The Artist

Richard Thomas Patton IV is a visual artist and graphic designer. The impetus for his career in art was in childhood, when he showed a precocious talent for drawing. After graduating from Western Connecticut State University, School of Visual and Performing Arts in Danbury, CT, with a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design; painting became his preferred mode of expression.

“Painting has become a form of prayer, meditation, and release for me. It allows me to express my true self and emotions from my subconscious mind, and give my perspective on the world and how I see it. It is a beautiful thing!”

Richard paints in the styles of abstract expressionism and action painting, conveying complexity and depth through the use of vibrant colors, bold compositions, textures, and patterns. He draws influence from Romare Bearden, Jackson Pollock, Salvador Dali, and Pablo Picasso, but what differentiates his work from these western examples is a distinct infusion of his African and Latin heritage.

Richard has been very successful throughout Connecticut, with several individual and group exhibitions on his CV. These include “Ethiope” at Stamford’s Palace Theater, which is now permanently installed at Housatonic Community College. The painting depicts Little Liberia, a community of people of color that lived and worked in Bridgeport Harbor in the 19th century.

Additionally, his artwork is owned by private collectors in the United States, and around the world; and by public collectors, such as the Yale New Haven Health’s Park Avenue Medical Center.

See his work for yourself at 305 Studios. 305 Studios doubles as a coworking space for artists and small businesses, and a gallery. The Armstrong Gallery, on the main floor, hosts monthly shows, artist talks, live performances, and other events. A great time to visit 305 is during the Bridgeport Art Trail, when you can meet the artists and explore the studios.