"The Jester"

Intriguing oil on masonite painting by the American artist Richard Kirk of a young boy wearing a jesters hat. Signed lower right. Circa 1960. Condition is excellent. The painting is in it original painted wood and intentionally distressed frame. Overall measurements framed 22.5 by 30.5 inches. Provenance: Sarasota, Florida collector.

My first recollections were of drawing. I don't remember telling people that I wanted to be an artist. I just loved drawing. At times, it was all that occupied my young mind. My passion for drawing was instantly converted to a passion for painting after I met my best friend's father, Oleg Stavrowsky. Oleg was one of our country's most prolific and powerful western painters. Oleg gave me goals, started my painting and encouraged me toward illustration.

I started my illustration career in Boston, Massachusetts. It was a struggle, but I eventually found clients: Dexter Shoes, Hoods Milk, Harvard Magazine, and Cahners Publishing to name a few. After 14 years of illustration, circumstances led me away from Massachusetts and to Naples, Florida. With little expectations of making an income from illustration, I began painting for galleries. I had success getting my work into galleries, but sales were so sporadic that I sought work as a workshop and painting instructor. Two local art leagues have hired me through the years: Naples Art and The Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs. With painting sales, illustration and teaching, I've been able to follow my passion and keep painting for over thirty-five years.

So when I'm asked, "Did you always want to be an artist?" I answer, "I don't know if I chose this business or it chose me, but we seem to be connected at the hip."