Rick McCarthy is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans painting, printmaking, and sculpture. His art delves into the intersection of abstraction and realism, often making expressionistic statements about the human condition. ​

McCarthy's early works featured a semi-abstract figure he termed "the shape," serving both as a self-portrait and a broader expression of humanity. In 1979, his focus shifted to representations of architectural arches and the female nude, aiming to create balanced and symmetrical images through contrasting forms. His work often explores themes of the void and Zen Buddhism, influenced by his practice of Shotokan Karate.

McCarthy's art is characterized by its exploration of the human figure, ranging from Renaissance-like portraits to loosely figurative abstractions. His works are known for their emotional depth, often described as disturbing, turbulent, and violent, reflecting deeply felt emotions.