Barbara Richardson RBA is a British painter known particularly for her intimate still lifes, portraits and works on paper. Working in both oils and watercolour, her paintings are rooted in close observation and a longstanding fascination with familiar objects, flowers and the human figure.

Drawing is central to Richardson’s practice, whether as preparation for a painting or as an activity in its own right. Her still lifes often bring together objects collected over many years, some of which recur throughout her work, allowing subtle changes in composition, light and atmosphere to become the focus.

Richardson studied Fine Art at Chelsea School of Art from 1975 to 1979, where her tutors included Patrick Symons RA and Norman Blamey. She was awarded the Christopher Head Scholarship for Drawing in 1978.

She was elected an Associate member of the Royal Society of British Artists in 1996 and became a full member in 1998. Her work has been exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery, the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, the New English Art Club and the Mall Galleries.