Alfred W. Rich Paintings

Alfred William Rich was a British watercolour artist and author, known for his contributions to the art of watercolour painting in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Liverpool in 1856, Rich did not immediately pursue an artistic career; he was initially involved in business. However, his passion for art led him to study at the Slade School of Fine Art in London, where he honed his skills and became particularly interested in watercolours.

Rich's watercolours are characterized by their luminosity and delicate handling of colour. He was greatly influenced by the work of J. M. W. Turner and the French Impressionists, which is evident in the loose, expressive style that he adopted. Rich was a member of the Royal Society of British Artists and exhibited his works in various galleries, including the Royal Academy of Arts.

In addition to his painting, Alfred W. Rich made a significant contribution to the education of young artists through his writing. His book 'Watercolour Painting' (1903) was a comprehensive guide to the medium and was widely regarded by contemporaries as an important resource for both amateur and professional painters. His emphasis on painting from nature and the importance of developing one's own style were influential ideas at the time.

Rich spent the later years of his life in the countryside, where he was inspired by the English landscape. His dedication to capturing the subtleties of natural light and atmosphere helped to elevate the status of watercolour painting during a period when it was often considered to be a lesser medium compared to oil painting. Alfred W. Rich's commitment to watercolour played a role in its increased acceptance as a serious and respected art form. He passed away in 1921, leaving behind a legacy as both an artist and an educator in the world of watercolours.