Richard F. Rock paints historical subjects in several forms including historical posters, scenes, artifacts and specimens. He locates his home and studio in southeast Minnesota. Forty of his historical paintings were recently shown in a solo exhibition entitled, Picturing History: Paintings and Studies of Art, Artifacts and Architecture from the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, April 3rd – May 25th 2008 at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.

Artist’s Statement

Drawn to historical subjects, I enjoy showcasing them in pleasing compositions that will evoke an emotion and sometimes inform the viewer. I like to poke about in the dusty, obscure corners of history and shine a light on objects, processes or ideas that have long been forgotten and which deserve a second look. Painting from life when possible lends the appearance of nature, while painting from the imagination allows me to transcend both time and place. The undiscovered country of the past intrigues and inspires me, but wherever my artistic journey leads, history is my constant traveling companion.

 

Easing off the Pressure:
Finishing a Buffalo Robe Bale
oil on mounted linen
12 ¾ x 15
2003
Friends of Fort Union

Site design and photos ©2008 Richard F. Rock

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