ABOUT US

The Art of Publishing

Nestled in the foothills of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, just outside Roosevelt National Forest, lies a magical place filled with artists, writers, ranchers, scientists, and creeks that turn into rivers when it rains. It was here, along a quiet mountain road called Stove Prairie, that my father, Richard Schmid, made his home in the 1990s. When he wasn’t painting the people and places around him, he worked on ALLA PRIMA—a book that would eventually share everything he knew about painting.

In 1998, after 15 years of preparation, Richard was ready to publish his book. But traditional publishers turned him down—they didn’t believe his audience was large enough. What they didn’t understand was that ALLA PRIMA wasn’t written to chase profit. It was written to give back. In Richard’s own words:

“I have always felt I was a custodian of this knowledge rather than its owner… My skills and the freedom to use them are the most precious gifts I have… I hope that this book will help open the door to that world for you as well. Godspeed.” – RS

And so, Stove Prairie Press® was born—an independent publishing company created to launch ALLA PRIMA: Everything I Know About Painting.

Thanks to its tremendous success, Stove Prairie Press® went on to publish seven additional books, 10 instructional videos, and 26 limited-edition lithographs. Our mission is to carry forward Richard Schmid’s legacy by promoting excellence in art through his books, films, and fine art lithographs, place the customer above the company, and make it in America. We proudly support U.S.-based production and ship worldwide.

In 2013, ALLA PRIMA was retired and replaced with ALLA PRIMA II – The Expanded Edition. The response was overwhelming—a second printing was ordered just one week after launch.

Richard’s influence can be seen in the brushwork and philosophies of countless painters today. Many of the most respected artists in the world credit his books, videos, and personal mentorship as pivotal to their growth. Through Stove Prairie Press®, we remain dedicated to keeping that legacy alive for the next generation of artists and those after that.

Thank you for supporting our efforts to continue his work. Serving this community of artists, students, and art lovers is an honor.

On April 19, 2021, my father passed away peacefully at the age of 86. He spent his life living his dream.

Warmly,

Molly Schmid – President
Richard Schmid Publishing
Stove Prairie Press®