ABOUT

Born and raised in Massachusetts, Richard J. Murdock studied painting at the Pratt Institute in New York and later refined his technique through rigorous atelier training. Grounded in the traditions of the Old Masters yet unmistakably modern in spirit, Murdock’s work explores the timeless interplay between light, emotion, and nature.

At first glance, his compositions are serene and precise—elegantly restrained. But step closer, and the paintings erupt with dramatic chiaroscuro and intricate detail, evoking the theatrical intensity of Caravaggio and the intimate stillness of Georges de La Tour. His influences are clear, but never imitative. Instead, Murdock translates Baroque grandeur into a contemporary idiom that resonates with emotional weight and poetic nuance.

His chosen medium—oil on copper—has become his signature. This historically rare surface allows for superior control and permanence, with pigments that retain their brilliance over time. The medium not only honors classical technique but also amplifies his voice as a modern interpreter of nature’s subtle drama.

“I have no problem delving into the art of the past with a vengeance,” Murdock says. “Like my predecessors, I filter nature—something common to all humanity—through my unique perspective as a living contemporary painter.”

Inspired by the observational rigor of Ruskin and the philosophical depth of the Dutch and Italian masters, Murdock’s paintings are more than representations; they are emotional meditations. Each piece invites the viewer not just to see, but to feel.

Murdock is represented by Principle Gallery (Washington, DC and Charleston, SC) and Waterhouse Gallery (Santa Barbara and Montecito, CA). His work has been featured in numerous national publications and is held in private collections across the country.