I was born and raised in New York City, New York, USA. My studies and training in the fine arts took place there from the late 1950s through the 1960s. I studied at The High School of Art and Design; Pratt Institute and the Arts Students League. I began painting professionally in 1968. My major influences were the "New York School" expressionist painters who were active from the 1940s through the 1970s.

Although I can generally be considered an expressionist or non-representational painter, I call the body of my works:
Images Hors Contexte.

This has become my approach, my theme, my style if you prefer, in creating images that are not based in representational concepts and will allow the viewer to use their imagination to see my images as they chose. I do not title my work. My work is generally an intellectual exercise for me….using space; color; form; structure and line in ways that I consider unique.

I welcome your interest and comments as I seek new venues and opportunities to show my work. Please feel free to contact me at rwforsterpaintings@gmail.com.

Richard W. Forster

Please visit to my community page on facebook where the work is updated weekly.