Rich's art journey began amidst the rugged beauty of Colorado, where he was born and raised.

His childhood was nomadic due to his father's Navy career until they settled in the Centennial State. Surrounded by the Rockies and serene fishing lakes, Rich's love for nature took root and became a central theme in his art.

At nine, a comic book sparked Rich's passion for art. Despite his father's opposition to formal lessons, the encouragement he received fueled his artistic dreams. With no family background in the arts, Rich's path was self-made. After high school, he pursued an associate degree in Mechanical Engineering, which later complemented his self-taught art techniques. His hardwork paid off when he earned recognition as a Signature Artist with the International Society ofScratchboard Artists.

After his education, Rich faced financial challenges but found solace in art. A gift from his wife, Connie, an SLR camera, led him to wildlife photography, blending technical skills with his love for nature. Over time, Rich also explored metal sculpture, thanks to Connie's gift of a plasma cutter. Their garage filled with steel wall art, leading to weekend art shows that became a full-time trade. Health issues later led Rich to discover Scratchart, which he fully embraced in 2010 after an inspiring workshop.

Scratchboard became Rich's medium of choice. Its meticulous nature resonated with him, and he spent hours revealing the beauty of nature in his work, featuring Colorado and Wyoming wildlife. His process is both organic and deliberate, transforming inspirations from nature, magazines, and photos into detailed art using various tools and techniques.

Rich has received numerous accolades, including 1st Place at Art for the Ages and Queeny Park. He participates in elite juried art shows like the Arizona Fine Art Expo and the Teton Village Art Fair, underscoring his status as a committed artist.

Outside of art, Rich enjoys nature and family time with fishing trips, camping adventures, and supporting the Colorado Eagles hockey team. His art reflects a love for life's simple pleasures and nature's beauty. Rich aims to continue exploring new artistic techniques and sharing his love for the outdoors through scratchboard art well into his eighties