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Woodford Reserve X Richard Sullivan 

My passion for creating art and playing sports began as early as I can remember. From the moment I picked up a pencil, I was drawing the world around me. I was also instinctively attracted to baseball and from the moment I picked up a ball, the sport captivated me for 26 years. 

 

Baseball and art gave me a foundation and structure at an early age that I didn’t find in my home or school life. I didn’t realize it at the time, but my home life was chaotic and confusing. I was the peacekeeper in my family, trying to make everyone around me happy and calm. This led me to feel unworthy of my own emotions and feelings, and my self-esteem became directly tied to those around me. Playing baseball and creating art allowed me to feel in control, giving me the confidence, courage, freedom and external validation I didn’t feel otherwise. 

 

Whenever I stepped on the baseball field or into my art practice, I felt alive, joyful, and enthusiastic. All my senses became heightened; I could focus and trust myself in a way I couldn’t otherwise. These positive experiences early on saved my life. I felt hopeful, inspired, and whole. My confusion, anger, and anxiety were released every time I pitched. Baseball and art taught me life lessons that translated beyond the playing field. I felt connected to my inner and outer purpose. 

 

This passion led me to SCAD, where I received a full athletic scholarship to the only art school in the country with a sports program. I felt incredibly lucky to have found a place to develop both of my gifts. I was determined to reach my full potential. In 2008, my junior year of college, I was drafted in the 11th round by the Atlanta Braves as a left-handed pitcher. This was a dream come true! I was so excited to work hard and reach my full potential as a pitcher that my art practice took a backseat.

 

After six years in the Minor Leagues, I felt called to start painting in watercolor again. The joy and freedom I felt while painting were the same I experienced in my best performances as a pitcher. This allowed me to let baseball go completely and focus on my artistic practice. My art gave me space to mourn the loss of my identity as an athlete while also being part of the community I felt so attached to. I put all my focus, determination, and will into creating my new life as an artist. The last 10 years have been an incredible journey, and what I’ve realized most is that being an artist isn’t about the highs and lows of success and failure; it’s about being present in the moment and trusting your inner self to guide you.

 

I love capturing the confidence, joy, freedom, and love experienced in the moment of competition, in the zone where time and space drift away. My goal for my work is to give you energy, joy, excitement, and a sense of brightness that we all want to feel right now. If you feel inspired to collect my work, I would love to hear from you! 

 

My clients include the Atlanta Braves, Woodford Reserve, Atlanta Falcons, Washington Nationals, the Washington Post, Philadelphia Phillies, SEC Conference, Topps trading cards, Kentucky Derby Festival, National Baseball Hall of Fame, and hundreds of collectors of original art and commissions.

MY STORY

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EXHIBITIONS

2020 & 2021 Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby Bottle Artist 

Richard was commissioned by Brown-Forman to paint the 2020 and 2021 Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby Bottle. Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby. and this bottle will be a collector's item for years to come.  

National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum

In 2014, Richard donated a piece featuring the 1967 Braves VS. Cardinals game and it was accepted into The National Baseball Hall of Fame permanent collection. The painting resides in the newly renovated art gallery in Cooperstown, NY. 

Atlanta Braves Trust Park

In 2017 the Atlanta Braves commissioned Richard to paint 18 original watercolor paintings and create 20 prints for their new stadium Truist Park. He created five paintings of each World Series win in the Braves history and one stand alone celebration painting for the 1995 World Series win. There are two paintings hanging in the Braves executive offices. His portrait of longtime Braves president, John Schuerholz, is hanging in his office. 

Washington Nationals Dream Foundation Gala

In 2015 the Washington Post commissioned Richard to paint Bryce Harper for the cover of their sports page honoring Bryce's MVP season. The following year, the Washington Nationals purchased the original painting to auction off in their annual Dream Foundation Gala. Bryce signed the painting and it raised $18,000 for charity! 

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