Richard DePaul fell in love with drawing and painting as a child, but put his passion on hold for 45 years.
After a career as a designer for commercial packaging — one he chose because it would allow him to feed his family while still having an artistic outlet — DePaul picked up a paintbrush again in the 90s. His wife bought him a set of watercolors, hoping to reignite the earlier interest in the hobby.
At first DePaul hid his paintings away in closets. He was intimidated by painting after so long away, and did not want to show his work to the world.
Now he is not so shy about his creations; he shows and sells pieces born from his “original love.” DePaul considers himself a full-time artist, and among the most fortunate in the world to make a living doing something he loves immensely.
Now through August, the public can see DePaul’s art on display at New Town Gallery.
The Philadelphia area native moved to Williamsburg in 1987 for work. He had chosen the career of an industrial designer by the 10th grade, but the penchant for art started much earlier.
“The light bulb went off in first grade for me: I knew this was what I wanted to do when I grew up,” DePaul said.
The life of a starving artist was not for him, though. A child of the Depression era, DePaul was focused on providing for his family. He got married while he was in college and jumped into a career while raising two daughters.
He hung onto the desire to create outside of work, but was swept up in the whir of life and set pencils and paintbrushes aside. Retiring from corporate life in the 90s allowed DePaul to take the time to rekindle his interest.
It started with a studio at home. He and his wife now run an art business, DePaulArt, to sell or commission his work, and DePaul donates an original watercolor each year to be raffled off for arts scholarships through the Williamsburg Junior Women’s Club.
DePaul finds inspiration in the scenes he spots around Williamsburg, and especially in the Colonial area. He was always drawn to history and architecture.
“What better place than Williamsburg if they are two of your interests?” DePaul said.
Whether it is an architectural portrait or a soft garden landscape, DePaul feels his work is a salute to the work of Colonial Williamsburg in restoring the colonial city.
Visitors to New Town Art Gallery will recognize scenes from around town in his work, as well as images from favorite vacation spots — travel and sailing are another hobby of DePaul’s — on display. Also featured at the gallery will be Holland Wentz Etheridge, a Hampton watercolor and pencil drawing artist.
For those interested in pursuing the arts, visual or performing, DePaul said drive is the key to success.
“Talent’s a minor part of it. It’s passion; is that what you have to do?” he asks prospective artists seeking advice. “If you don’t have the passion, talent by itself is not enough.”
New Town Art Gallery is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit the gallery’s website.
