Each week, the Gazette shines a light on one of the borough's more interesting residents or organisations. This week JERRY LYONS talks to Richard Wilde, who knows how to deliver both at work and in his studio
YOU have doubtless heard of the laughing policeman but are you aware of the painting postman? Iwould hazard a guess at probably not, but that could be set to change. Richard Wilde, a postman from Ruislip, has a trio of exhibitions coming up in the next few months.
His speciality is portraiture but the multi-talented 33-year-old is equally comfortable with other artistic disciplines.
"I began working as a postman because it was a job that would give me enough daylight hours to focus on my art," he says. "I start early but also finish early, which gives me the time to practise and paint and draw.
"I have been painting and drawing for as long as I can remember but it's only recently Ihave knuckled down and dedicated myself to seeing how good I can become.
I don't want to sound pretentious but my art is a huge part of who I am."
I certainly found nothing at all snobby or conceited about Richard during our chat and his practical attitude to making time for his artistic endeavours highlights how determined he is to make the most of his talents.
"It can be incredibly frustrating work," he says.
"I'm a perfectionist and am my own harshest and most impatient critic sometimes.
"Most of my work comes from people commissioning portraits. Today's lifestyles are so hectic that people don't have the time to sit for hours having their portrait painted. So instead I get people to give me a collection of photographs of the subject,, whether it be themselves or someone else, and I paint it from what I'm given."
Despite having left art college after just three weeks because he felt it was 'a waste of time', it is surely obvious to anyone that Richard puts a lot of soul and feeling into his work.
The next few months will see him delivering far more than just parcels and letters as he serves up selections of his work at galleries in and around the borough.
The first is a show is at Osterley House, from October 1to 12. That's followed by an exhibition in Cow Byre Gallery, in Manor Farm, Ruislip, and he completes his busy three months by displaying at the Radlett Centre from December 3 to 26.
To find out more about Richard's work, visit www.hillingdonartists.org .
