Fr. Richard G. Cannuli, O.S.A., obtained the B.F.A. from Villanova University and the M.F.A. from the Platt Institute. He studied iconography under the Russian master-iconographer Vladislav Andrejev and watercolor in Siena, Italy. Cannuli joined the faculty at Villanova University, teaching courses on transparent watercolor, printmaking, oil painting, figure drawing, fabric and iconography. Cannuli is the founder and director of the art gallery of the university and curator of its art collection.

Cannuli was appointed full professor of fine arts in 2000. He chaired the Department of Studio Art, History of Art and Music at Villanova University for 11 years and the Department of Theatre, Studio Art and Music for five years. Besides being a noted iconographer, Cannuli is also a master watercolorist and world-renowned designer of liturgical vestments. He designs and works with stained glass windows, mosaic, fabric and liturgical furniture. Certified in liturgical design by the Chicago Theological Union, Cannuli has consulted for numerous communities on the construction of choir and chapel spaces in Italy and the US.

Cannuli has presented exhibits of his icons in Austria, Czech Republic, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Poland, South Africa and the US. He has also presented watercolor exhibits in Belarus, China, Greece, Italy, Russia, Spain and the US. Cannuli has organized, curated and judged various art exhibitions and consulted on determining the symbolism of antique icons together with specialists from Belarus and Russia. Cannuli regularly conducts iconography workshops in the Czech Republic, England, Italy, Poland and the US.

Icons of Cannuli have been commissioned by several parish communities and private individuals in Europe and the US. Some major commissions can be found at the chapel of the law school of Villanova University, the churches of Divine Mercy and Saint Francis Xavier in Philadelphia, the convent of Saint Augustine in San Gimigniano, Italy, and the monastery of the Holy Name of Jesus in Denmark, Wisconsin.

Cannuli’s icon "Do Not Weep For Me, Mother" is in the possession of the Primate of the Maronite Church, Patriarch Nasrallah Peter Sfeir, whereas his latest icon of Saint Augustine is in the possession of His Holiness, Pope Francis. Cannuli's icon of "The Holy Face" is in the famed icon collection at Saint Catherine at Mount Sinai, Egypt.