Rick Whalen was seven when he began his art studies with his mother, a graduate of the University of Buffalo Fine Arts and Albright-Knox. There she studied and worked with Ben Stahl. Rick has lived in Montreal, Ca., Baghdad, Iraq, Buenos Aires, Argentina and traveled through Europe on vacations.

After years of working in acrylics with R.R. Robinson in his beach studio, Whalen fell in love with the transparency of watercolor. He has been plein air painting with Jan MacFarlane since 1990 and enhanced his skills with Taylor Ikin, Bryan Ateyo, Tom Lynch, Tom Jones and Martha Mans.

Whalen is fascinated with the houses in Key West and the "colors of the Caribbean". Much of his art incorporates these. Whalen has shown frequently over the past few years, taking an honorable mention in 2002 at the Gulf Coast Museum of Art fall show, and the Florida Water Color Society Shown in Ocala and Tampa, Florida

Whalen's work is in private collections primarily on the east coast and in Florida. He currently works out of his studio at ArtSpace with 16 other noted artists in the St. Petersburg area.

Rick Whalen  Statement

I am fascinated with the homes of Key West, and the "Colors of the Caribbean". I have several painting styles that I use to achieve the desired impact. Above all, I want to bring the viewer into the painting, then allow them to complete "the picture". The majority of my work is in transparent watercolor and acrylics, using palette knife, brushes, and pouring techniques. I am dedicated to the concept that original art should be enjoyed and affordable to all.