Although Dick Mueller spent many years in sales, art has always been his passion – art with details that are only possible with a pencil – details that create work that looks photographic. These details help Dick create textures that he can feel and they help him capture the feelings and emotions of the subjects, whether the subject is human or animal.
Before the details begin, however, Dick lays out a composition that looks believable for the subject, taking into consideration size, shape, movement, light and color. Each piece must show motion and/or give the viewer an emotional connection. The inspiration for Dick’s work comes from photos that he uses for reference; sometimes as many as 20 photos for a single work.
Dick has no preference as to graphite (black & white) or colored pencil. That decision may depend on the reference photos, the time period being depicted or his personal whim.
Dick’s work leans heavily to western subjects either present day or historical because even though he will never have the opportunity to be one, Dick says “My heroes have always been OLD cowboys.”
In 2010, Dick was awarded first place in the drawing category at the Phippen Western Art Show in Prescott, AZ. He won first place in the same category in 2006 and third in 2005. Before coming to the Foothills area in 1996, Dick lived in St. Louis for 25 years and belonged to three art organizations, entered many juried competitions and won numerous awards for his paintings.
Dick Mueller is a member of the Sonoran Arts League and the American Plains Artists. . Dick’s artwork has been purchased for corporate and private collections worldwide.