Oils & Etchings of People and Places by Sir Roland Richardson

Published on September 02, 2025

Marco Island, FL — Marco Island Center for the Arts is proudly presents a captivating new exhibition: Oils & Etchings of People and Places by internationally acclaimed artist Sir Roland Richardson, opening September 8, 2025 in La Petite Galerie. This exceptional collection of oil paintings and etchings, many drawn from the artist’s private archive, spans over sixty years of artistic exploration and mastery. The exhibition will run September 8 through September 30, 2025 with an opening reception on September 9 that is free to the public. In the Lauritzen and Rush Gallery, “Keeping it Cool” exhibition continues for a second month.

Known as a pioneer of contemporary Caribbean impressionism, Sir Roland Richardson works exclusively from life, with a primary focus on plein air oil painting and traditional etching. His work is rooted in intimate observation, vibrant color, and technical discipline.

“I’ve spent the better part of the last 60 years doing my paintings and graphic works on location,” shared Sir Roland. “I’ve created over 400 print plates of all different subjects, all from life. Every plate I make in the traditional manner, and every etching I hand-pull myself—each one is an Artist’s Proof and uniquely original.”

“En plein air,” the French term for painting outdoors, defines Sir Roland’s oil work. This exhibition includes pieces created amidst the lush beauty of St. Martin, the tranquil landscapes of France, and the peaceful water lily ponds of the Naples Botanical Garden—a cherished painting spot since he and his wife, Laura, made Naples, Florida their U.S. home.

His etchings, in contrast to the bold immediacy of oil, invite viewers into quiet intimacy. “One of the most endearing qualities of an etching is its intimacy,” he explained. “It’s a picture you hold in your hand, exploring its detail. Despite its small size, it holds the power of historical record.”

Sir Roland Richardson was born in 1944 on the island of St. Martin, where his family’s French Caribbean heritage dates back to the 1700s. A lifetime of artistic achievement has earned him accolades including the Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau from Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands (2007), and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the French Government. His work is housed in prominent public and private collections, including Memorial Sloan Kettering (NYC), Erasmus Cancer Institute (Rotterdam), le Palais d’Elysée (Paris), and le Musée du Nouveau Monde (La Rochelle, France).

Sir Roland is a contributing member of the Naples Art District, with a working studio at Artisans Plaza, Studio #21, in Naples, Florida. His broader body of work can be explored at www.rolandrichardson.com

Join Us for the Artist Reception

Second Tuesday Reception: September 9, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Celebrate this extraordinary exhibit and meet Sir Roland Richardson during the Center’s signature Second Tuesday event. Admission is free and open to the public.

About Marco Island Center for the Arts

Marco Island Center for the Arts brings a wide variety of arts to its community through art exhibitions, engaging educational programs for adults and children and a diverse assortment of events. The Arts Center Theatre offers both produced and presented theater productions as well as other live entertainment. The Art Center and its theater serve as professional and financial drivers for visual and performing artists and educators through exhibition, performance and teaching opportunities while being a catalyst that fuels economic development, an understanding of cultural diversity and community cohesion.