In 1984, Ricardo began painting all types of murals, both interior and exterior for residential and commercial customers using three dimensional techniques. "The hallway creates the important first impression of your home and its purpose is to set the scene as the main traffic area." He also began doing decorative painting such as faux finishing.

In 1988, co-employees of Ricardo's in Washington, D.C. encouraged him to make a donation to a museum in Puerto Rico and as a result he donated four original paintings to the Ponce Galleria in Puerto Rico.

In 1989, Ricardo and several other artists from various countries commissioned several original paintings which were displayed in the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.

From 1989 to 1994, Ricardo displayed and sold his work at various art shows and museums, in California, Florida, Massachusetts, and New York.

Ricardo predominately works with acrylic paint. However, he also uses gouache, oils, and watercolors. All of his paintings are realistic and he paints mainly objects, nostalgic street scenes, landscapes, and building scenes. However, he also does portrait work of people, pets, and other wildlife.