Richard Duning

Richard Duning (1945 - ) is an American visual artist who's work is suffused in light, energy and vivid color.

The inner world is the subject of Duning's work. That which cannot be put into words, that which cannot be seen or heard or touched. In his drawings, paintings and mixed media pieces, Duning hints at the richness of the inner reality with images of great emotional, visual and tactile intensity.

In his In this recent body of works on paper, he uses many layers of paint, along with carefully juxtaposed colors on the surface, creating a special glow, giving the impression that the light is coming from within the image. The paint is exceptionally thick and the brushstrokes wide and blatant. This raw outcome is a direct result of Duning’s approach. “What I am interested in is the art process,” he says, “the search for balance, healing and harmony. I’m interested in struggle, questions, tensions and passion.”

As a boy, Richard lived with his family in Burma, Bangladesh, India, Uganda, and Turkey, as well as spending extended time in Europe. His artistic career began with photography and jewelry-making, in college. After creating and exhibiting widely in photography, he became interested in painting. A 6-month trip to Japan in 1981-2 confirmed his interest in Japanese abstract calligraphy, and as the years went on, he also developed his use of color and texture. A recent trip to India confirmed his deepening spiritual direction. Additional interests include the art of ancient and traditional cultures, Western art, particularly abstract expressionism, archetypal imagery, ritual and spiritual growth.