Barbara Richardson RBA is a distinguished British figurative artist celebrated for her expressive work in oils and watercolours. Born in 1944, she studied Fine Art Painting at Chelsea School of Art, London, where she was awarded the Christopher Head Scholarship for Drawing and represented her college at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters. Her early training under artists such as Patrick Symons RA and Norman Blamey, combined with life-room guidance from figures like Sheila Fell and Euan Uglow, laid the foundation for her meticulous and sensitive approach to painting.

Barbara’s practice focuses on still life’s, portraits, and figurative compositions. She combines traditional techniques with a contemporary eye, often working from everyday objects and personal subjects to create a sense of presence and intimacy in her work. Her pieces showcase a refined balance between technical skill and expressive detail, revealing both the beauty and character of her chosen subjects.

An active member of the British art community, Barbara was elected an Associate Member of the Royal Society of British Artists (RBA) in 1996 and became a full member in 1998. She has contributed significantly to the society, serving as editor of its newsletter and as Honorary Secretary of the Small Paintings Group. Her work has been widely exhibited, including at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibitions, the National Portrait Gallery, the Royal Institute of Painters in Oils, and the Royal Watercolour Society, as well as in numerous private galleries across the UK.

Over her career, Barbara has received several awards recognizing her skill in both oil and watercolour, including the Davison Award, Edward Wesson Award, and the de Laszlo Medal.
Based in South West London, she continues to paint, exhibit, and inspire through her work, maintaining a prominent role in contemporary British figurative art.