Ariana Richards possessed a love of traditional art at an early age. An internationally noted actress, known especially for her role as “Lex” in Jurassic Park, she went on to Skidmore College to earn a B.S. Degree in Fine Art and Drama, with distinction.
She continued with instruction at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California and has been mentored by some of the finest names in Contemporary Impressionist art.
Art has long been a tradition in Ariana Richards’ family. Her own genealogy can be traced back to the early Italian Renaissance with Carlo Crivelli, a contemporary of Botticelli. Ariana’s ongoing work shows the classical influence of the Old Masters, along with the dynamics of Impressionist artists, most notably Monet and Degas.
She draws inspiration from historic painters such as John Singer Sargent, Anders Zorn, Mary Cassatt, and Joaquin Sorolla. Scores of media interviewers asked, “What can she possibly do as a follow up to her film career?”
She hasn’t disappointed them. Ariana is an award-winning artist, has been featured in many art magazines, and has already become one of the most celebrated young artists of our time, known among her collectors for her evocative figures and landscapes. She is also a member of the Portrait Society of America, and is a Member of the California Art Club est. 1909.
“It’s all about the light… Light illuminates the essence and the heart of things.” – Ariana Richards
Ariana’s Heritage – Carlo Crivell
Carlo Crivelli’s, “Madonna and Child.”
Ariana is a direct descendant of early Italian Painter, Carlo Crivelli. Venetian (active 1457-1493)
This pictured piece, “Madonna and Child”, resides at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
“My maternal grandmother, born Alma Giovanna Crivelli, would have been given one of Carlo Crivelli’s original paintings held in keeping by the Crivelli family for Crivelli daughters had she married in Italy. Because she married William Otto Garrison in 1943 during WWII in Ross, California, she was not able to receive her inheritance. Shortly thereafter, the Nazis confiscated the paintings of the Old Masters, the Crivelli paintings among them.”
– Ariana Richards
Curriculum Vitae
Art Education
2001 – 2004
First young female artist invited to prestigious California Art Club, est 1909.
Intensive mentoring with the most acclaimed Traditional and Impressionist artists in the United States.
2002 – 2003
Art Center College of Design.
Anatomy for Art Drawing and Sculpture.
Professor: Rey Bustos.
1997 – 2001
Skidmore College, New York.
Bachelors Degree – Fine Art and Drama.
1992 – 1996
Private tutoring in Classical Drawing, Painting Methods, Work from Live Model.
Tutor: Rey Bustos.
(Acclaimed professor from Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, California, and instructor for Disney Animation Studios).
Art Awards
2013 – National Competition Winner,
“Official Artist for the Children for Children Organization ~ Interpretational Painting of Music”-
2009 – Award Winner at “Annual Members Showcase Competition”
National association, Portrait Society of America-
2008 – Awarded “Judges Choice” for oil painting
2nd Annual International Raymar Art Competition 2008-
2006 – Art of the West Award of Excellence, Blue Ribbon Winner
Oil Painters of America Western Regional Competition-
2005 – 1st Place in the National Oil Painting Competition, American Artist magazine-
2003 – People’s Choice Award at the Wine Country Exhibition, Napa Valley-
2001 – Painter of the Year Award from the Media Arts Institute and Moorpark College