A graduate of Paier College of Art, Connecticut, he studied under Rudolf Zallinger and Ken Davies. He spent many years illustrating and was honored with the 'Most Outstanding Illustrator Award' at graduation. In 1988, he followed his passion of painting plein air, and spent his time painting landscapes and farms in the local area surrounding his home.
In 2002, Rick visited Monhegan Island and fell in love with its rugged beauty. He returned every year for a week of "sun up to sun down" painting.
Rick has won many awards including the Claude Parsons Award for Landscape, the Edmond F. Ward Award and Frank Vincent Dumond Award for best light and atmospheric effect from the Hudson Valley Art Association.