Roland Richardson

For over forty years, Roland Richardson has worked diligently to introduce the light of the Caribbean to the rest of the world with his brush and palette, and masterful technique. He is praised as one of the Caribbean’s foremost painters, and specially known for his painting “En Plein Air” in the field, always from a living subject.

Universities around the world teach about Roland Richardson’s contributions to the realm of contemporary “Plein Air” impressionism, and journalists through the years have penned Roland Richardson as the “Father of Caribbean Impressionism.”

The flamboyant tree, synonymous of his signature, has become an important symbol of the Caribbean, due to Richardson’s passion for its brilliant red summer blooms.

Major Trade Centres and Fine Art Galleries have honoured Roland Richardson’s work in public exhibition and over 100 one-man and group shows in museums.

In 2007, this celebrated Caribbean Impressionist was awarded the honour of Knighthood in the Order of Orange Nassau, the highest award of the Dutch Royal Decorations, from the court of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. The same year, Richardson was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the French Government.

Roland Richardson’s artwork may be admired at his gallery in Marigot in St. Martin. There, a broad collection of the artist’s work is elegantly hung in a rare historic setting.  Visitors can experience a charming 19th Century Creole townhouse, an 18th century stone-walled compound and an old courtyard garden that blooms year-round. The existing house was actually built in the 1840’s. It was used by Roland’s great grandfather, who was Mayor of French St. Martin. It was the official Town Hall and functioned as the island’s only center for regional communication in the early 1900’s. There was no electricity, telephone or cars and the news was read, every day, to the townspeople from the veranda.

Every day, except Sunday, the Roland Richardson Gallery proudly opens its red shutters to communicate the beauty of St. Martin through the eyes of the artist. This two level landmark takes the visitors on a journey back in time.