Many informed observers of painting in the west-country will be aware of Kurt Jackson, an outstanding and popular artist for whom we have staged a number of one-man shows in the past. An off-spin of Kurt Jackson's success is the proliferation of artists who reflect his style.

While there is no doubt that Richard Thorn is very much his own man, Richard recognises that there are similarities between his and Jackson's work, however, there are also strong distinctions. Richard combines a scintillating combination of observation and draughtsmanship with inspired handling of materials. This enables him to capture the subtle, subdued light of dawn or dusk, and yet he has an equal facility to portray intense, sparkling sunlight and reflection.

Devon born and bred, family trips to Dartmoor were a formative experience for the young Richard. An intuitive artist; "Drawing seems to be as natural as eating. I love the poetry of the land and the sea. The associations are strong and deep, and I try to convey this in my work".