Born in Burley, Idaho in 1957, Robert was raised near the Snake River where his appreciation for nature was sparked. Robert discovered art as a way to freely express his feelings. His practical background and belief in discipline lead him first to earn a Bachelor of Science degree with teaching credentials in art from Eastern Oregon State College and then a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, with honors, from the Art Center College of Design in California, where he majored in illustration under full scholarship. Robert prefers painting on location to best express the immediate impression of each subject. His use of vivid colors and often high-keyed values reveal a spiritually inspired joy.
Robert is one of the leading impressionistic oil painters in America today, maintaining a major presence in several of the top art galleries in the country located in Sun Valley, Fredericksburg, Scottsdale, Prineville, Colorado Springs, Jackson Hole and Missoula.
Robert’s talent has been spawned from his artistic gifts, wonderful formal training and very hard work. Raised on a farm near Hazelton, Idaho, Robert learned the dawn to dark work ethic that ranch, and farm youth are exposed to from day one. Now based out of his studio along the Snake River, Robert is surrounded by the same scenery that first captivated him as a child, and his upbringing continues to influence his passion to share the beauty he sees in nature.
Dana Gallery owners, Candace Crosby and Dudley Dana have been collecting Robert’s work for almost twenty years, having become acquainted with his work at the Trailside Gallery in Jackson when he was fresh out of art school. Although like other work in their private collection, it was purchased out of love for the work itself, Robert is an excellent artist to collect by those with an eye towards investment.