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Richards was born in 1975 and raised in Spokane, WA. Growing up, he loved to go hiking, camping and fishing. A decade ago, he was sentenced to 22 years, and his love for the outdoors has led him to accumulate many books on landscapes and outdoor photography during his incarceration. About four years ago he started teaching himself how to paint from books and TV shows, and his collection of books led him to focus on landscape paintings. Though he has never had formal artistic training, he has recently begun to study under a trained artist who has begun instructing him in other styles and subject matter, such as still life and portraits.

Even at this early stage of his artistic development, Richards' landscapes evoke an almost Monet-esque quality, and a much greater quality and range of work is definitely in his future as an artist. He's also begun to draw and paint greeting cards, and says that he "lets the paper tell him what it wants to become." His goal is to support his family through his art, and stay supplied with art materials and books to further his artistic education.