Richard Sullivan, Portland resident and artist of last year’s 150th Kentucky Derby poster, has recently launched a new website, showcasing quite a departure in style from the self-described “sports artist”, who specialized in horse racing and his own native sport, baseball. Sullivan’s new work is bold, colorful and abstract and marks a new chapter is his growth as an artist.
In February, he hosted his first “Drink and Draw” session, during which artists of all types and skill levels can pay a small admission fee to come and set up their own materials (or use those provided by Richard) and create and network with like-minded artists. He’s calling his space BNK St. Gallery + Studio, a former 19th-century corner store at 19th Street and Bank. The event featured artists from all over the city and region, and music by DJ DropShawn. Richard is planning on making the ”Drink and Draws” a monthly thing, among other more regular events to share the space with the public.
“I feel like I’m starting over as an artist,” Richard said. “I’ve gained a little experience and confidence, and really enjoying doing something brand new and totally different.”
He said he’s really relying more on intuition and his subconscious. “I’m trying not to think,” he said. “It’s more like turning on a tap and letting it flow. It’s all rhythm…when I start creating, I never know what time it is when I’m down here.”
Check out https://www.richardsullivanillustration.com/ for his latest artwork and events
