About
Paul Richmond is an accomplished artist, illustrator, and activist whose vibrant, emotionally resonant works have captivated audiences worldwide. Born in 1980 in Columbus, Ohio, Paul Richmond's artistic journey began at a very young age thanks to his early studies with the renowned artist and instructor, Linda Regula. He started taking art lessons from her when he was just three years old. Regula, who overcame tremendous challenges in her own life, became a guiding light and a significant inspiration for Richmond. Her mentorship and friendship played a crucial role in shaping his artistic style and philosophy. He went on to study at the Columbus College of Art and Design.
Throughout his career, Richmond has become known for his figurative paintings that explore themes of identity, self-discovery, and the human experience. His distinctive style often features bold colors, dynamic compositions, and a touch of surrealism, creating a unique visual language that speaks to viewers on a deeply personal level. His work is exhibited in galleries and museums and is collected around the globe. He has been commissioned to create paintings for notable figures such as Troye Sivan and Dolly Parton.
In addition to his fine art, Richmond has made significant contributions as an illustrator, having created over four hundred novel cover illustrations. He gained wider attention with his "Cheesecake Boys" series, which humorously and provocatively subverts traditional pin-up art by depicting men in playful, often revealing scenarios traditionally reserved for women in the genre. His work as an illustrator has earned him a dedicated following and numerous accolades.
Richmond is a passionate advocate for social justice, arts education, and LGBTQ+ rights. He co-founded the You Will Rise Project, an initiative that empowers individuals who have experienced bullying to express themselves creatively through art. He collaborates with artist Briden Schueren on an inspiring project called Queertopia, featuring live painting events where Richmond and Schueren create expressive portraits celebrating queer identity and resilience. They also conduct workshops, such as the "Redrawing Masculinity" figure drawing class, which challenge traditional notions of masculinity and promote self-expression. The project has raised funds for Trans Lifeline and other LGBTQ+ causes. Furthermore, he serves as Executive Director of Art Makes Us, a virtual space he created with artist Melissa Forman dedicated to nurturing artistic talent and fostering a supportive community for artists.
In addition to his artistic achievements, Paul Richmond recently published his autobiography, "Star Gazing: The First 40 Years of My Life As An Artist". This comprehensive 328-page book offers an intimate look into his life, featuring a rich collection of his artwork, personal commentary, and reflections from family and friends.
Richmond's work is celebrated for its combination of humor, commentary, and striking visual style, making him a notable figure in contemporary art and LGBTQ+ advocacy. He currently resides in Monterey, California, with his husband, Dennis, where he continues to create, inspire, and advocate for positive change through his art and activism.
Artist Statement
Paul’s paintings are an investigation of identity, vulnerability, and human nature. Reality and abstraction compete within the figurative foundation of each piece to make the subjects’ inner struggles more tangible. He often draws upon personal history to approach universal themes. The expressive application of pigment reduces the literalness of the depiction, engaging with an exploration of color, form, shape, and pattern as windows into the psyche. By deconstructing and rebuilding the figure, his paintings invite understandings that reach beyond the immediate surface and reveal the complexity of the individual.
Exhibitions
(*solo shows)
2024
Star Gazing, Retrospective show and book release party, Palenke Arts Teen Center, Seaside, California. November 2024
Queertopia at Colgate, Collaborative show with Briden Schueren, Colgate University, Hamilton, New York. Curated by Briden Schueren and Paul Richmond. February 2024
2022
Queertopia, Collaborative show with Briden Schueren, Open Ground Studios, Seaside, California. Curated by Briden Schueren and Paul Richmond. November 2022
Don't Say Straight, Salvador Dali Museum, Monterey, California. Curated by Paul Richmond, Xavier Plasencia, and Gary Paul Baker. June 2022.
Face It: Artists’ Portraits, Carl Cherry Center for the Arts, Carmel, California. Curated by Martha Manson. January 2022.
2021
Dandy Queer Art Open, Online Exhibition. Curated by Patrick McNaughton. September 2021.
The Art of Being Queer Virtual Reality Exhibition, Pineapple Black, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom. Curated by Josh Lewis. June 2021.
2020
*Voter Profile, Not Sheep Gallery, Columbus, Ohio. Curated by Caren Petersen. October 2020.
2019
*The Masks We Wear, Not Sheep Gallery, Columbus, Ohio. Curated by Caren Petersen. October 2019.
*Promiseland, Faust, Santa Cruz, California.
12 Inches of Wood, Erotic Art Show sponsored by Trekell Art Supplies, The Dark Art Emporium, Long Beach, California. Curated by Jeremy Cross. February 2019.
2018
*Promiseland, Elmarie H. Dyke Gallery, Pacific Grove Art Center, Pacific Grove, California.
*The Naked Eye, Faust, Santa Cruz, California.
2017
*Face to Face, Open Ground Studios, Monterey, California.
The Great Attractor, Street Smart IV, Terra Firma, New York, New York. Curated by Jarrod Serafine.
Group Exhibition, Open Ground Studios, Monterey, California. Curated by Denise Sanders.
Group Exhibition, Rossetti Fine Art Gallery, Wilton Manors, Florida. Curated by Tom Rossetti.
2016
Group Exhibition, Art Saves Lives Gallery, San Francisco, California. Curated by Thomasina Demaio.
*War Paint, Copious, Columbus, Ohio. Curated by Colleen Scott.
*War Paint, Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science, Evansville, Indiana. Curated by Joycelyn Todisco. March 3 – May 4, 2016.
Group Exhibition, Rossetti Fine Art Gallery, Wilton Manors, Florida. Curated by Tom Rossetti.
2015
Pennington Custom Art Services Presents Brickbox Studios, Pennington Custom Art Services, Clintonville, Ohio. Curated by Todd Rector. May 21 – June 30, 2015.
2014
*War Paint, Lyman-Eyer Gallery, Provincetown, Massachusetts. Curated by James Lyman.
Group Exhibition, Lyman-Eyer Gallery, Provincetown, Massachusetts. Curated by James Lyman.
2013
Group Exhibition, Lyman-Eyer Gallery, Provincetown, Massachusetts. Curated by James Lyman.
2012
*Ringmasters & Fabulous Oddities, Lyman-Eyer Gallery, Provincetown, Massachusetts. Curated by James Lyman.
Group Exhibition, Lyman-Eyer Gallery, Provincetown, Massachusetts. Curated by James Lyman.
2011
It Gets Better/Make It Better, 13Forest Gallery, Arlington, MA. Curated by Paula Tognarelli, Executive Director of the Griffin Museum.
Hotter Than July: A Sexploration, NY Studio Gallery, New York, New York. Curated by Savannah Spirit.
2010
*Cheesecake, Center on Halsted Gallery, Chicago, Illinois. Curated by David Joseph.
*Cheesecake Boys Extravaganza, Luxboheme, Columbus, Ohio. Curated by Priscila Teixeira.
Love Conquers All: Art for Equality, Thinkspace Gallery, Culver City, California. Invitational.
GLAAD OUTAuction, Metropolitan Pavilion, New York City. Curated by Harvey Redding. Invitational.
Stripped Uncensored, LGBT Community Center, New York City. Curated by Harvey Redding. Invitational.
Sweet ‘n Low: Optimism in a Pessimistic Age, Gallery Arcane, San Francisco, California. Curated by Karyn Jane Hunt. Invitational.
Spring Juried Exhibition, Ohio Art League, Columbus, Ohio. Juried by David Pagel.
2009
Being Gay: A Visual Dialogue Between Straight and LGBTQ Artists, 2nd City Council Art Gallery, Long Beach, California. Juried by David Burns, Austin Young, and Matias Viegener.
10th Annual Dirty Show, Bert’s Warehouse Theater, Detroit, Michigan. Invitational.
Exhibit of Pride, Stonewall Center, Columbus, Ohio. Juried by Michelle Lach and Nicholas Hill.
2008
RuPaul’s Drag Show, World of Wonder Gallery, Hollywood, CA. Curated by RuPaul. Invitational.
Art of Politics, Bar of Modern Art, Columbus, Ohio. Invitational.
Hollywood DC: Lights…Camera…Election!, World of Wonder Gallery, Hollywood, California. Invitational.
Annual Juried Exhibition, Ohio State Fair, Columbus, Ohio.
The Circus Show & Other Atrocities, A Bitchin’ Space, Sacramento, California. Curated by Gale Hart.
DOLLYPOP, World of Wonder Gallery, Hollywood, California. Curate by Marc Malkin. Invitational.
Art For Life, Columbus AIDS Task Force Benefit, City Center, Columbus, Ohio. Invitational.
2007
*Ins and Outs: A Revival, BOMA: Bar of Modern Art, Columbus, Ohio. Curated by Jamie Galbreath.
One Night, Ohio Art League, Columbus, Ohio. Invitational.
*Ins and Outs, Ohio Art League Gallery, Columbus, Ohio. Curated by Cat Sheridan.
DIFFA’s Dining By Design, CCAD Design Studios, Columbus, Ohio. Invitational.
2006
95th Annual Spring Juried Exhibition, Ohio Art League, Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus, Ohio. Juried by Claudine Isé.
WHITE OUT, Stonewall Columbus, Columbus, Ohio. Invitational.
Recent Works: Brian Williams and Paul Richmond, Worthington Arts Council, Worthington, Ohio. Curated by Cat Sheridan.
Art For Life, Columbus AIDS Task Force Benefit, Canzani Center, Columbus, Ohio. Invitational.
2005
Mistletoe Mania, Neo V Gallery, Grandview, Ohio. Curated by Wynter Whiteside. Invitational.
Emerging Artists: A Collection, Legend Gallery at The Armory, Zanesville, Ohio. Invitational.
Explorations in 2.5 Dimensions, Camelot Cellars, Columbus, Ohio. Curated by Suzanne Byrd.
2004
Transformations: Fall Juried Exhibition, Ohio Art League, Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus, Ohio.
An Exhibit of Pride, Garfield Place, Columbus, Ohio. Invitational.
2003
Annual Juried Exhibition, Ohio State Fair, Columbus, Ohio.
2002
Emerging Artist Exhibition, Art Access Gallery, Bexley, Ohio. Invitational.
The Art of Illustration, Roy G. Biv Gallery, Columbus, Ohio.
Selected Bibliography
2022
Mike Bhand, "Meet Paul Richmond | Artist," Shoutout LA, November 2022 [view article]
2021
Nic Coury, "This Is What LGBTQ+ Joy Looks Like," CNN, June 2021 [view article]
Rob Watson, "Paul Richmond Soars With Phoenix and Butterfly Wings," Los Angeles Blade, March 2021 [view article]
Michael Chatfield, "True Expression: The Colorful World of Paul Richmond," Carmel Magazine, March 2021 [view article]
2020
Lisa Crawford Watson, "Voter Profile: Portraying the Narratives of Voting History," Monterey Herald, November 2020 [view article]
Emily Votaw, "Dolly Parton to Contribute to Virtual Fundraiser for Linda Regula Legacy Scholarship Fund," WOUB Public Media, October 2020 [view article]
"Special Edition: Artist Paul Richmond," LGBT Art Watch, September 2020 [view magazine]
2019
Zach Tutor, "Paul Richmond's The Masks We Wear," Supersonic Art, October 2019 [view article]
Bob Vitale, "Artist Paul Richmond Reveals The Masks We Wear," Columbus Alive, October 2019 [view article]
Katy Cowan, "The Masks We Wear: Paintings of Diverse Figures Who Thrive Despite Being Invisible to the Patriarchy," Creative Boom, October 2019 [view article]
Hank Trout, "Aftermath and Echoes," A&U Magazine, September 2019 [view article]
C Priority, "10 Point Profile: Paul Richmond," Ladder & Key, June 2019 [view article]
Joel Martens, "Artist Spotlight: A Life on Canvas," Rage Magazine, March 2019 [view article]
2018
Katy Cowan, "Promiseland: Paintings by Paul Richmond of People Exploring a Surreal Amusement Park," Creative Boom, December 2018 [view article]
Zach Tutor, "Paul Richmond's Promiseland at Elmarie H. Dyke Gallery," Supersonic Art, November 2018 [view article]
Keith Roark, "Interview with Artist Paul Richmond," Kristian Comes Undone, September 2018 [view article]
"Coming Out on Canvas," Coming Out Space, May 2018 [view article]
"Artist Interview: Paul Richmond," YAC Studios, April 2018 [view article]
"Paul Richmond Discusses Art & Diversity," Our Queer Experience Podcast, March 2018 [interview link]
"The Naked Eye by Artist Paul Richmond," Booooooom, February 2018 [view article]
Curtis M. Wong, "This Artist Is Tackling 'Toxic, Fragile' Masculinity In A Colorful Way," Huffington Post, February 2018 [view article]
2017
"Art Gallery: Paul Richmond," Jack the Lad Magazine, issue 9, Spring/Summer 2017 [view magazine]
"Artist Creates T-Shirt to Raise Awareness About LGBT Chechnya Evacuations," Gay Pop Buzz, May 2017 [view article]
Scott Fullerton, "Paul Richmond Colors Our World With Art," Left of Str8 Show, June 2017 [interview link]
Salandra, Adam, "Make Your Own Pin-Up Art With This 'Cheesecake Boys' Adult Coloring Book," NewNowNext, April 2017 [view article]
"Coloring Party with Paul Richmond & Aaron Anderson," Jeff & Will's Big Gay Fiction Podcast, April 2017 [watch interview]
"Adult Coloring Book 'Cheesecake Boys' Celebrates the Male Pin-Up," Instinct Magazine, February 2017 [view article]
Harrity, Christopher, "Color My Gay World," Advocate, February 2017 [view article]
Curtis M. Wong, "This Sweet (And Sexy) Adult Coloring Book Is A Gay Valentine Treat, Huffington Post, February 2017 [view article]
Jacobs, Blake, "Cheesecake Boys - An Adult Coloring Book of Hot Pinup Boys," The WOW Report, February 2017 [view article]
Garner, Glenn, "'Cheesecake Boys' is the Queer Pin-Up Coloring Book We Didn't Know We Needed," OUT, February 2017 [view article]
2016
Jane Smith, "Super Star Interviews: Paul Richmond," Bird Meets Worm, December 2016 [view interview]
"In The Galleries: War Paint," Advocate, February, 2016 [view article]
2015
Ed Kennedy, "The Joys of Cheesecake Boys' Spoofs Mellow Art Icon Bob Ross," NewNowNext, December, 2015 [view article]
Garrett Miller, “Paul Richmond: LGBT Artist and Activist,” Rated G Radio (radio program), November 2015 [interview link]
Laura Dachenbach, "War on Canvas," 614 Magazine, August, 2015 [view article]
Christopher Harrity, "The Precarious Plight of Paul Richmond's Pinups," Advocate, April 25, 2015 [view article]
John Myers, "Artist Spotlight: Paul Richmond," Kinkster Mag, February 2, 2015 [view article]
2014
Will Stroude, "Gay Artist Paints Men in Typical Pin-Up Poses," Attitude Magazine, December 11, 2014 [view article]
Douglas, "Artist, Activist, and Storyteller, Paul Richmond," On Air With Douglas (radio program), November 26, 2014 [interview link]
Ana B.K., "War Paint," Widewalls, September 2, 2014 [view article]
JJ Vincent, "War Paint: New Images of Men and Masculinity," The Good Men Project, August 22, 2014 [view article]
Nicolas Tarier, "Fantastic Paintings by Paul Richmond," Art-Spire, August 19, 2014 [view article]
Curtis M. Wong, "Paul Richmond's 'War Paint' Series Challenges Masculine Conventions, The Male Form," The Huffington Post, August 18, 2014 [view article]
Michael Lyons, "Love Is a Battlefield," DailyXtra, August 14, 2014 [view article]
Leon Krauze, "Best Flood Ever: Reimagining Noah's Ark As A Gay Cruise," Open Source With Leon Krauze (tv program), March 28, 2014 [watch interview]
2013
Kennedy, James, "Capolavoro: Masterpiece of Man," Capolavoro Publishing, 2013 [purchase link]
Curtis M. Wong, "Paul Richmond's 'Cheesecake Boys' Features Men in Classic Pin-Up Poses," The Huffington Post, May 8, 2013 [view article]
Donna Dickens, "12 Spectacular Illustrations of Men in Classic Pin-Up Poses," Buzzfeed, May 7, 2013 [view article]
Roy Mitchell, "Matadora and Cheesecake," Roynation (radio program), May 7, 2013 [interview link]
E. Hirano, "Paul Richmond," Noisy Rain, issue 13 (magazine), January, 2013 [magazine link]
2012
Paul Vitagliano (DJ Paul V.), "Born This Way: Real Stories of Growing Up Gay," Quirk Books, 2012 [book link]
