The Spirit of the Regatta, Captured in Color.

Sir Roland Richardson’s Impressionist Paintings Reflect the Power and Poetry of Sailing

Celebrated Caribbean “Plein Air” Impressionist Sir Roland Richardson captures the elegance, motion, and soul of sailing — painted from life, directly under the Caribbean sun.

The Power and Poetry of a Regatta

Each spring, the island of St. Maarten becomes the backdrop to one of the Caribbean’s most exhilarating events: the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta.

It is not just a race — it’s an experience where wind, water, and world-class seamanship converge. Sailboats dance along the turquoise horizon, and harbors come alive with spirit, spectators, and celebration. For lovers of sailing, spectators, racers, and patrons alike, the Regatta is an invitation to feel the freedom of the sea.

Painting the Sea as It Moves — Plein Air and In Motion

As a pioneer of Caribbean Impressionism, Sir Roland Richardson paints en plein air — from life, on location. With brush in hand and salt in the breeze, he interprets the Regatta not as documentation, but as living movement captured in vibrant strokes.

His regatta paintings are alive with energy: sails curved with wind, light reflected on wave, and moments of calm grace between bursts of speed.

For Collectors and Patrons of the Sea

“Larger than the lands, more unknown and mysterious than any other earthly presence, it is deeper than mountains are high.  Yet its immensity is moved by the touch of moonlight, it rises and falls and sways to the caress of the wind. Teeming with life, much of it is still invisible and undiscovered.  “

“A handful of sea water is colorless and yet the immense ocean is full of color.  And all of this has been going on every moment of every day for eons.”