En-plein-air is a method of creating art outside as to avoid the potential of creating a predetermined look that may occur from painting inside. As an en-plein-air artist, Richard Schmid not only avoids creating pieces that could be predetermined or forced, he creates beautiful works of art that captures the essence and truth of what he paints.

Having grown around art since he was a child, Richard Schmid was trained and influenced by his family in the world of art. He trained under Gianni Cilfone, and he later attended the American Academy of Art in Chicago, where he honed his craft into a masterful command and control of line and color, making the reason of his popularity evident. His en-plein-air and alla prima style allow him to capture the mood and reality of the subjects he paints. The most prevalent of these subjects being landscapes and buildings, still-lifes, and portraits, each of which hold an inspiring level of care and detail.

His early training under the tutelage of his grandfather and architectural sculptor, Julian Oates, landscape painter, Gianni Clifone, anatomy and figure training, and collegiate study of classical painting techniques with William H. Mosby, he had invaluable training that helped him become prolific and create incredible works of art. Having spent a large portion of his life painting, he has created countless pieces of art, and he has become one of, if not the, greatest contemporary artists.

He is a favorite teacher among artists due to his stunning style and blatant mastery and because he inspires his students while he paints. Using a variety of stroke techniques, he offers a wide range of skills that can benefit any level of artist. Beyond his talent, he also shares thoughts about painting and philosophy, offers solutions to problems while painting, and he has a wonderful sense of humor, creating a wonderful learning atmosphere with the potential to learn invaluable information for, and even beyond, creating art.