At 81 years old, Roland Richardson continues to elevate the landscapes and people of his native Saint Martin through his luminous impressionist paintings, establishing himself as a living legend in Caribbean art circles. Known widely as the 'father of Caribbean impressionism,' Richardson has spent decades capturing the unique light and vibrant spirit of the island that inspires his work. His paintings, which hang in collections worldwide, represent more than artistic achievement—they serve as cultural preservation of a place he calls home. Born and raised on the French side of the divided island, Richardson's commitment to his homeland remains unwavering as he approaches his ninth decade.

Richardson explains that color, not the object itself, forms the foundation of his artistic approach and serves as his primary connection to a constantly moving universe. 'What animates my painting, my work? It's the study of color. It's not the object. The object is colored, and it's the color that attracts me,' the impressionist painter states. He works from a chromatic trinity of yellow, red, and blue, believing that since light represents divine creation, color becomes a revelation of the divine. 'Color is divine, and it's with this intangible color, like light is intangible, which has no form but is present, that we can see,' Richardson elaborates, emphasizing that each primary color carries dimensional character.

The artist insists on painting en plein air, directly observing his subjects because manufactured studio work cannot capture the essential vibration and movement he perceives in nature. 'When you look at the hillside, all the leaves are moving, and therefore vibration and movement are an essential part of life. And that should be in the painting and it cannot be manufactured,' he explains. This philosophy demands that he mix colors quickly and respond immediately to shifting light conditions. Richardson studied fine arts in the United States, but his Caribbean identity deeply informs his creative process through a kind of creative surrender to his environment.

Richardson's recent transition from hotel scenes to neighboring gallery spaces has afforded him opportunities to explore portrait painting, which he approaches with distinctive philosophy. 'Between a human being, in the solid sense, and a bowl of fruit, in the solid sense, there is no difference. Except for what's inside, that spirit. And so the spirit becomes, in the portrait, the subject,' he reveals. This perspective transforms his portraits from mere physical representations into spiritual studies. Rather than imposing his own expression onto the canvas, Richardson seeks complete liberation from thought, allowing the subject to reveal itself to him in each encounter.

Beyond his painting practice, Richardson has embraced the safeguarding of Saint Martin's cultural heritage through an innovative engraving process on copper and zinc plates. These intricate works preserve historical scenes and architectural details that might otherwise be lost to development and time. His dedication to cultural documentation extends beyond his own artwork to active participation in local preservation initiatives. The engravings, which require meticulous craftsmanship, demonstrate Richardson's versatility as an artist committed to multiple mediums. This work has become increasingly important as the island faces modernization pressures.

Richardson's international reputation continues to grow as museums and collectors recognize the unique contribution of his Caribbean impressionist vision. His paintings command attention in galleries from Paris to New York, yet he remains rooted in his Saint Martin studio, where he welcomes visitors and young artists seeking guidance. The quality of his work and his steadfast attachment to Saint Martin have made him a source of immense pride for island residents. As both artist and cultural steward, Roland Richardson embodies the living memory of Saint Martin while inspiring future generations to see the divine in color and the profound in everyday island life.