About Peter Richards - Modern Abstract Artist

I have been working with printing ink for over thirty years. I love it for its rich colours and wonderful finish. I have etched, printed from wood and lino blocks and screen-printed but keep returning to the very direct methods of using the inks straight on to the paper. So these 'paintings' with printing inks have developed over three decades, with constant experimenting and with many collected influences adding to the subconscious subject matter. There are some conscious motifs, which reappear in the work, but they are deep within the abstract result.

I enjoyed a visit to carpet factories in the mountains of Turkey and I am sure this made me rethink the edges of the works. I love staring down into murky water where a fallen leaf or even a fish might float to the surface and then sink again. The works are full of such half seen detail, which comes and goes, covered by more layers of ink.

I delight in the subtlety of some colours, which in certain combinations it is hard to put a name to them. I have recently added tiny amounts of very fine glitter powder to the surface, which may be noticeable for a split second as one moves past the work or only be visible in certain lights. I also use metallic inks, especially silver and gold, which change colour as light and angle of view change.

My last exhibition was called 'Music for the Eyes' and I think that sums up perfectly what the work is about. Once it has left me it is up to your imagination and your eyes.