Biography

Robert is a self taught artist specializing in acrylic paintings. Gaining recognition by receiving top honors at the Michigan Midwest National Wildlife Art Show and Competition in 1978, Robert began his journey into a lifetime commitment to his work.

"My interest in drawing began very early in my life; however the memory of a visit by an artist to my sixth grade class stands out when he demonstrated the basic drawing technique of using simple shapes to capture an image. Certainly it was not an intentional decision to be self taught. I felt there was no other way or avenue to advance at the time. Most of my early attempts at drawing were done with pencil or ball point pen. In time as my ability and confidence increased I advanced to dip pen and bottle ink. I have experimented with watercolor and completed many paintings in oil, but currently my medium of choice is acrylic paint."

With entries into the Michigan State and Federal Duck Stamp Competitions and many other such venues Robert began his illustrative phase. "This type of painting proved to be very restrictive to me with limits on creativity and imagination and I felt it was time to advance a bit farther then pure illustrative work with anatomical accuracy. I wanted to develop an idea in my mind and then allow it to fall upon the canvas. Any image I would use would totally be from archives my mind had stored. This not only allows the artist freedom, but allows the viewer to enjoy the journey into the painting without constraint."

Robert's web site is a collection of images that illustrate over 30 years of his work in various styles and technique. He and his wife Laura of 35 years maintain a studio and home located in Northern Michigan near the Pigeon River State Forest and the Elk herd range, which provides ample nature and animal study for him. "It allows my imagination to flow. I hope this is evident in my work. Please enjoy your visit to my site."

Robert