Richard Gardner’s roots are grounded in beauty. Major influences include the celebrated fashion photographer Sarah Moon in addition to Surrealist artist Man Ray. For decades as a hairdresser, make-up artist, and photographer he has documented the perceived reality of beauty within the current zeitgeist. His photography has shown in galleries nationally and internationally. A self-taught photographer, Gardner has taken courses at both the International Center of Photography and Center of Photography at Woodstock. His hand-colored images have been a part of the course curriculum at ICP. In addition to his fine artwork, Gardner had accepted professional commissions from the beauty industry. Clients had included Revlon and L’Oreal.