Working very closely with nature "en plein air",
on location, has led to a much greater appreciation of the natural
world around me. Photography, a useful tool, is not a substitute
for being there and becoming a part of the exchange of nature, eye
and mind. Light is the motivating factor; without it there would
be nothing. Leonardo da Vinci was once quoted as saying. "You have
but one master and that is Nature".
I was born in the Rogue Valley of Oregon and spent
my youth growing up with the rivers and mountains that form this
special place. It is from these subjects that I receive
inspiration. My goal is to capture a piece of the spontaneous
dance of light across the palette of nature. Working on location
forces me to get in touch with the moment allowing no time for
detailed studies of things. Most of my time now is divided between
painting in places I adore, like New Mexico and the central coast
of California. As well as teaching and writing
I hope my pieces are like a glance when we see
something that makes us linger for a moment.
Richard McKinley
