Richard Youniss

MY LIFE IN ART
I have been a painter for over 35 years. My primary occupation for many years was as a Clinical Psychologist, teaching and practicing at Catholic University in Washington, DC. At the same time I had the opportunity and good fortune to advance my lifelong interest in art; my primary studies in painting were at Catholic University, where the Art Department has had a longstanding stellar reputation. My excellent instructors there included Tom Nakashima, Richard Klank, John Winslow, Tom Rooney, and John Figura. I also took drawing classes at the Corcoran Gallery. I was especially fortunate to study the creation of monotypes with Jack Boul.

In 1991 I decided to leave my psychologist role at Catholic University and devote myself to painting. I joined the Passageways Artists group in Riverdale, Maryland where I still maintain a studio.

My painting life focused for many years on oil painting. But my curiosity took me into many media: watercolor, acrylic on paper, pastels, collage and print-making. My identification as an artist is primarily as a colorist. My subject matter is varied, and I continue to search for new and personal ways of making art. I have had several solo shows, and have had the opportunity to show my work in many group shows

I want to emphasize the joy that I experience in making art. Perhaps nothing in life gives me such satisfaction. I hope that you will sense this as you look at my paintings and prints.