Richard Armstrong Murray

Richard was born to art. Everything he saw, felt, heard, read, even smelled was the natural world as art. We painted a couple of times together in Park City when the place was a mining ghost town, and that´s when I became aware that his art was not a choice, but life´s path. My son entered Richard´s world when he spent a summer gessoing his huge canvases. Everyone who has his animals or landscapes is lucky to be able to enter that beautiful world of Richard Murray.

I met Richard in 1973 when he had a watercolor hanging in the public safety commissioner´s office at Salt Lake City. I loved the picture. He invited me to his studio to see other paintings he had finished. I fell in love with a fairly large oil painting of Egypt. I saved my money and bought it for $700 which was a substantial investment for a newspaper reporter living on a small salary. I later bought the watercolor that hung in the commissioners office I have both in my living room. In...

We knew Richard since our time at the University of Utah in the early 1970s. Our fondest memories were the annual Fourth of July and Halloween pumpkin carving parties. Each year he would arrive in an extravagant handmade costume much to the delight of everyone in attendance. The art world has lost a gifted artist. He will be missed. Diane, Lew and Randy Katz

Handsome, talented, magnificent

Richard and I shared an efficacious but tortuous junior year english class together. Commiserating was so much fun. What a great guy!

I own one of Richard's paintings of a black bear, life-size. It intimidates some people, amuses others, and speaks to everyone. Everyone who sees it is compelled to interpret its stare. The bear is sensibly alive and has become a steadfast friend of mine, sort of my support animal. I never met Richard but he has enriched my life greatly.

I own several of Richard's paintings, gifts from my father, who was also an artist under Alvin Gittens. Treasures.

In August 2006, our daughter Alex and I had the opportunity to visit Richard at his home in Richmond, Oregon. It was a privilege to see him in his element surrounded by landscape, wilderness, and of course, his gallery. His warmth and his hospitality were equal to his great talent as an artist. Please accept our healthful condolences. Terrell, Tammie, and Alex Smith https://www.houzz.com/magazine/my-houzz-oregon-landscape-inspires-a-painters-dream-home-and-studio-stsetivw-vs~45466932

My husband and I met Richard shortly after moving to Richland, and our lives were greatly enriched by his friendship. He was gracious, witty, always ready for conversations about books, music, history. He was well versed in so many topics. We enjoyed his company and loved him dearly. He and I had a love of Iris, and ordered several together. My garden will be a constant reminder of his love and stewardship of nature. Rest well my friend.