Statement

The writer James Joyce believed that the best art was that which "grabs the viewer and arrests them and turns their focus outward from themselves."

It is my hope that others seeing my paintings can focus their attention outward and become moved by the expansive beauty of both the natural environment and the painted surface.

I am deeply influenced by the art of Fairfield Porter, Tom Thompson, William De Kooning, David Hockney and Victor Higgins and all those that search for beauty through paint.

Bio

Richard Kooyman was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1956.

Education

1982

M.F.A., Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

1979

B.F.A., Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI

Selected Exhibitions

2007

Bennett Gallery, Atlanta, GA

2006

New Work Gebben Gray Gallery, Fennville, MI

Anne Loucks Gallery, Glencoe, IL

2005

Along the Shore, Anne Loucks Gallery, Glencoe, IL

New Work , The Wright Gallery, Northport, MI

2004

Tvedten Fine Art Gallery, Harbor Springs, MI

Scenes of Splendor , Leelanau Cultural Center

2002

Art of the 20th Century-New York Park Avenue Armory Exhibition Ann Nathan Gallery, NY

2001

Manistee to Michipicoten Manistee Art Institute, Manistee, MI

2000

Biophilia Leelanau Cultural Center, Leland, MI

Group Show, North Seas Gallery, Charlevoix, MI

1999

Small Objects Ann Nathan Gallery Chicago, IL

1997

Water Charles Wustum Museum, Racine, WI

Awards

2003

Fellowship, Vermont Studio Center, Johnson , VT

1990

Michigan Governors Award in the Arts

1989

National Endowment For the Arts Grant

Michigan Council For the Arts Grant

1982

College of Art and Design Fellowship, Ohio State University

1979

Merit Scholarship, Grand Valley University, Allendale , MI

Press

Coming soon