Although Franklin admired the works of the Old Masters tremendously, he found his own way of adding richness and translucence to Neo-classical paintings. His work has a dimensional look, a softness of color and a feeling of solitude and repose. Franklin's works have been widely exhibited all over the world. In 1996, at age 35, Richard Franklin's life ended in a tragic plane crash at the height of his career. Franklin Manor B&B was named in his honor and Franklin Gallery currently has giclees, reproductions and prints available of his neo-classical renaissance works.