[2] Richard's initial studies in landscape painting, figure drawing, and anatomy began at the age of twelve and continued into classical techniques under William H. Mosby at the American Academy of Art in Chicago.
Additional lifetimes awards Schmid has received include the Medal of Honor from the Salmagundi Club of New York City, the $100,000 National Arts for the Parks award, and the American Watercolor Gold Medal.
In 2003 he received an honorary doctorate degree from the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts.
His large painting of Abbotsford House, the home of Scottish poet, novelist, and playwright Sir Walter Scott, was received by Queen Elizabeth II during ceremonies celebrating the reopening of the home in 2012.
[2] Schmid was the author of Alla Prima, Everything I know about Painting,[13] an art instruction book first published in 1998.