Richard Sparre (1936-2008, Massachusetts) Tempera on Panel “On The Marsh”,  signed lower right “Richard Sparre”, in original frame

14.25 in. x 23.25 in. Overall 19.25 in. x 28.25 in.

A commercial artist and art director for many years, Sparre concentrated on fine art painting from 1970-on and exhibited his Cape Cod landscape and marine paintings in his own gallery as well as other venues. He also created a series of whimsical paintings using mermaid labradors, and woodys as subject matter.

Born in 1936 in Falmouth, Massachusetts, he grew up in Hingham and served in the Naval Reserve while in school. He then joined the armed forces and served in Germany during the Korean War. After his return, he attended The School of Practical Art in Boston, where he met his future wife. They married in 1958 and Sparre subsequently worked as commercial artist and art director.

In 1970, the family moved to Cape Cod, with Sparre concentrating on his fine art painting. The Sparres bought and restored a Colonial in New Seabury and opened a gallery in their home. Another gallery was in Cotuit, where Sparre added decorated and restored furniture to his inventory of paintings and prints. In 1993, the Sparres moved to Brewster to open a home studio gallery on Route 6A.

Richard Sparre passed on October 11, 2008 at his home and studio in Brewster, Massachusetts.