Richard Peter Matson

1936 - 2023

Richard Key West - Matson Peter Matson Richard (Dick) Peter Matson, 87, of Key West passed away peacefully on October 25, 2023, in the place he loved the most.

Dick was born on June 3, 1936, to David and Charlotte Matson in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in Bellerose, Long Island. Captivated by and gifted in the arts, he was accepted to Cooper Union School of Art on full scholarship, a highly competitive institute of higher learning in New York City. Following completion of the undergrad program, he was one of three students to be accepted to Yale University's Master of Arts program. There he studied graphic design from the eminent artist and educator Josef Albers and renowned landscape artist Neil Welliver.

With school behind him, Dick found work in New York City with a series of notable advertising firms such as J. Walter Thompson and Columbia Records. Harnessing his wit and inspired mind, he produced a series of humorous homemade greeting cards for friends and family. With encouragement from a friend, Dick met with principal stationery buyers at Bloomingdale's who took a liking to his greeting cards. Before the meeting concluded, the department store placed a large order and before Dick knew it, his scintillating greeting card series was featured in a New York Times article.

But cold, dreary New York winters were unappealing to Dick. A dear friend who also resided in the city and was aware of Key West's reputation as a haven for artists along with its year-round temperate climate suggested a move to the island. Dick laid eyes on Key West in 1975 and never looked back. The natural light and shadows captured his heart and his artistic imagination. Before long, he became a familiar sight along Key West's streets, sidewalks, beaches, and parks, together with his easel and canvas, paintbrush in hand.

Dick took inspiration from everything around him. Favoring the early evening hours for plein air painting, he returned to the exact spot day after day to capture sunlight on ornate houses and lush foliage and tropical flowers. Wanting to paint from the exact position each day, it was commonplace for Dick to paint three small circles on the concrete - many of which still endure in the Meadows neighborhood. Much to his chagrin, neighbors and tourists attempted conversation during his painting sessions - they were often met with gruff responses, but many purchased paintings despite his insolence.

In addition to his love of painting, Dick spent countless hours engaged in heated Scrabble matches with friends in his kitchen. He adored long lunches at Salute and Louie's Backyard where he held court. New York Times crossword puzzles were no match for his expansive knowledge base and he delighted in listening to classical music at elevated levels from his expansive front porch, much to the consternation of many in the neighborhood.

Dick is survived by his last remaining sibling, Don Matson, along with numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service is scheduled to be held at The Basilica of Saint Mary Star of the Sea in Key West on December 6 at 1:00 p.m.