Richard Vander Meer was born in Barrie in 1958 and has been painting and drawing since he was 10 years old. He developed his abilities on a self-taught basis until enrolling the fine arts departmetn at the Ontario College of Art's for a four year program. Since graduating in 1990 he has since operated a small gallery in Orillia, Ontario.
Richard has been the recipient of numerous scholarships and awards throught his career including,
1988 - John Alfsen Award for proficiency in Fine Art
1989 - Dorothy Steven's Award for proficiency in painting and drawing
1991 - Best in Show, watercolor and pastel at Kempenfest Arts and Crafts Fair in Barrie, Ontario
1992 - Best traditional painting - Midland Arts Festival
As well, Richards work has been purchased by many private and corporate collectors, some of the most notable being:
Heritage Club of Orillia
North York Board of Education, private collection
John Eaton Junior, Owner of Eaton's Canada
Rosalie Wise Designs
Richard's work was chosen to be represented in the movie "Where the Heart Is," filmed in Toronto and commanded the highest price in a charity Silent Auction held at the Ontario College of Art in 1989.
A few years ago my children and I became recipients of a Habitat for Humanity Home, and now after a year of hard work helping to build our home, doing many hours of volunteer work, we are in our home and settled. Now the dream to work from my new home is finally a reality and with the help of my brother Richard vandermeerfineartandgifts.com is the result.
As a single parent, I plugged away at many different jobs, put myself through college and worked steady from there. Many ups and downs, trial and tribulations, heartaches and joys have been my life. Thank God for my faith and my children as they have sustained me through it all, and here I am today with countless blessings to be thankful for. My life really has been like an ever burning candle, always lit to guide the steps of others and forever burning to show me the way.
I hope you enjoy browsing through my website. I have made navigation easy so if you are here to shop for something specific, you will find it without trouble. I have added a few extras like "for your enjoyment", click on the link and you will be entertained with either a wonderful story, a video or media event.
I have also added a page with quotes. Click on this link for an inspirational or valuable quote that will help you through your day.
I am thanking you in advance for your order or just visiting my site.
Lori Vander Meer
" I believe good painting and drawing is the result of a firm understanding and knowledge of fundamental principles in fine arts. The ability to execute these principles in union with one's choice of media and subject matter will produce a work which is both honest and of a high caliber."
Richard J. Vander Meer
"My appreciation for nature, the outdoors and the pursuit of excellence in fine arts, as well as fishing culminate in both fine art and fly fishing respectively. I have attempted to intertwine these passions and produce an honest and sincere sense of the spirit of fly fishing through my art."
Richard J. Vander Meer
"If there is one element concerning art and whether or not a painting or drawing in fine arts will be successful, it is that you should paint what you know. Only then can you truly communicate an honest, sincere message to the viewer. This, in my view, coupled with talent for the fine arts and hard work will result in a painting that has conviction."
Richard J. Vander Meer