Moab Artist Rich Cleveland arrived in Moab in 1996, with only a mountain bike, backpack, and a trunk full of his belongings.
He quickly fell in love with the small-town feel, and the red rock desert landscape. A graphic artist and musician all his life, he found the Moab area an interesting and worthwhile subject for landscape painting, so he started learning to paint his favorite scenes with oils in 2019.
Rich is self-taught, with help from books and online resources, a strong love for experimentation, and a “degree” from the University of YouTube.
He also enjoys painting portraits, still lifes, and other subjects using traditional methods. His work is supported by his wife Katie, who puts up with the constant smell of linseed oil, clove oil, and various solvents and thinners.
Georgie and Obi (left) and provide constant friendly nuisance most days.