A practitioner of the academic traditions in painting and an avid student of fine art and art history, Richards' work recalls the classic, realistic painters. Oils are the preferred medium, but he is just as facile in watercolors. In addition to the striking florals for Rive Gauche, he often works in other styles, excelling at murals, portraits, and historic subjects.  Currently a resident of New Orleans,  Ralph Andrew Richards has lived and exhibited his works in other parts of the country. Originally from Mobile, Alabama, he has been a working and selling artist since the age of fourteen. He completed his BFA degree at the University of Alabama, and was Artist In Residence for the City of Mobile for eight years.