Richard Capes (Born 1942) American, Lithograph Architectural Landscape Ringling Towers. Limited edition etching print of the historic John Ringling Towers in Sarasota, Florida. Signed in plate and in pencil by artist, lower right. Dated 1982. Titled "Biddle House & John Ringling Towers" lower left. Numbered 181/500. Framed. The hotel was designed by Dwight James Baum and built in 1926 by developer Owen Burns. John Ringling bought it after the stock market crash of 1929 and renamed it the John Ringling Hotel. In 1964 it was renamed the John Ringling Towers and converted to apartments. By 1980 it was vacant and deteriorating. On March 5, 1987 it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, but the building was razed in 1998 to make room for the Sarasota Ritz-Carlton. 

Overall Size: 16 1/4 x 18 1/4 in. 

Sight Size: 9 1/2 x 11 1/2 in. 

Richard Capes was born in Georgia in 1942. After earning both bachelor's and master's degrees in art education from the University of Georgia, he worked as a college art professor. In 1974 he decided to move to the seaside artist colony in Sarasota, Florida after having briefly worked as a visiting artist at Ringling College. In 1976 he established the Capes Studio of Art & Design. His work frequently features iconic local landmarks, including historic churches, courthouses, and the Ca’ d’Zan mansion, capturing the region's rich history and character. Capes' art has been showcased in numerous solo and group exhibitions across the southeastern United States, and his pieces are part of various public and private collections. Beyond painting, he has contributed illustrations to books and has been involved in educational and cultural initiatives within the Sarasota community.