His paintings demonstrate and emphasize the effects of light. Yet, years of practice and persistence have brought maturity and freshness to his watercolors. Nothing is deliberately concealed. The door to what is beautiful or difficult is left ajar, waiting for us to step through. If his sensibility is open, so is his technique.
Schilling is an expert in 'plein air', or outdoor watercolor technique.
Just as he is fond of real experience, with no barriers between himself and the landscapes and people around him, Schilling is drawn to the immediacy and engagement that plein air offers him. Watercolor reveals the humanness, the frailties, and faults of the artist. Mistakes are difficult to change. Richard teaches courses in watercolor for the traveling artist and writes articles for art magazines. His work as a volunteer in several developing countries has provided many opportunities for painting on location around the world.