A Note from Ainslie

“Portrait of Ainslie Wood”

Painted from life by Sir Roland Richardson, January 2015

“It is such a pleasure to share some thoughts on my friend, Sir Roland Richardson.
I came to know Roland and his wife, Laura, in 2007, upon establishing a seasonal home on St. Maarten. As an avid collector of artworks, exploring the local art community held interest, and continues to impress me with the diversity of works available on the island. Roland’s works particularly resonated with me – and thus began an acquaintance, friendship, and deep admiration for his artistry, and his contribution to the local communities of Dutch St. Maarten and French St. Martin. Permit me to elaborate.

My first encounter with Roland was through his gallery in Marigot.
Upon entering, I was blown away by the celebration of color within his floral paintings and landscapes, the soothing pastels of the sea, the simple depictions of everyday local life. Most amazing, though, are his portraits. I fondly recall a show in Philipsburg celebrating island personalities from every walk of life – from the beach ladies selling their wares to local matriarchs to government officials to musicians to restauranteurs and entrepreneurs, to family and friends. And an engaging story could be told for each.

Ainslie’s museum collection, Toronto

That’s Roland – a storyteller, historian, writer, painter, naturalist - someone who not only sees, but records, and protects, and shares, what is important in life - a sense of place, a time, an event, the people, the natural vistas, the flora, fauna, sea life - the story of St. Maarten/St. Martin. Roland’s accomplished body of work reflects his talent, but I also think it very clearly reflects his character, which I admire equally. Again, permit me to elaborate.

I have come to know Roland as a thoughtful, spiritual, and peaceful man. A kind and charitable man.
A family man. A steward of the environment and his communities. An honorable man.
Early in our acquaintance, Roland and Laura invited me to their home for social gatherings and welcomed me to join their family for Christmas. Roland and Laura give generously of their time and talents to local charities and causes. Roland sketched island children for Childfest for many years, leads the judging of children’s art as part of the Heineken Regatta and showcases the winners in their gallery in Marigot, has held naturalist talks at Lottery Farm, and contributed writings on island history for Discover magazine - to share just a very few examples.

A beautiful place to wake up to

Closer to home, Roland and Laura helped me immensely in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma offering to open up my place while I was off island, assess damage, and organize clean-up. Even though their own home and the gallery were significantly damaged, they offered help to others. This speaks volumes to me of character.

This past year Roland’s father, Louis, passed away. Roland gave the eulogy at the funeral. It is clear from reading this eulogy that Louis was a man of firsts, and a founding father of contemporary St. Maarten/St. Martin. Like father like son, Roland is a man of contribution, too – of art, history, family, stewardship, friendships and memories.
A man who likes to tell stories with a paintbrush, a pen, among friends, family and visitors.

Thank you, Roland.
St. Maarten/St. Martin is certainly the better for your artistic talents and personage, as are the many international visitors and locations where your art stands in testament and enjoyment. “

Ainslie Wood

Cupecoy St. Maarten
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
February 2, 2020

Thank you, dear Ainslie, for your very kind and gracious contribution.

With love and best wishes,

Roland and Laura Richardson

A tribute to people and portraiture