Westminster Poster Artists – Richard Moss

The 2013 New York Academy of Art Poster Contest Winner

by Amy Fernandez

The Westminster poster has become a favorite dog lover’s collectible, and the concept, style, and technique of their 2013 design is a standout. Chosen jointly by Westminster Kennel Club and the New York Academy of Art, it features a grouping of miniature paintings depicting historically important dogs like the club’s mascot, Sensation, and last year’s BIS winning Pekingese. It was the collaborative effort of Robert Clark and his partner, Richard Moss, well known to horse lovers for their richly detailed equine mosaics.

For over two decades, they have created functional and decorative hand painted ceramic tile, intricate mosaics, and breathtaking portraits. Their work has been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts, the White House Millennium Project, and can be seen in museums, private collections, and fine hotels and restaurants around the world.

Recently, Richard Moss spoke to Canine Chronicle about their sources of inspiration and the complex processes used to create their gorgeous artwork. “It is important to us as artists, and to our clients, that our art is correct as well as beautiful. We paint what we know so you can collect what you love.”

Both Moss and Clark grew up with dogs and currently live with Hercule, the Toy Poodle and two Pembroke Welsh Corgis bearing the lovely Welsh names of Efa and Llewllyu. Along with their love for animals, history and tradition are major stylistic influences. Moss studied mosaic in Italy, and they have been redefining the rare arts of miniature painting and kiln-fired oil-on-porcelain.

Once considered more precious than gold, the formulas and production methods of Europe’s porcelain workshops were guarded like state secrets. “We’re fascinated by seventeenth century Sevres porcelain, eighteenth century KPM production, and miniature painting from many different cultures and times.”

The technique involves “thin washes of mineral pigment and multiple kiln-firings to permanently fuse each layer to the surface. The intense colors and crystalline brilliance produced through this exacting process is combined with the painstaking art of miniature painting. “We work under special daylight bulbs and magnifying lenses using tiny brushes and improvised tools – even thorns to patiently build up the surface, painting each hair and the twinkle of an eye. “Layer after layer, each fired separately, until every detail is revealed.” Many portraits are fired a dozen times to achieve such depth and clarity.

It’s easy to understand why handpainted porcelain became the subject of superstation and awe. The minute detail and luminosity infuses the subject with a powerful physical presence. Moss calls their delicately painted miniatures “a wonderful tribute, memento or keepsake.” They can be displayed, but they are also durable enough to carry or wear as jewelry.

“Our twin passions inform both our artwork and our choice of animals.” The artists’ tile and mosaic studio, Equipment of Culture, is also home to their Ocala, Fla. Farm. “We have long bred and competed horses, specifically Dutch Warmbloods and German Riding Ponies. It’s a dream lifestyle that we are grateful to enjoy.”

Canine Chronicle readers can view more of their work at www.eofc.com or contact them at 352.465.2464/ rm@eofc.com to commission portraits. Better yet, put Equipment of Culture on your shopping list if you plan to attend the 2013 Florida Classic Cluster in Ocala. Ten days of shows kick off January 10 at the Greater Ocala Dog Show Grounds

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Posted by admin on Oct 27 2012. Filed under Breaking News, Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.