Rick Akers, a celebrated Somerset, Ohio artist, draws deep inspiration from Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masters such as Van Gogh, Gauguin, Degas, and Monet, as well as Ohio-based Impressionist painters whose works dominate his personal fine art collection. Known for painting “en plein air” across Ohio and the United States, Rick captures light, movement, and emotion using a palette knife technique that produces richly textured, mood-driven works. He earned a BFA in Commercial Design from the University of Dayton and built a 40-year career that refined his creative vision. His art is held by over 600 private collectors nationwide, and he has earned numerous awards, including multiple acceptances into the Ohio State Fair “All Ohio Show” and national juried exhibitions. Rick’s work has been featured in prestigious institutions such as the Columbus Museum of Art, The Georgian, the Decorative Arts Center, and the Zanesville Museum of Art. He is also known for his generosity, frequently donating pieces to support charitable causes.