Richard Winkler, born in 1969 in Norrköping, Sweden, has been passionate about painting since childhood. Encouraged and taught by his grandfather, a painter, Winkler developed an early fascination with nature, often sketching expressive compositions inspired by the flowers and fruit he collected. This formative connection to the natural world would later become a cornerstone of his artistic vision.
Winkler pursued formal art education at Nyckelviken School of Art in Stockholm from 1989 to 1990 before advancing to Beckman’s School of Design, where he studied illustration, graphic design, and advertising from 1990 to 1993. Beckman’s reputation for avant-garde teaching helped refine Winkler’s aesthetic, blending technical precision with creative innovation. During this time, he divided his efforts between painting and graphic design, establishing a design studio in 1992 and working as an illustrator for advertising and magazines.
Winkler’s stylistic evolution took a decisive turn following three trips to Sri Lanka between 1992 and 1996. Immersed in the tropics, he found his artistic identity influenced by the vibrant environment, sparking dreams of permanently relocating to a warmer climate. In 1996, he married his Indonesian pen pal, and the following year, he moved to Ubud, Bali, dedicating himself fully to painting. Bali’s cultural richness and lush landscapes catalyzed Winkler’s creativity, inspiring a fusion of tropical imagery, Balinese culture, and the human form that defines his distinctive style.
Since 1992, Winkler has held ten solo exhibitions and participated in numerous group shows across Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan, Denmark, Sweden, and Monaco. His works gained international recognition, with three paintings ranking among the top ten results for contemporary Western artists in Asian auction houses in 2011. Regularly featured in prestigious art fairs—including Art Singapore, Art Taipei, Art Monaco, and Art Jakarta—Winkler has solidified his place in the global art scene.
Today, living and working in Bali, Winkler continues to evolve his craft, drawing inspiration from the island’s energy and blending his technical mastery with a vivid imagination to create works that resonate with audiences worldwide.
