person exhibitions across British Columbia, Oregon, and in group exhibitions throughout Canada and the USA. Additionally, his work is held in private collections across Canada, the USA, and England. Through his art, he continues to explore the intersection of the natural world, the intimate process of observation, and the expressive potential of painting.
We invite you to join us in welcoming Richard Motchman’s wonderful paintings to The Avenue Gallery.
Sincerely,
Kathleen, Catherine, Kathi, Patricia, and Jessie