Originally from London, Tom Richards is the Assistant Director of The Florence Academy of Fine Art and Principle Advanced Painting Instructor. In recent years Tom has exhibited his work in London and undertaken numerous commissions in Europe and beyond.   This episode was recorded exactly a year ago in January of 2020 when I had the pleasure of visiting with Tom in his painting studio in Florence Italy.  In this episode we talk about what drew him to painting and fine art.  We talk about The Florence Academy’s approach to teaching drawing and painting, the importance of keeping a sketchbook, and the painters that inspire him.  We also talk about the parallels of painting and photography and how to hone one’s approach to seeing and much more. I’ve admired Tom’s work for a long time and his paintings truly are masterful and must really be seen in person to be fully appreciated.  It was a real treat to spend some time with him in Florence surrounded by his beautiful paintings and I hope you enjoy this episode! Find Tom on Instagram @tominflorence and  The Florence Academy of Fine Art @florenceacademyofart