Richard Wood grew up in the seaside town of Ilfracombe in Devon. He always had a keen interest in painting and drawing, taking art as one of his 'A' Level subjects in school. At the age of 21 Richard decided to focus on developing his skills and enrolled on a foundation course in Art & Design.

Shortly after beginning the course a diving accident at the beach resulted in Richard suffering a spinal injury, causing his complete paralysis from the shoulders down. However, whilst in Odstock Spinal Unit in Salisbury Richard read about the Mouth & Foot Painting Artists and decided to try painting by holding a brush in his mouth.

Before long he mastered the technique and was able to achieve the same amount of detail and quality in his work as before his accident. On leaving hospital Richard completed his foundation course and was accepted as a Student Member of the MFPA.

Richard lives independently, supported by friends and family, and is inspired by the Devon countryside. He enjoys painting from life and has recently returned from France where he captured the Provencal landscape in his work.