Richard McElroy

Richard McElroy studied painting at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston from 1948 - 1952. As an artist he has experienced first - hand the many changes in the evolving chronicles of art history. McElroy is a painting conservator by profession, however, his real passion is his own painting. Most of his works are derived from his imagination, where he feels "composition is a more prominent concern and content is more personal." In this latest body of work, McElroy carefully composes scenes and melds traditional representational images with broad, facile brush strokes, continuing an exploration of space, volume and color through his composition. McElroy has exhibited his works in several galleries throughout New England.

Born in Dorchester Massachusetts in 1928, he was the second child in a family of ten. During his time in the army, Richard painted murals in the officers' and non-coms' clubs outside of Kyoto, Japan. Upon his return home, he attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston to study painting on the G.I. Bill. He studied painting under Karl Zerbe from 1948 to 1952, after which he served an apprenticeship in painting conservation at Child's Gallery in Boston under Gustav Klimann from 1954 to 1956. He then continued art restoration private practice serving clients throughout the Northeast. His youngest daughter will continue the business.

Mr. McElroy describes his work as conservative. He further expresses his point of view as follows, "All good painting is tied to tradition. There are a few core principles by which we can judge the quality of a work of art. It is the artists' task to understand and develop his skill in the use of these principles so that he can convey his message in a persuasive and enduring way."