Observers of Richard Baker’s artwork cannot help but notice the masterful capture of light, atmosphere and detail.

Besides portraits and figurative work, there are his landscapes depicting the radiant light, rolling landscapes and glistening waters of the southern Appalachian Mountains.

With an unerring eye for detail, Baker paints air, light and water that move together. The air in his paintings breathes with the humid stillness of a summer day or the clear freshness of an autumn afternoon. The light mesmerizes – from streaming sun rays to soft moon glow, from campfire to fireflies. Light dances upon his water whether it be a mountain waterfall or the placid waters of the French Broad.

A disciple of the Hudson River School art movement, Baker finds new ways of challenging himself with every painting. His is professionalism born out of passion. “I paint to live,” attests the biographical statement displayed at his River Arts District studio.

Self-taught and an artist from a young age, he has earned the admiration of fellow artists, art professors, collectors and art-lovers alike.

The Richard Baker Studio, open most days, is located in RAD’s Pink Dog Creative at 344 Depot St., Asheville. For more information about seeing, acquiring or commissioning a work of art, call (828) 234-1616 or visit RichardBakersStudio.com.